2 Chronicles 1:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Solomon {H8010} came {H935} from his journey to the high place {H1116} that was at Gibeon {H1391} to Jerusalem {H3389}, from before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and reigned {H4427} over Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shlomo came away from the high place at Giv'on, from in front of the tent of meeting, to Yerushalayim; and he ruled over Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place in Gibeon before the Tent of Meeting, and he reigned over Israel.

American Standard Version

So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, unto Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:13 marks the pivotal moment of King Solomon's return to Jerusalem from Gibeon, where he had a profound divine encounter. This verse signifies the official, divinely sanctioned commencement of his reign over Israel, empowered by the wisdom and knowledge God graciously bestowed upon him, setting the stage for his subsequent actions as monarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point following Solomon's significant spiritual experience at Gibeon. Immediately prior, [Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings](/2_chronicles/1-6 "2 Chronicles 1:6 - Solomon's Great Sacrifice") at the high place there, demonstrating his devotion and seeking God's favor at the outset of his reign. It was in this sacred setting that God appeared to him in a dream, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Offer and Solomon's Request"), paralleled in [1 Kings 3:5-15](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-15 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"). Instead of requesting riches or long life, Solomon famously asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people justly. Having received this divine enablement, 2 Chronicles 1:13 details his physical and symbolic return to Jerusalem, the established political and spiritual capital, ready to apply the granted wisdom in his kingship. This movement underscores the narrative's emphasis on God's active involvement in Solomon's rule.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gibeon, located northwest of Jerusalem, was a prominent "high place" (Hebrew: _bamah'_) and a legitimate site for Israelite worship at this time because it housed the Tabernacle of Meeting, the portable sanctuary from the wilderness wanderings. While later "high places" became associated with idolatry and were condemned, Gibeon's significance stemmed from the presence of the Tabernacle, which represented God's dwelling among His people. Jerusalem, in contrast, had been established by King David as the political and spiritual capital, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Solomon's journey from Gibeon to Jerusalem therefore represents a shift from a temporary, though legitimate, center of worship to the destined permanent capital, where the Temple would soon be built. This movement also highlights the cultural understanding of kingship in ancient Israel, which was not merely hereditary but required divine anointing and enablement to be truly legitimate and effective.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the **Divine Legitimacy of Kingship**, presenting Solomon's rule not merely as an inherited right but as a direct outcome of his humble seeking of God and the subsequent divine enablement. His authority is rooted in God's wisdom, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Gift of Wisdom to Solomon"). Secondly, it signifies a crucial **Transition of Authority and Worship**, marking the shift from the legitimate, but temporary, worship center at Gibeon to Jerusalem, which would become the exclusive center of worship with the construction of the Temple, foreshadowed by the preparations described in [2 Chronicles 2](/2_chronicles/2 "2 Chronicles 2 - Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple") and the building itself in [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Begins to Build the Temple"). Finally, the verse implies the theme of **Wisdom in Action**, as Solomon returns from his divine encounter poised to apply the wisdom he received to the practical governance of his kingdom, fulfilling the very purpose for which he requested it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high place (Hebrew, _bamah'_):** This term refers to an elevated place of worship. While often associated with pagan worship and later condemned in Israel's history (e.g., [1 Kings 14:23](/1_kings/14-23 "1 Kings 14:23 - Condemnation of High Places")), the "high place" at Gibeon was unique and legitimate at this time because it housed the Tabernacle of Meeting. It was a recognized site for Israelite sacrificial worship, indicating a period before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem with the building of the Temple.
* **tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, _ohel mo'ed'_):** Literally "tent of meeting," this refers to the portable sanctuary constructed according to God's instructions in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). It was the primary place where God met with His people, where sacrifices were offered, and where the divine presence resided before the Temple was built. Its presence at Gibeon lent the site its sacred authority.
* **reigned (Hebrew, _malakh'_):** This verb signifies the act of exercising kingship or sovereign authority. In this context, it emphasizes the official and active commencement of Solomon's rule. Coupled with the preceding divine encounter, it highlights that his reign was not merely a political succession but a divinely appointed and empowered leadership over God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Solomon came [from his journey] to the high place that [was] at Gibeon":** This clause describes Solomon's initial arrival at Gibeon, the site of his significant spiritual encounter. The KJV's "[from his journey]" clarifies that he traveled to Gibeon for a specific purpose – to offer sacrifices and seek God at this legitimate worship site.
* **"to Jerusalem":** This signifies the destination of Solomon's return journey. Jerusalem was the established capital of Israel, the seat of the Davidic dynasty, and the place where Solomon would physically establish and exercise his rule. This movement underscores the transition from a spiritual encounter to its practical implementation in governance.
* **"from before the tabernacle of the congregation":** This phrase specifies the exact point of departure from Gibeon. It emphasizes that Solomon's return to Jerusalem was directly from the presence of God, symbolized by the Tabernacle. This detail reinforces that his subsequent reign was not based on human ambition but on divine encounter and empowerment received at this sacred place.
* **"and reigned over Israel":** This concluding clause states the immediate consequence and culmination of Solomon's journey and divine encounter. It marks the formal and divinely sanctioned beginning of his kingship, indicating that he now actively assumed his role as the divinely appointed ruler of the nation, equipped with the wisdom he had sought and received.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the movement from Gibeon to Jerusalem, contrasting the place of spiritual seeking and divine encounter with the place of earthly rule and practical application. This geographical shift is rich in **symbolism**, where Gibeon represents the source of divine wisdom and authority, and Jerusalem symbolizes the sphere of its implementation. The journey itself serves as a **metaphor** for the transition from a period of preparation and divine endowment to one of active leadership. Furthermore, the mention of the "tabernacle of the congregation" is a powerful **symbol** of God's abiding presence and the legitimacy of the worship at Gibeon, which in turn legitimizes Solomon's subsequent reign. The verse also functions as a **narrative bridge**, connecting Solomon's spiritual experience with the unfolding account of his kingship and the building of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's journey from Gibeon to Jerusalem, having received divine wisdom, illustrates a profound theological principle: true and effective leadership, particularly within God's covenant people, must be rooted in divine encounter and enablement rather than mere human inheritance or ambition. God's gracious response to Solomon's humble request for wisdom, rather than wealth or power, establishes a paradigm for all who are called to lead or serve. This passage underscores God's active involvement in establishing and empowering those He chooses for His purposes, emphasizing that the authority to "reign" ultimately flows from Him. It highlights the indispensable link between spiritual insight and practical governance, demonstrating that God's wisdom is not an abstract concept but a practical necessity for navigating the complexities of leadership and life.

