TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 1:1–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Solomon's great prosperity, Ch2 1:1. Though he had a contested title, yet, God being with him, he was strengthened in his kingdom; his heart and hands were strengthened, and his interest in the people. God's presence will be our strength.
II.His great piety and devotion.
His father was a prophet, a psalmist, and kept mostly to the ark; but Solomon, having read much in his Bible concerning the tabernacle which Moses built and the altars there, paid more respect to them than, it should seem, David had done. Both did well, and let neither be censured. If the zeal of one be carried out most to one instance of religion, and of another to some other instance, let them not judge nor despise each other.
1.All his great men must thus far be good men that they must join with him in worshipping God. He spoke to the captains and judges, the governors and chief of the fathers, to go with him to Gibeon, Ch2 1:2, Ch2 1:3. Authority and interest are well bestowed on those that will thus use them for the glory of God, and the promoting of religion. It is our duty to engage all with whom we have influence in the solemnities of religion, and it is very desirable to have many join with us in those solemnities - the more the better; it is the more like heaven. Solomon began his reign with this public pious visit to God's altar, and it was a very good omen. Magistrates are then likely to do well for themselves and their people when they thus take God along with them at their setting out.
2.He offered abundance of sacrifices to God there (Ch2 1:6): 1000 burnt-offerings, and perhaps a greater number of peace-offerings, on which he and his company feasted before the Lord. Where God sows plentifully he expects to reap accordingly. His father David had left him flocks and herds in abundance (Ch1 27:29, Ch1 27:31), and thus he gave God his dues out of them. The ark was at Jerusalem (Ch2 1:4), but the altar was at Gibeon (Ch2 1:5), and thither he brought his sacrifices; for it is the altar that sanctifieth every gift.
3.He prayed a good prayer to God: this, with the answer to it, we had before, Kg1 3:5, etc.
(1.)God bade him ask what he would; not only that he might put him in the right way of obtaining the favours that were intended him (Ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full), but that he might try him, how he stood affected, and might discover what was in his heart. Men's characters appear in their choices and desires. What wouldst thou have? tries a man as much as, What wouldst thou do? Thus God tried whether Solomon was one of the children of this world, that say, Who will show us any good, or of the children of light, that say, Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon us. As we choose we shall have, and that is likely to be our portion to which we give the preference, whether the wealth and pleasure of this world or spiritual riches or delights.
(2.)Like a genuine son of David, he chose spiritual blessings rather than temporal. His petition here is, Give me wisdom and knowledge. He owns those to be desirable gifts, and God to be the giver of them, Pro 2:6. God gave the faculty of understanding, and to him we must apply for the furniture of it. Two things are here pleaded which we had not in Kings: - [1.] Thou hast made me reign in my father's stead, Ch2 1:8. "Lord, thou hast put me into this place, and therefore I can in faith ask of thee grace to enable me to do the duty of it." What service we have reason to believe God calls us to we have reason to hope he will qualify us for. But that is not all. "Lord, thou hast put me into this place in the stead of David, the great and good man that filled it up so well; therefore give me wisdom, that Israel may not suffer damage by the change. Must I reign in my father's stead? Lord, give me my father's spirit." Note, The eminency of those that went before us, and the obligation that lies upon us to keep up and carry on the good work they were engaged in, should provoke us to a gracious emulation, and quicken our prayers to God for wisdom and grace, that we may do the work of God in our day as faithfully and well as they did in theirs. [2.] Let thy promise to David my father be established, Ch2 1:9. He means the promise of concerning his successor. "In performance of that promise, Lord, give me wisdom." We do not find that wisdom was any of the things promised, but it was necessary in order to the accomplishment of what was promised, Sa2 7:13-15. The promise was, He shall build a house for my name, I will establish his throne, he shall be my son, and my mercy shall not depart from him. "Now, Lord, unless thou give me wisdom, thy house will not be built, nor my throne established; I shall behave in a manner unbecoming my relation to thee as a Father, shall forfeit thy mercy, and fool it away; therefore, Lord, give me wisdom." Note, First, God's promises are our best pleas in prayer. Remember thy word unto thy servant. Secondly, Children may take the comfort of the promises of that covenant which their parents, in their baptism, laid claim to, and took hold of, for them. Thirdly, The best way to obtain the benefit of the promises and privileges of the covenant is to be earnest in prayer with God for wisdom and grace to do the duties of it.
