II Chronicles 1: Solomon's Reign Begins with Wisdom and Worship
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath–jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
Now, O Lord 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.
Give 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?
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, 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:
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.
And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.
II Chronicles 1 offers a compelling glimpse into the early days of Solomon's reign, highlighting his commitment to seeking God's wisdom and establishing proper worship. This sets the stage for the construction of the temple and underscores the importance of prioritizing God in all aspects of leadership and life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in worldly riches or power, but in a humble pursuit of God's will.
Strengthening the Kingdom Through Worship (1:1-6)
Following Solomon's ascension to the throne, he wasted no time in consolidating his power (II Chronicles 1:1). While ancient kings often secured their rule through eliminating potential threats, Solomon also demonstrated his worthiness to lead by prioritizing the worship of God. He convened all the leaders of Israel, leading them to the tabernacle in Gibeon to offer sacrifices to the Lord (II Chronicles 1:2-6). This act reveals the chronicler's deep concern for the proper worship of God by His people, a critical prerequisite for receiving divine blessing. The chronicler emphasizes this point because it was especially relevant to the people who had returned from exile in Babylon, striving to rebuild their nation and their lives according to God's design.
A Divine Offer and a Wise Request (1:7-12)
The narrative reaches a pivotal moment when God appears to Solomon and presents him with an extraordinary opportunity: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (II Chronicles 1:7). Imagine receiving such an offer from the Lord! What would you request? Solomon, acknowledging God's great love and faithfulness (II Chronicles 1:8), humbly requests wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people justly (II Chronicles 1:10). His selfless prayer pleases God, who not only grants him wisdom and knowledge but also bestows upon him riches, wealth, and honor surpassing any king before him (II Chronicles 1:11-12). Solomon's wise choice exemplifies the principle of seeking God's kingdom first, trusting that all other things will be added (Matthew 6:33).
Abundance and a Sobering Reminder (1:13-17)
The chapter concludes with a glimpse of Solomon's immense wealth and power, including his chariot and horse trade (II Chronicles 1:14-17). This abundance serves as a tangible demonstration of God's blessing on Solomon's reign. However, it also carries a cautionary note. While Solomon began his reign with a deep reverence for God, other portions of Scripture reveal that he eventually strayed from God's path, leading to the division of the kingdom and personal regret (I Kings 11:1-43).
Solomon's life reminds us that worldly fame, wealth, and power are fleeting if not used for God's glory. Consider the words of Muhammad Ali, who famously said, "I had the world, and it wasn't nothing." Solomon possessed unparalleled wisdom and riches, yet these alone could not guarantee spiritual success. His downfall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, regardless of our circumstances. Each of us faces the choice of using God's gifts for His glory or for our own. Remember, personal glory has a limited shelf life.
The Temple as a Central Focus (2:1-5:1)
The narrative then transitions to the construction of the temple, a central theme for the chronicler. Beginning in chapter 2, the focus shifts to this important endeavor. While the report of the temple's construction and dedication concludes at II Chronicles 7:22, the temple and the proper worship of God it represents remain the focus of the chronicler's concern throughout the book. This emphasis is intrinsically linked to the chronicler's kingdom agenda. The construction of the temple served as a physical representation of God's presence among His people and a focal point for their worship. The chronicler highlights this to emphasize the importance of faithfulness and obedience. The tragic conclusion of II Chronicles, the exile of the people for repeatedly violating God's law, including the worship of false gods, underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and prioritizing His worship above all else, as God said, "Do not have other gods besides me" (Exodus 20:3).
II Chronicles 1 provides a valuable lesson for all believers. It demonstrates the importance of seeking God's wisdom, prioritizing His worship, and using our gifts for His glory. By emulating Solomon's initial devotion and heeding the warnings from his later failures, we can build lives that are pleasing to God and have lasting significance.
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath–jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
Now, O Lord 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.
Give 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?
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, 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:
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.
And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.
II Chronicles 1 offers a compelling glimpse into the early days of Solomon's reign, highlighting his commitment to seeking God's wisdom and establishing proper worship. This sets the stage for the construction of the temple and underscores the importance of prioritizing God in all aspects of leadership and life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in worldly riches or power, but in a humble pursuit of God's will.
Strengthening the Kingdom Through Worship (1:1-6)
Following Solomon's ascension to the throne, he wasted no time in consolidating his power (II Chronicles 1:1). While ancient kings often secured their rule through eliminating potential threats, Solomon also demonstrated his worthiness to lead by prioritizing the worship of God. He convened all the leaders of Israel, leading them to the tabernacle in Gibeon to offer sacrifices to the Lord (II Chronicles 1:2-6). This act reveals the chronicler's deep concern for the proper worship of God by His people, a critical prerequisite for receiving divine blessing. The chronicler emphasizes this point because it was especially relevant to the people who had returned from exile in Babylon, striving to rebuild their nation and their lives according to God's design.
A Divine Offer and a Wise Request (1:7-12)
The narrative reaches a pivotal moment when God appears to Solomon and presents him with an extraordinary opportunity: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (II Chronicles 1:7). Imagine receiving such an offer from the Lord! What would you request? Solomon, acknowledging God's great love and faithfulness (II Chronicles 1:8), humbly requests wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people justly (II Chronicles 1:10). His selfless prayer pleases God, who not only grants him wisdom and knowledge but also bestows upon him riches, wealth, and honor surpassing any king before him (II Chronicles 1:11-12). Solomon's wise choice exemplifies the principle of seeking God's kingdom first, trusting that all other things will be added (Matthew 6:33).
Abundance and a Sobering Reminder (1:13-17)
The chapter concludes with a glimpse of Solomon's immense wealth and power, including his chariot and horse trade (II Chronicles 1:14-17). This abundance serves as a tangible demonstration of God's blessing on Solomon's reign. However, it also carries a cautionary note. While Solomon began his reign with a deep reverence for God, other portions of Scripture reveal that he eventually strayed from God's path, leading to the division of the kingdom and personal regret (I Kings 11:1-43).
Solomon's life reminds us that worldly fame, wealth, and power are fleeting if not used for God's glory. Consider the words of Muhammad Ali, who famously said, "I had the world, and it wasn't nothing." Solomon possessed unparalleled wisdom and riches, yet these alone could not guarantee spiritual success. His downfall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, regardless of our circumstances. Each of us faces the choice of using God's gifts for His glory or for our own. Remember, personal glory has a limited shelf life.
The Temple as a Central Focus (2:1-5:1)
The narrative then transitions to the construction of the temple, a central theme for the chronicler. Beginning in chapter 2, the focus shifts to this important endeavor. While the report of the temple's construction and dedication concludes at II Chronicles 7:22, the temple and the proper worship of God it represents remain the focus of the chronicler's concern throughout the book. This emphasis is intrinsically linked to the chronicler's kingdom agenda. The construction of the temple served as a physical representation of God's presence among His people and a focal point for their worship. The chronicler highlights this to emphasize the importance of faithfulness and obedience. The tragic conclusion of II Chronicles, the exile of the people for repeatedly violating God's law, including the worship of false gods, underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and prioritizing His worship above all else, as God said, "Do not have other gods besides me" (Exodus 20:3).
II Chronicles 1 provides a valuable lesson for all believers. It demonstrates the importance of seeking God's wisdom, prioritizing His worship, and using our gifts for His glory. By emulating Solomon's initial devotion and heeding the warnings from his later failures, we can build lives that are pleasing to God and have lasting significance.