2 Chronicles 1:2

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.

Then Solomon {H8010} spake {H559} unto all Israel {H3478}, to the captains {H8269} of thousands {H505} and of hundreds {H3967}, and to the judges {H8199}, and to every governor {H5387} in all Israel {H3478}, the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1}.

Shlomo spoke to all Isra'el - to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges and to every leader in all Isra'el, the heads of clans.

Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel—the heads of the families.

And Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:2 details the immediate actions of King Solomon after his reign was established and magnified by God. This verse sets the stage for a significant national assembly, highlighting Solomon's role as a unifying leader.

Context

Following the declaration of Solomon's firm establishment on his throne and God's accompanying presence, this verse describes his first major act of leadership. Solomon gathers a broad representation of Israel's leadership: the "captains of thousands and of hundreds" (military and administrative officials), the "judges" (judicial authorities), "every governor in all Israel" (regional administrators), and "the chief of the fathers" (heads of ancestral families or clans). This comprehensive assembly underscores the king's authority and the widespread support or recognition of his rule. The purpose of this grand meeting is revealed in the subsequent verses, leading them to Gibeon for a significant act of worship.

Key Themes

  • Centralized Leadership: Solomon demonstrates his immediate grasp of power by convening all the influential figures across Israel. This act solidifies his position and establishes a clear chain of command under his new kingship.
  • National Unity and Representation: The diverse group of leaders—military, judicial, administrative, and tribal—signifies a unified Israel, ready to follow their new monarch. It highlights the importance of encompassing all facets of society in national endeavors.
  • Preparation for Divine Encounter: The primary reason for this gathering, as seen in the broader narrative, is not political strategy but spiritual preparation. Solomon is leading the nation to seek God, emphasizing that spiritual foundations are paramount for effective governance and national well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "captains of thousands and of hundreds" refers to the established military and administrative structure of Israel, a system that had roots dating back to Moses' time, as advised by Jethro (Exodus 18:21). These were not just military commanders but also civic administrators responsible for various levels of governance. "Chief of the fathers" indicates the patriarchal heads of the clans or tribes, who held significant traditional authority within their respective groups.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into effective leadership and national unity. For leaders today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Inclusivity: Engaging various stakeholders and representatives from different sectors of society ensures broader support and understanding for initiatives.
  • Clear Direction: Solomon immediately provides direction, gathering the right people for a specific, important purpose.
  • Prioritizing Spiritual Foundations: The fact that Solomon's first major act was to lead the nation in seeking God at Gibeon (as detailed in later verses) serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual grounding is vital for any significant undertaking, whether personal or corporate. Just as Solomon sought wisdom from God (2 Chronicles 1:7-12), leaders and individuals alike benefit from prioritizing divine guidance.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 28:1

    ¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:1

    ¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:31

    These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:3

    And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:29

    ¶ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:30

    And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:12

    And said unto them, Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto [the place that] I have prepared for it.
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