2 Chronicles1
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Jehovah his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2And Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses.
3So Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Jehovah had made in the wilderness.
4But the ark of God had David brought up from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
5Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of Jehovah: and Solomon and the assembly sought unto it.
6And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before Jehovah, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon it.
7In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great lovingkindness unto David my father, and hast made me king in his stead.
9Now, O Jehovah God, let thy promise unto David my father be established; for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of them that hate thee, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee; neither shall there any after thee have the like.
13So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, unto Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.
14And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
15And the king made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.
16And the horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt; the king’s merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price.
17And they fetched up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Chronicles 1.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Solomon's choice of wisdom, His strength and wealth. (1-17).
vv1-17
Solomon began his reign with a pious, public visit to God's altar. Those that pursue present things most eagerly, are likely to be disappointed; while those that refer themselves to the providence of God, if they have not the most, have the most comfort. Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and are disappointed in this also; but those that make the other world their end, shall not only obtain that, and full satisfaction in it, but shall have as much of this world as is good for them, in their way. Let us then be contented, without those great things which men generally covet, but which commonly prove fatal snares to the soul.
Key Words
שְׁלֹמֹה: Shelomah, David's successor
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
חָזַק: to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer
מַלְכוּת: a rule; concretely, a dominion
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
גָּדַל: to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
מַעַל: properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.
אָמַר: to say (used with great latitude)
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 1The primary parallel account of Solomon's dream, sacrifice, and choice of wisdom at Gibeon.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel account of Solomon multiplying chariots, horsemen, and his trade with Egypt.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Establishes that the tabernacle of Moses and priest Zadok were stationed at Gibeon.
Supported by JFB
Identifies the construction of the brazen altar made by Bezaleel in the wilderness.
Supported by JFB
Solomon's specific request for an understanding heart to judge God's great people.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Mosaic prohibition against the king multiplying horses or returning the people to Egypt.
Supported by JFB
Explains why the tabernacle of the Lord was at the high place of Gibeon.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Davidic covenant promise that Solomon prays to be established.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Notes that the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon after removing threats.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Details David bringing the ark to Jerusalem and placing it in a pitched tent.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB