Verse 2. - The presence of this verse here, and the composition of it, may probably mark some corruptness of text or error of copyists, as the first two words of it are the proper first two words of ver. 17, and the remainder of it shows the proper contents of ver. 18, which are not only in other aspects apparently in the right place there, but also by analogy of the parallel (1 Kings 5:15, 16). The contents of this verse will therefore be considered with vers. 17, 18.
2:1-18 Solomon's message to Huram respecting the temple, His treaty with Huram. - Solomon informs Huram of the particular services to be performed in the temple. The mysteries of the true religion, unlike those of the Gentile superstitions, sought not concealment. Solomon endeavoured to possess Huram with great and high thoughts of the God of Israel. We should not be afraid or ashamed to embrace every opportunity to speak of God, and to impress others with a deep sense of the importance of his favour and service. Now that the people of Israel kept close to the law and worship of God, the neighbouring nations were willing to be taught by them in the true religion, as the Israelites had been willing in the days of their apostacy, to be infected with the idolatries and superstitions of their neighbours. A wise and pious king is an evidence of the Lord's special love for his people. How great then was God's love to his believing people, in giving his only-begotten Son to be their Prince and their Saviour.
And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men,.... Of whom, and the difference of the last number in this text from 1 Kings 5:15, see the notes there. See Gill on 1 Kings 5:15. See Gill on 1 Kings 5:16.
To bear . . . to hew . . . to oversee.--Bearers of . . . hewers . . . overseers over, as in 2 Chronicles 2:18.
(2) The treaty with Huram of Tyre (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).