2 Chronicles 1

2 Chronicles 1 begins with Solomon’s rise to power as king over Israel. It emphasizes his strong start, marked by his devotion to God and desire for wisdom. This chapter sets the tone for Solomon’s reign by illustrating his humility before God and God’s generous response to his request for wisdom. The chapter also outlines his early achievements, such as military power and wealth accumulation.

2 Chronicles 1:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly.
2 And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses.
3 Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.
4 But David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
5 Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there.

Solomon begins his reign with a strong and God-supported foundation. He gathers all of Israel’s leaders to join him in worship at the high place in Gibeon, where the ancient tabernacle built by Moses was located. While the ark had already been moved to Jerusalem, the bronze altar remained at Gibeon. This event shows Solomon’s devotion to God and his intent to lead Israel by seeking divine guidance. His visit to Gibeon is a spiritual start to his reign, setting a tone of faithfulness and reliance on God.

2 Chronicles 1:6 (NKJV)
6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

Solomon demonstrates his deep commitment to God by offering a thousand sacrifices at the bronze altar. This extravagant act of worship reflects both his devotion and his recognition of the magnitude of the task before him as king. Burnt offerings were a way to seek atonement and divine favor, and by offering so many, Solomon is fully dedicating himself and his reign to the Lord’s service.

2 Chronicles 1:7 (NKJV)
7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

God’s appearance to Solomon shows His approval of Solomon’s devotion and leadership. The offer from God to grant any request is a significant moment, testing what Solomon truly values. This divine encounter emphasizes the special relationship between Solomon and God and sets the stage for the remarkable wisdom Solomon will be known for throughout his reign.

2 Chronicles 1:8-10 (NKJV)
8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
9 Now, O Lord 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.
10 Now 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?”

Solomon begins by acknowledging God’s faithfulness to his father, David, recognizing that his own kingship is part of that divine promise. He expresses the overwhelming responsibility of ruling such a vast nation and humbly requests wisdom and knowledge to govern the people well. Solomon’s request highlights his priorities—he seeks to be a just and wise ruler, understanding that governing God’s people requires divine insight.

2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—
12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”

God is pleased with Solomon’s selfless request for wisdom and knowledge to rule justly. In response, God not only grants these but also blesses Solomon with unprecedented riches, wealth, and honor. God’s abundant response reflects His favor toward Solomon and emphasizes that true success comes from seeking wisdom first, with material blessings following as a result of righteous priorities.

2 Chronicles 1:13 (NKJV)
13 So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel.

Solomon returns to Jerusalem to begin his reign, now equipped with divine wisdom and the favor of God. His time at Gibeon, where he worshiped and received God’s promises, marks a pivotal spiritual foundation for his rule. From here, Solomon begins to govern the nation, assured of God’s guidance and blessings.

2 Chronicles 1:14-15 (NKJV)
14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem.
15 Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.

Solomon’s reign is characterized by immense wealth and military strength. He amasses a large number of chariots and horsemen, strategically positioning them across the kingdom for defense and control. His economic policies bring unprecedented prosperity, with silver and gold becoming as common as stones, and the rare cedar wood as abundant as sycamore trees. This level of prosperity highlights God’s blessings on Solomon’s reign and Israel’s dominance during his time.

2 Chronicles 1:16-17 (NKJV)
16 And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price.
17 They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty. Thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

Solomon’s trade connections extend beyond Israel’s borders, as he imports horses and chariots from Egypt and Keveh. He not only enhances his own military might but also profits by exporting these goods to other regional powers, such as the Hittites and Syrians. This international trade network further increases Solomon’s wealth and influence, establishing Israel as a key player in the global economy of the time.