"A HOUSE WORTHY OF GOD" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 11/13/25

“And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” (II Chronicles 2:5-6)

In the second chapter of the book, King Solomon speaks with King Hiram of Tyre to request materials and skilled workers to aid in the construction of the temple of the Lord. Solomon expresses the greatness of the house he seeks to build for the Lord, emphasizing that it be fitting for the greatness of the God they worship. This discussion centers around the greatness and majesty of God. It serves as a reminder that the house being built for God must reflect His greatness and superiority above all other gods. Also highlighted is, the importance of honoring and worshiping God in a manner worthy of His greatness.

In his request to Hiram, the King’s dedication and commitment to building a grand and magnificent temple for the Lord is reflected. This temple was to be a place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God, and King Solomon understood the importance of honoring God with the best materials and craftsmanship available.

Solomon speaks with practical resolve, yet his words are soaked in reverence. He is not merely constructing a royal monument; he is responding to the plans God gave his father, David (I Chr. 28). It reminds us that God desires to dwell among us. And while He can’t physically be contained by any structure, He graciously allows a tangible meeting place so Israel - and we - might draw near, and the structure will be great. Great not only in size, beauty, and splendor, but even more so in holiness. Solomon’s ambition, as well as the resources gathered to build the house, signal that nothing less than excellence is fitting because a great God deserves great praise, so the temple must match the One it honors, showing that God is worth our very best. Solomon’s zeal flows from revelation, not vanity as the truth of Deuteronomy 10:17 is echoed. The Lord is not a distant deity but One bound to His people by promise; One who holds absolute supremacy over every rival claim. By exalting God above every idol, Solomon anticipates Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord.

The King recognizes that no human skill or royal authority is adequate to build a house worthy of the Lord, echoing his father. This is not false modesty; it is the proper posture before a holy God. It is, of course, a fallacy to think that our grand projects will impress our God, yet He graciously allows His people to serve Him. God is present everywhere at once, yet never confined. Any building, no matter how ornate, can only symbolize His presence. When we gather for worship on Sunday, our sanctuaries function the same way: signposts, not containers.

The king then asks: “Who am I?” Even endowed with the ability and resources necessary, Solomon is aware that he is still a servant. This mirrors Moses in Exodus 3:11, showing that God often calls us beyond our capacities so we will depend on Him. Any sense of entitlement on Solomon’s part evaporates. This attitude should fuel gratitude rather than pride when God chooses to work through us.

The King’s words here join purpose with praise: building a supremely magnificent temple for a supremely magnificent Lord. We are called to offer God our very best, to recognize His unrivaled greatness, and to reject every lesser god that vies for our hearts.

As Solomon confesses, no human effort can house the infinite God, yet God invites His servants to build a meeting place where sacrifices illustrate His redemptive plan. The verse combines awe, humility, and purpose: we marvel at God’s transcendence, acknowledge our smallness, and gladly serve in the roles He assigns - always remembering that the true glory belongs to Him alone.

This passage also stresses the importance of using and working our best for the Infinite Majesty. Solomon’s endeavor to build a temple worthy of the Lord should picture the seriousness and dedication we employ when working for Him. Put simply, the God we serve is unrivaled, and thus deserves unrivaled service.