2 Chronicles 1
2 Chronicles 1 is about Solomon coming before God after taking the throne, worshiping Him, and seeking wisdom and knowledge so that he can govern the people rightly. God is pleased with Solomon’s heart and adds not only wisdom, but also wealth, riches, and honor. In the overall flow of 2 Chronicles, this chapter has the character of an introductory passage that shows Solomon’s rule began not from human ambition, but from worship and requests directed to God.
1verseSolomon the son of David was firmly established in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and made him exceedingly great.
2verseSolomon 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.
3verseThen 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 the LORD’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness.
4verseBut 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.
5verseMoreover the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there before the LORD’s tabernacle; and Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there.
6verseSolomon went up there to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the Tent of Meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it.
7verseThat night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for what you want me to give you.”
8verseSolomon said to God, “You have shown great loving kindness to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
9verseNow, 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.
10verseNow 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?”
11verseGod 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,
12versetherefore 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.”
13verseSo Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the Tent of Meeting, to Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.
14verseSolomon 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.
15verseThe 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.
16verseThe horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt and from Kue. The king’s merchants purchased them from Kue.
17verseThey 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.
Verses 1–6 – Solomon Goes to God at Gibeon
Solomon’s kingdom was firmly established, and the LORD his God was with him and made him greatly strong. Solomon went up to the high place at Gibeon with the leaders of all Israel, and he offers a thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar in front of the tabernacle of the LORD. This shows that Solomon’s reign began with first worshiping God.
Verses 7–12 – Solomon Seeks Wisdom and Knowledge
God appeared to Solomon at night and tells him to ask for what he wants. Then Solomon does not ask for riches or wealth, nor for honor or the life of his enemies, but for wisdom and knowledge so that he can judge and govern many people with justice. God is pleased with Solomon’s heart and promises to give him not only wisdom and knowledge, but also wealth, riches, and honor.
Verse 13 – Returning to Jerusalem and Ruling Israel
From the high place at Gibeon before the tabernacle, Solomon returned to Jerusalem and ruled over Israel. This can be seen as a turning point where, after worshiping God and receiving His response, Solomon fully carries out his mission as king. Solomon’s rule was established upon God’s response.
Verses 14–17 – Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor
After that, Solomon collected many chariots and horsemen, and silver and gold became as common in Jerusalem as stones, with cedar trees in great abundance as well. In addition, trade in horses and chariots was carried out actively, revealing the nation’s prosperity and national strength. This shows that the blessings God had promised actually appeared in Solomon’s life and in Israel’s history, too.
Meditation Points
- As I take on more important responsibilities and roles, do I go to God first?
- What I ask for God— is it benefit that is visible, or wisdom to carry out my mission?
- What meaning does the fact that God sees the heart have for my life today?
Try Applying It to Yourself
God is pleased with those who seek God’s help in order to carry out the mission entrusted to them well, rather than pursuing their own desires. In 2 Chronicles 1, we see that when Solomon faced great responsibility as king, he first asked for wisdom to govern the people rightly, rather than for success or prosperity itself. Today as well, we should reflect on whether we are first seeking discernment and wisdom that will allow us to live according to God’s will, rather than only seeking visible results in the various choices and problems of life.
