2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.
2 Chronicles 2:4 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, King Solomon expresses his intent to build a temple to honor the name of the Lord his God. The temple is to be a place of worship, where sweet incense is burned before the Lord, and where the shewbread is continually set out. The burnt offerings are to be made in the morning and evening, on sabbaths, new moons, and other solemn feasts. This dedication is meant to be a perpetual ordinance for the people of Israel, a reminder of their commitment to worship and serve the Lord. The construction of the temple symbolizes the importance of honoring God through worship and sacrifice, and serves as a central hub for the people to gather and celebrate their faith together. It signifies their desire to follow God's laws and remain faithful to Him throughout generations.
Theological Overview
When King Solomon spoke these words in 2 Chronicles 2:4, he was expressing his intention to build a temple dedicated to the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of offering sweet incense, shewbread, and burnt offerings to God regularly as a way of honoring and worshipping Him. The mention of sabbaths, new moons, and feasts demonstrates the significance of observing these sacred occasions in the Israelite religious calendar. This passage emphasizes the eternal covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God, as well as the faithfulness to God's commands and ordinances. By upholding these practices, the people of Israel demonstrated their steadfast devotion to God and their reliance on His provision and guidance.
2 Chronicles 2:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt-offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Jehovah our God. This is [an ordinance] for ever to Israel.
World English Bible
Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Yahweh our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel.
Douay-Rheims
So do with me that I may build a house to the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to burn incense before him, and to perfume with aromatical spices, and for the continual setting forth of bread, and for the holocausts, morning and evening, and on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and the solemnities of the Lord our God for ever, which are commanded for Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Behold, I buylde an house vnto the Name of the Lord my God, to sanctifie it vnto him, and to burne sweete incense before him, and for the continuall shewbread, and for the burnt offrings of the morning and euening, on the Sabbath dayes, and in the new moneths, and in the solemne feastes of the Lord our God: this is a perpetuall thing for Israel.