* [1 Kings 3:15](/1_kings/3-15 "1 Kings 3:15 - Solomon's Return to Jerusalem and Feast")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's journey from the "high place" of Gibeon to the capital city of Jerusalem offers a timeless model for believers today. It underscores the critical importance of intentionally seeking God's wisdom and presence before embarking on significant endeavors or assuming positions of responsibility. Just as Solomon's reign was divinely sanctioned and empowered by the wisdom he received, our effectiveness in our spheres of influence—whether in family, work, community, or ministry—is directly tied to our reliance on God's guidance. The "high place" represents our personal times of prayer, study, and worship, where we humble ourselves before God and seek His counsel. Our "Jerusalem" is the practical arena of our daily lives, where we are called to apply that divine wisdom and "reign" with integrity, discernment, and justice. This passage challenges us to prioritize spiritual preparation over immediate action, trusting that God will equip us for every good work as we commit our ways to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's journey from seeking God's wisdom at Gibeon to reigning in Jerusalem inform your understanding of the relationship between spiritual seeking and practical living?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking to "reign" or lead, and how are you ensuring that your authority is grounded in divine wisdom rather than personal strength or ambition?**
* **What "high places" (places of intentional spiritual encounter and seeking God's face) do you regularly visit to receive God's guidance before returning to your "Jerusalem" (daily responsibilities and challenges)?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Tabernacle at Gibeon, and not already in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that had moved to various locations after the wilderness wanderings (e.g., Shiloh, Nob). While King David had brought the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred item, to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent there ([2 Samuel 6:17](/2_samuel/6-17 "2 Samuel 6:17 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), the full Tabernacle structure itself, with its altar of burnt offering, remained at Gibeon. This made Gibeon a legitimate, though temporary, center for large-scale sacrifices and worship, as noted in [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon") and [2 Chronicles 1:3](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon"). It was only with the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem that the Ark and the remaining Tabernacle implements were brought together, centralizing worship in one permanent location.

**What is the significance of Solomon "reigning over Israel" immediately after his encounter with God?**

Answer: The immediate mention of Solomon "reigning over Israel" after his divine encounter at Gibeon is highly significant. It underscores that his kingship was not merely a hereditary succession but a divinely sanctioned and empowered rule. Having just received profound wisdom and knowledge directly from God ([2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Grant of Wisdom")), his return to Jerusalem and assumption of full authority signifies that his reign was blessed and enabled by the Almighty. This sequence establishes a theological foundation for his kingship, emphasizing that his ability to govern effectively stemmed from his spiritual communion with God, rather than solely from his own capabilities or political maneuvering. It marks the official, blessed commencement of his divinely-backed reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's divinely-appointed, wisdom-enabled kingship serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. While Solomon, though wise, was a fallible earthly monarch whose reign eventually saw division and decline, Jesus is the perfect and eternal King, whose wisdom is not merely a gift received but an inherent attribute of His divine nature ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Solomon's journey from Gibeon, the place of divine encounter, to Jerusalem, the seat of his earthly reign, mirrors Christ's own journey from heavenly glory to His earthly ministry, culminating in His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His ultimate enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Unlike Solomon's reign, which was limited to Israel, Christ's dominion extends over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). Believers, through Christ, are not only recipients of His wisdom ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom")) but are also called to live under His perfect and righteous reign, eagerly anticipating the New Jerusalem where He will reign eternally ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, Solomon's return to Jerusalem and the commencement of his divinely-backed rule points forward to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through the perfect wisdom and authority of Jesus Christ.

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 Kings 4:24

For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

1 Kings 4:25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 1:3

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.