1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2 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.
3 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.
4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
5 Moreover the brazen 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.
6 And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9 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.
10 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?
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, 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:
12 Wisdom 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
17 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.
The book of 2 Chronicles is a continuation of the history of Israel, starting from the reign of King Solomon. The first chapter of 2 Chronicles serves as an introduction to the entire book, providing a brief overview of the reign of Solomon and the building of the temple. This chapter also highlights the importance of following God's laws and seeking Him with all one's heart.
The first verse of chapter 1 sets the scene by stating that Solomon, the son of David, had established his kingdom and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him greatly. This verse already shows the importance of God's presence in Solomon's reign and how God played a significant role in his success.
The following verses (2-6) describe the preparations that Solomon made to build the temple of God. He gathered the people of Israel and summoned the leaders, chiefs, and judges to Jerusalem. This gathering was significant as it showed Solomon's desire to involve the people in the building of the temple and to seek their counsel and support.
Verse 7 mentions that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he desired. This is a well-known story where Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people of Israel. God is pleased with Solomon's request and grants him not only wisdom and knowledge but also riches, wealth, and honor.
Verse 13 highlights the fact that Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, where he had offered sacrifices to God. This verse emphasizes Solomon's obedience to God's laws, as the Israelites were only supposed to offer sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem.
Overall, this section of the chapter shows the beginning of Solomon's reign, his desire to build the temple, and his obedience to God's laws. It also foreshadows the wisdom and knowledge that Solomon will display throughout his reign.
The second half of chapter 1 (verses 14-17) focuses on the building of the temple. Verse 14 states that Solomon gathered 70,000 men to carry burdens and 80,000 men to quarry stones in the mountains. This shows the magnitude of the task ahead and the number of people involved in the building process.
Verses 15-17 provide a detailed account of the materials used in the construction of the temple. The use of gold, silver, bronze, and cedar wood highlights the grandeur and magnificence of the temple. This section also emphasizes Solomon's wealth and the fulfillment of God's promise to him in verse 12.
The construction of the temple was a monumental task, and it required a significant amount of resources and manpower. This section of the chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, as the temple will be a central focus in the history of Israel.
The last verse of chapter 1 (verse 17) states, "So they finished the work which God had commanded them to do." This verse summarizes the entire chapter and highlights the importance of following God's commands. The building of the temple was not just a project undertaken by Solomon, but it was a task commanded by God.
This chapter also emphasizes the importance of seeking God, as seen in Solomon's dream and his request for wisdom and knowledge. This is a theme that will be reiterated throughout the book of 2 Chronicles, as the success of the kings of Israel will be directly linked to their obedience and devotion to God.
The building of the temple was not just a physical project but also a spiritual one. The temple was a place where the Israelites could worship and seek God. It symbolized the presence of God among His people and the importance of following His laws.
The first chapter of 2 Chronicles serves as an introduction to the entire book. It sets the stage for the reign of Solomon and the building of the temple, which will be the central focus of the book. This chapter also highlights the importance of seeking God and following His laws, as seen in Solomon's dream and his request for wisdom and knowledge.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of obedience and devotion to God. The success of Solomon's reign is directly linked to his obedience to God's commands and his desire to seek Him. This is a theme that will be repeated throughout the book, as the success of the kings of Israel will be dependent on their relationship with God.
Furthermore, the chapter also highlights the grandeur and magnificence of the temple, which serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people. The materials used in the construction of the temple reflect the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom of Israel under Solomon's reign. However, it also serves as a reminder that all of this is possible because of God's blessings and His fulfillment of His promises.
In conclusion, chapter 1 of 2 Chronicles sets the foundation for the rest of the book. It introduces the reign of Solomon, the building of the temple, and the importance of seeking God and following His laws. It also highlights the significance of obedience and devotion to God and serves as a reminder that all blessings and success come from Him.
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