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2 Chronicles 1

2 Chronicles1

New American Standard

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1 Now Solomon the son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him greatly.

2 And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands, of hundreds, and to the judges and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ households.

3 Then Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place which was at Gibeon, because God’s tent of meeting was there which Moses, the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.

4 However, David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.

5 Now the bronze altar which Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there before the tabernacle of the Lord, and Solomon and the assembly sought it out.

6 And Solomon went up there before the Lord to the bronze altar which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.”

8 And Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great faithfulness, and have made me king in his place.

9 Now, Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.

10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”

11 Then God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor did you even ask for long life, but you asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge so that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,

12 wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed, nor will those who will come after you.”

13 So Solomon went from the high place which was at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel.

14 Solomon amassed chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, and he stationed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

15 The king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as plentiful as sycamores in the lowland.

16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the king’s traders acquired them from Kue for a price.

17 They imported chariots from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver apiece, horses for 150 apiece, and by the same means they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram.

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2 Chronicles 1

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Chronicles 1. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

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.

Cross References

2 Chronicles 1
v71 Kings 3:4-15thematic

The primary parallel account of Solomon's dream, sacrifice, and choice of wisdom at Gibeon.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v141 Kings 10:26-29thematic

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

v5Exodus 38:1-7thematic

Identifies the construction of the brazen altar made by Bezaleel in the wilderness.

Supported by JFB

v101 Kings 3:9thematic

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

v11 Kings 2:46thematic

Notes that the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon after removing threats.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v42 Samuel 6:17thematic

Details David bringing the ark to Jerusalem and placing it in a pitched tent.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB