2 Chronicles 1:1

KJV

¶ And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God [was] with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} the son {H1121} of David {H1732} was strengthened {H2388} in his kingdom {H4438}, and the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} was with him, and magnified {H1431} him exceedingly {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo the son of David grew stronger in his rulership; ADONAI his God was with him, making him greater and greater.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.

American Standard Version

And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Jehovah his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 1:1 serves as a foundational declaration, immediately establishing King Solomon's reign as divinely ordained and empowered. Far from a mere political succession, this verse asserts that Solomon's authority was solidified by God, who actively accompanied him and elevated his status to an extraordinary degree. It sets a theological tone for the entire book of 2 Chronicles, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the prosperity and legitimacy of Israel's monarchy, particularly concerning the Davidic line and the building of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens the book of 2 Chronicles, which presents a theological history of Israel from Adam to the Babylonian exile, with a strong emphasis on the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem Temple. Unlike 1 Kings, which details the political machinations and challenges of Solomon's succession (e.g., the rebellion of Adonijah in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Rebellion and Solomon's Anointing")), 2 Chronicles 1:1 immediately bypasses these human complexities. It focuses instead on the divine perspective, asserting Solomon's reign as already "strengthened" and divinely sanctioned. This deliberate choice highlights the Chronicler's primary concern: demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active presence in the lives of His chosen kings, particularly as they relate to the worship of God and the building of His house. The immediate focus on God's active role sets the stage for the Chronicler's narrative, which consistently interprets historical events through a theological lens, emphasizing divine favor and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's ascension occurred in the context of a well-established monarchy under his father, King David. David had unified the tribes, secured the borders, and made extensive preparations for the construction of the Temple. However, the transition of power from a charismatic and long-reigning king like David to his son was a critical moment for the young Israelite kingdom. In the ancient Near East, a new king's legitimacy often depended on divine approval, military strength, and popular support. For Israel, God's covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), was paramount. Therefore, the declaration that "the LORD his God was with him" and "magnified him exceedingly" served as a powerful theological endorsement, solidifying Solomon's rule in the eyes of the people and affirming his divine mandate to lead and to build the Temple. This divine backing was crucial for stability and continuity in the kingdom, especially given the internal challenges that often accompanied royal successions.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological themes emerge from this verse, setting the trajectory for Solomon's reign and the Chronicler's overall message. First, **Divine Sovereignty in Kingship** is paramount; Solomon's authority is not merely inherited but divinely established and secured. The phrase "was strengthened in his kingdom" implies God's direct action in fortifying his rule, underscoring that all legitimate power flows from Him. Second, **God's Presence as a Mark of Favor** is explicitly stated with "the LORD his God was with him." This echoes a recurring motif in biblical leadership, where God's presence signifies approval, guidance, and success, as promised to leaders like [Joshua in Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise of Presence to Joshua") and demonstrated with [Joseph in Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2 - The LORD was with Joseph"). Third, **Divine Empowerment and Magnification** is evident in "magnified him exceedingly," indicating that Solomon's greatness, wisdom, and wealth were not solely due to his own abilities but were extraordinary gifts from God, foreshadowing the unparalleled prosperity described later in the narrative. This theme underscores God's ability to elevate and honor those He chooses, as articulated in [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - Hannah's Prayer: God Lifts Up and Brings Low").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb חָזַק (_châzaq_) means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify)." In this context, it is used in the Niphal stem, indicating a passive sense: "was strengthened" or "was made strong." This signifies that Solomon's kingdom was not merely strong by human effort or political maneuvering, but its stability and authority were divinely imparted and secured. God was the active agent in establishing Solomon's reign on a firm foundation, ensuring its legitimacy and resilience.
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** The verb גָּדַל (_gâdal_) means "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride); advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower." Here, in the Hiphil stem, it means "to make great" or "to cause to grow." This word choice indicates that God actively elevated Solomon's status, power, and renown. It speaks to an increase in his influence, prestige, and overall standing, not just domestically but internationally.
* **Exceedingly (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** This adverbial, מַעַל (_maʻal_), literally means "the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.; above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very." It serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of the divine magnification. This highlights that the greatness bestowed upon Solomon by God surpassed all ordinary expectations and set him apart as a uniquely favored king, elevating him to a position of supreme honor and influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom":** This clause immediately establishes Solomon's divine legitimacy and the stability of his rule. It emphasizes that his authority was not merely inherited or seized through human power struggles, but divinely secured and fortified. The Chronicler presents Solomon's kingdom as already firm and established from its inception, underscoring God's active hand in his succession and the foundation of his reign. This divine strengthening implies both internal stability and external security.
* **"and the LORD his God [was] with him":** This is a profound theological statement signifying God's active, personal, and favorable presence with Solomon. It implies divine approval, guidance, protection, and partnership. God's "being with" a leader in the Old Testament is a consistent marker of success and blessing, indicating that the individual is operating under divine favor and according to God's will. This presence is the ultimate source of Solomon's wisdom, prosperity, and the legitimacy of his rule, demonstrating God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant.
* **"and magnified him exceedingly":** This final clause declares that God Himself elevated Solomon to an extraordinary level of greatness. This magnification encompasses not only his personal stature but also his kingdom's power, wealth, and international renown. The intensifier "exceedingly" underscores the unparalleled nature of this divine promotion, setting the stage for the narrative of Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and building projects, all attributed to God's direct and abundant blessing. It signifies an elevation beyond human expectation or achievement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Assertion** is prominent, as the Chronicler makes direct, declarative statements about God's actions concerning Solomon, leaving no room for doubt about the divine origin of his strength and greatness. The use of "exceedingly" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of God's blessing and Solomon's subsequent renown. This is not merely a statement of fact but a theological declaration designed to impress upon the reader the extraordinary divine favor. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense wisdom, wealth, and international influence that Solomon would acquire, all presented as a direct result of God's active presence and magnification. Finally, the concise nature of the verse, packing so much theological weight into a single sentence, demonstrates **Conciseness** with profound **Theological Statement**, immediately setting the divine perspective for the entire book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 1:1 encapsulates core theological truths about God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His active involvement in the affairs of His people and their leaders. It powerfully asserts that true authority and enduring success in leadership are ultimately derived from divine appointment and sustained by divine presence. This initial declaration sets the stage for the Chronicler's consistent emphasis on the principle that obedience to God brings blessing and prosperity, while deviation leads to decline. Solomon's reign, therefore, begins not as a human achievement but as a testament to God's power to establish, accompany, and elevate His chosen instruments for His purposes, particularly in the context of the Davidic covenant and the building of the Temple. It underscores the divine initiative in human history and the ultimate source of all true power and blessing.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant Promise to David and His Descendants")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise of Presence and Success to Joshua")
* [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "Hannah's Prayer: The LORD Makes Poor and Makes Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The opening verse of 2 Chronicles offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. Just as God established, accompanied, and magnified Solomon, so too does He remain sovereign over all circumstances, actively involved in the lives of His children. This verse reminds us that our true strength and ultimate success in any endeavor, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, come not from our own abilities or connections, but from the empowering presence of the Lord. It calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God, trusting that when we seek to walk in His ways, He will be "with" us, providing the wisdom, resources, and favor necessary to fulfill the callings He places on our lives. Our focus should be less on human striving and more on cultivating a relationship where God's presence is our greatest asset, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes, often "exceedingly" beyond what we could ask or imagine, for His glory and the good of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need God to "strengthen" you or your "kingdom" today?**
* **What does it practically mean for "the LORD your God [to be] with you" in your daily walk, and how can you cultivate a greater awareness of His presence?**
* **How might God desire to "magnify" you or your efforts "exceedingly" for His glory, and what might that look like?**

### FAQ

**Why does 2 Chronicles begin with this verse, seemingly skipping the succession struggles found in 1 Kings?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose differs significantly from that of the books of Kings. While 1 Kings focuses on the political and historical narrative of the monarchy, including the challenges and human failures, 2 Chronicles presents a theological history. Its aim is to emphasize God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, the centrality of the Temple, and the importance of proper worship. By immediately stating that Solomon "was strengthened in his kingdom" and that "the LORD his God was with him," the Chronicler bypasses the earthly struggles (like Adonijah's rebellion in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Rebellion")) to present Solomon's reign as divinely legitimate and blessed from its inception. This sets a tone of divine sovereignty and ideal kingship, consistent with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda, which seeks to encourage post-exilic Israel by highlighting God's enduring commitment to His people and His chosen line.

**What does "magnified him exceedingly" imply for Solomon's reign?**

Answer: This phrase implies an extraordinary and unparalleled elevation of Solomon's status, power, and renown, all attributed directly to God's action. It foreshadows the remarkable characteristics of his reign described throughout 1 and 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles: his unparalleled wisdom (e.g., [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), his immense wealth and prosperity (e.g., [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unrivaled Wealth")), and his widespread international influence and fame (e.g., [1 Kings 4:34](/1_kings/4-34 "1 Kings 4:34 - People Came to Hear Solomon's Wisdom")). The "exceedingly" emphasizes that this was not merely human achievement but a supernatural blessing, making Solomon one of the most prominent and celebrated kings in Israel's history, whose greatness served to glorify the God who exalted him. It signifies a divine endorsement that set his reign apart from all others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 1:1, while describing the earthly reign of Solomon, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, the "son of David" who built the Temple and ushered in an era of peace and wisdom, serves as a significant type of the Messiah. Just as Solomon "was strengthened in his kingdom" by God, so too is Jesus the true King, whose kingdom is not of this world but is eternally established and unshakeable, utterly strengthened by the Father's power (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The declaration that "the LORD his God was with him" points directly to Jesus, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel, God With Us")), and in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Furthermore, the phrase "and magnified him exceedingly" finds its supreme realization in Christ's exaltation. While Solomon's magnification was earthly and temporal, Jesus was magnified "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named" ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation Above All Things")). He is the true and greater Son of David, the ultimate Temple builder (referencing His body and the Church, as in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")), whose reign is everlasting, spiritual, and universal, bringing not just an era of peace but eternal salvation and reconciliation through His sacrifice and resurrection, a glory far exceeding any earthly king's.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 29:25

And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

1 Kings 2:12

¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

Genesis 39:2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 21:22

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.