2 Chronicles1

Solomon was greatly strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD magnified him exceedingly. He gathered all Israel and went to Gibeon, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the brazen altar before the Tabernacle. In a divine encounter, God asked Solomon what he desired, and Solomon requested wisdom and knowledge to judge God's numerous people. God granted his request, also promising him unparalleled riches, wealth, and honour because he did not ask for selfish gain.
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Solomon Established as King

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 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.
6
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. ​

Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

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 shewed 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 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: ​
12
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. ​

Solomon’s Wealth and Military Might

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 sycomore 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.

Study Notes for 2 Chronicles 1

Verse 1

The Chronicler introduces Solomon by emphasizing two themes central to the book: divine strengthening and magnification. Solomon's success is directly attributed to the presence and blessing of the LORD.

Verse 2

Solomon immediately gathers the nation's political, military, and religious aristocracy. This convocation demonstrates his established authority and prepares the entire nation for the solemn act of worship.

Verse 3

Gibeon was the location of the original Mosaic Tabernacle. By going there, Solomon links his new reign directly to the ancient covenant history established by Moses, legitimizing his kingship.

Verse 4

This verse clarifies the complex ritual setting: the Ark (symbolizing God's presence) was in Jerusalem, while the Bronze Altar and the Tabernacle (site of sacrifice) remained at Gibeon until the Temple was built.

Verse 6

The offering of a 'thousand burnt offerings' signifies extraordinary devotion and royal dedication. This immense sacrifice precedes and sets the stage for the divine encounter that follows.

Verse 7

This divine appearance marks the central turning point of the narrative (cf. 1 Kings 3). God initiates the dialogue, offering Solomon a blank check to ask for anything he desires.

Verse 10

Solomon’s request is selfless and focused on his duty: he asks for 'wisdom and knowledge' necessary to govern and judge God’s vast people justly. This indicates a proper understanding of theocratic leadership.

Verse 11

God commends Solomon for prioritizing judgment and service over personal gain (riches, honor, or revenge). This response establishes the theological principle that divine priorities yield greater reward.

Verse 12

God grants both the requested wisdom and unrequested material blessings. The promise of unparalleled wealth and honor serves to magnify Solomon's reign as a golden age of divine favor.

Verse 13

Solomon's return to Jerusalem marks the transition from his spiritual dedication at Gibeon to the practical exercise of his newly granted authority and wisdom.

Verse 14

The Chronicler begins to detail Solomon's material success. The gathering of chariots and horsemen, however, implicitly contrasts with the Deuteronomic prohibition against kings accumulating excessive military might (Deut. 17:16).

Verse 15

This hyperbolic description emphasizes the immense prosperity of Israel under Solomon. Silver and gold became common, symbolizing an era of unprecedented national security and economic dominance.

Verse 16

Solomon established a lucrative monopoly on the importation of horses and chariots from Egypt. This highly organized state trade solidified Israel’s strategic and economic position as a middleman in the ancient Near East.

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