Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 1

Introduction

A.M. 2989. B.C. 1015.

Solomon’s sacrifices, 2 Chronicles 1:1-6 . His prayer, and God’s answer, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 . The strength, wealth, and trade of Israel, 2 Chronicles 1:13-17 .

Verses 1-2

2 Chronicles 1:1-2. Solomon was strengthened in his kingdom Or, established, after his seditious brother Adonijah and his partisans were suppressed; and he was received with the universal consent and joy of his princes and people. Solomon spake unto all Israel Namely, concerning his intention of going to Gibeon, and that they should attend him thither, as the next verse shows. Authority and interest are well bestowed on those that will thus use them for the glory of God, and the promotion of religion. But it is the duty of all men to engage all they have any influence upon in the solemnities of religion, and very desirable to have many to join with them therein: the more the better: it makes these solemnities the more like heaven.

Verses 3-4

2 Chronicles 1:3-4. Solomon, &c., went to the high place at Gibeon Upon which the tabernacle was placed; whence it is called the great high place, 1 Kings 3:4. But the ark, &c. David had separated the ark from the tabernacle, and brought it to Jerusalem, because there he intended to build a far more noble and lasting habitation for it.

Verse 5

2 Chronicles 1:5. The brazen altar he put before the tabernacle, &c. He continued it there, and did not remove it, as he did the ark, from the tabernacle. Solomon and the congregation sought unto it Sought the Lord and his favour by hearty prayers and sacrifices in the place which God had appointed for that work, Leviticus 17:3-4.

Verse 6

2 Chronicles 1:6. To the brazen altar before the Lord It is said to be before the Lord, though the ark was not there, because God was pleased graciously to accept the sacrifices offered before the place, though wanting the token of his glorious presence. And offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon it Namely, by the ministry of the priests, He probably offered as many peace- offerings, on which he and his company feasted before the Lord; unless, as Pellicanus thinks, burnt-offerings here signify peace-offerings, the general name being put for the special.

Verse 7

2 Chronicles 1:7. In that night After those sacrifices were offered; did God appear to Solomon in a dream Of which see the notes on 1 Kings 3:5. And said, Ask what I shall give thee God bid him ask what he would; not only that he might put him in the right way to obtain the favours which were intended him, Ask, and ye shall receive; but that he might try him how he stood affected, and give him an opportunity of knowing and manifesting what was in his heart. For men’s characters appear in their desires and choices. What wouldst thou have? tries a man as much as, What wouldst thou do?

Verse 8

2 Chronicles 1:8. And hast made me to reign Give me the spirit of my father David, that Israel may not suffer by the change. The eminence of those that went before us, and the obligation that lies upon us to keep and carry on the good work they were engaged in, should quicken our prayers for wisdom and grace, that we may do the work of God in our day as faithfully as they did in theirs.

Verse 10

2 Chronicles 1:10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge Like a genuine son of David and Abraham, he chose spiritual blessings rather than temporal. That I may go out and come in before this people This is a proverbial speech for governing the people both at home and abroad, in peace and war. See Numbers 27:17; Deuteronomy 31:2. For who can judge this thy people, that is so great? Among such a numerous people he knew there would be so many, and so various, and, many times, difficult cases brought before him, that it would be impossible for him to hear them and judge aright, without wisdom more than human. See note on 1 Kings 3:9.

Verse 12

2 Chronicles 1:12. And I will give thee riches and wealth, &c. Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and frequently of this too. But those who make the other world their end shall not only obtain that, but shall have as much as is convenient of this world in their way.

Verse 14

2 Chronicles 1:14. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen, which he placed in the chariot-cities, and with the king at Jerusalem Of this and the three following verses, see the notes on 1 Kings 10:26, &c.