2 Chronicles 1WEB
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2 Chronicles1

World English Bible · Public Domain

1Solomon the son of David was firmly established in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and made him exceedingly great.

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

3Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for God’s Tent of Meeting was there, which Yahweh’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness.

4But David had brought God’s ark 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 bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there before Yahweh’s tabernacle; and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there.

6Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the Tent of Meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it.

7That night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for what you want me to give you.”

8Solomon said to God, “You have shown great loving kindness to David my father, and have made me king in his place.

9Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to David my father be established; for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

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

11God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor yet have you asked for long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king,

12therefore wisdom and knowledge is granted to you. I will give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you, and none after you will have.”

13So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the Tent of Meeting, to Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.

14Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen. He had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

15The king made silver and gold to be as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars to be as common as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland.

16The horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt and from Kue. The king’s merchants purchased them from Kue.

17They imported from Egypt then exported a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver and a horse for one hundred fifty. They also exported them to the Hittite kings and the Syrian kings.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Chronicles 1.

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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