John Gill
INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 2 Solomon intending to build a temple for God, and a palace for himself, sent to Hiram, king of Tyre, to furnish him with materials and workmen, 2 Chronicles 2:1, to which Hiram returned an agreeable answer, 2 Chronicles 2:11, and for this service Solomon numbered all the strangers in Israel, 2 Chronicles 2:17.
John Gill
Even to prepare me timber in abundance,.... Since he would want a large quantity for raftering, cieling, wainscoting, and flooring the temple: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great; as to its structure and ornaments.
Matthew Henry
Solomon's trading, which we read of in the close of the foregoing chapter, and the encouragement he gave both to merchandise and manufacturers, were very commendable. But building was the work he was designed for, and to that business he is here applying himself. Here is, I. Solomon's determination to build the temple and a royal palace, and his appointing labourers to be employed herein, ver. 1,...