4.He received a gracious answer to this prayer, Ch2 1:11, Ch2 1:12.
(1.)God gave him the wisdom that he asked for because he asked for it. Wisdom is a gift that God gives as freely and liberally as any gift to those that value it, and wrestle for it; and will resolve to make use of it; and he upbraids not the poor petitioners with their folly, Jam 1:5. God's grace shall never be wanting to those who sincerely desire to know and do their duty.
(2.)God gave him the wealth and honour which he did not ask for because he asked not for them. Those that pursue present things most earnestly are most likely to miss of them; while those that refer themselves to the providence of God, if they have not the most of those things, have the most comfort in them. Those that make this world their end come short of the other and are disappointed in this too; but those that make the other world their end shall not only obtain that, and full satisfaction in it, but shall enjoy as much as is convenient of this world in their way.
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 1:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Second Chronicles 1:5 describes a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, emphasizing the enduring significance and strategic placement of the brazen altar at Gibeon. This sacred altar, meticulously crafted by Bezaleel during the wilderness wanderings, served as the primary site for burnt offerings and atonement. The verse highlights Solomon's intentional leadership in gathering the entire congregation of Israel to this hallowed location, demonstrating a profound corporate commitment to seeking the Lord's presence and favor through established sacrificial worship as he prepared to assume the full responsibilities of kingship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically positioned within the Chronicler's narrative of Solomon's ascension to the throne and his foundational acts of leadership. It immediately follows the mention of the Ark of the Covenant being in Jerusalem, brought there by David (as recounted in 2 Samuel 6), creating a significant, albeit temporary, distinction: the Ark, symbolizing God's immediate presence, was in the capital, while the Tabernacle and its essential implements, including the brazen altar, remained at Gibeon. This setup directly precedes Solomon's grand pilgrimage to Gibeon, where he offers a thousand burnt offerings (as detailed in 2 Chronicles 1:6) and subsequently receives his renowned divine encounter and request for wisdom, comprehensively described in 2 Chronicles 1:7-12. The Chronicler deliberately emphasizes Solomon's adherence to traditional forms of worship as a righteous and necessary precursor to the monumental task of building the Temple.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting is the nascent period of the united monarchy under Solomon, who inherited a well-established kingdom from his father, David. Gibeon was widely recognized as "the great high place" (as also noted in 1 Kings 3:4), serving as a preeminent site for national worship prior to the construction of the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. The brazen altar itself was a tangible link to the Mosaic covenant and the wilderness Tabernacle, having been designed by Bezaleel under explicit divine instruction (as meticulously detailed in Exodus 38:1-7). Its continued use centuries later underscores the profound continuity of Israelite worship practices and the enduring theological significance of sacrifice as the divinely appointed means of approaching God for atonement and fostering fellowship. The collective act of "seeking unto it" by the king and the entire congregation vividly illustrates the cultural imperative of corporate worship and the seeking of divine favor at the inception of major national undertakings.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the continuity of worship and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even as the nation transitioned into a new era under Solomon, the foundational elements of Mosaic worship remained central and revered. The explicit mention and use of the altar crafted by Bezaleel directly connects Solomon's reign to the very origins of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Secondly, it highlights the profound significance of atonement and sacrifice as the divinely prescribed means of approaching a holy God; the brazen altar was the primary locus where sin was addressed through the shedding of blood. Thirdly, the verse vividly showcases Solomon's initial devotion and the paramount importance of corporate worship. His leadership in gathering the entire congregation to Gibeon signifies a national act of seeking God's blessing and guidance, thereby establishing a precedent for righteous leadership and communal spiritual engagement at the dawn of his reign, a theme that resonates throughout the book as Solomon's reign unfolds.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God," Bezaleel was the divinely appointed and Spirit-filled chief craftsman for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Exodus (see Exodus 31:1-5). His mention here, centuries after the Exodus, serves to validate the altar's authenticity and divine origin. It emphasizes the continuity of legitimate, divinely ordained worship from the time of Moses through Solomon's era, reinforcing that Solomon was not instituting new practices but faithfully adhering to established, sacred traditions.
Derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," this term refers specifically to the structure used for offering sacrifices. The "brazen altar" (from H5178, nᵉchôsheth' for "brass/copper") was constructed of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, designed to withstand the intense heat of burnt offerings. Its function was central to Israel's worship, symbolizing the necessary shedding of blood for the remission of sins and enabling communion between a holy God and His people. It was the primary locus for atonement.
This primitive root implies more than a mere physical approach. It conveys an earnest, diligent, and intentional seeking, often with the nuance of inquiring of God, consulting Him, or seeking His will and favor. When Solomon and the congregation "sought unto it," they were not simply approaching a physical object but were engaging in a profound spiritual act of drawing near to God through the prescribed rituals of sacrifice and prayer, desiring divine guidance and blessing for the nation. It speaks to a posture of humility, dependence, and devotion.
Verse Breakdown
"Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made"
This clause precisely identifies the specific altar, emphasizing its material (bronze) and, more significantly, its ancient and divinely commissioned origin. By naming Bezaleel and tracing his lineage, the Chronicler firmly links this altar to the original Tabernacle constructed during the Exodus, reinforcing its legitimacy and sacred significance as a foundational element of Israel's worship, established by God Himself. This detail assures the reader of the continuity and authenticity of the worship practice.
"he put before the tabernacle of the LORD"
This part of the verse specifies the altar's location at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the Lord was situated. This detail is crucial for understanding the historical context, as the Ark of the Covenant was already in Jerusalem (as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 1:4), creating a temporary separation of these key elements of worship. The phrase "before the tabernacle" indicates its proper, prescribed place for offerings and access to the holy space, signifying adherence to Mosaic law.
"and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it"
This final clause describes the collective action of the king and the entire assembly of Israel. It signifies a national, corporate act of worship and devotion. Solomon, as the newly appointed king, leads his people in seeking God's favor and guidance through the established means of sacrifice at the divinely appointed location. This act underscores his initial commitment to God and the paramount importance of communal spiritual engagement at the outset of his reign, setting a precedent for national piety.
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey its profound significance and theological depth. The most prominent is Allusion, specifically to the Exodus narrative and the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle under Moses's direction. By explicitly naming Bezaleel, the text draws a direct, unbroken line from Israel's foundational covenant experience to Solomon's present act of worship, thereby emphasizing continuity, divine authorization, and the enduring nature of God's commands. The "brazen altar" itself functions as powerful Symbolism, representing the entire divinely ordained system of atonement, sacrifice, and the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The detailed genealogy of Bezaleel (son of Uri, son of Hur) serves as a form of Emphasis, lending gravitas and historical weight to the altar's provenance and reinforcing its sacred, divinely ordained status. Furthermore, the phrase "Solomon and the congregation sought unto it" employs Synecdoche, where "the congregation" represents the entirety of the Israelite people, highlighting the corporate and national scope of this significant act of worship and demonstrating the king's unifying spiritual leadership.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The brazen altar, central to Israelite worship, stands as a profound theological symbol. It was the place where the blood of sacrifices was shed, pointing to the foundational truth that "the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life" (Leviticus 17:11). This principle underscores God's absolute holiness and humanity's inherent sinfulness, necessitating a divinely appointed means of reconciliation. Solomon and the congregation's act of seeking God at this altar demonstrates their understanding of this truth: that access to God and His blessings required addressing sin through sacrifice. The altar, therefore, represents both the barrier of sin and God's gracious provision for its removal, allowing for fellowship to be restored. It powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally atone for sin, transcending the temporary efficacy of animal offerings.
Reflection and Application
The scene at Gibeon, with Solomon leading the entire congregation to the ancient brazen altar, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that approaching God is not a casual endeavor but requires intentionality, humility, and adherence to His appointed means. Just as the altar served as the designated "place" of encounter and atonement for ancient Israel, believers today are called to draw near to God through the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse prompts us to reflect on our own spiritual priorities: Do we, like Solomon, prioritize seeking God's wisdom and blessing at the outset of new ventures, whether personal, familial, or communal? The corporate nature of this worship also highlights the enduring importance of the gathered church, where believers collectively seek God, offer praise, and find reconciliation. It challenges us to consider how our communal worship reflects a shared dependence on God's provision for sin and a unified desire for His presence and guidance in our lives, moving beyond mere ritual to genuine spiritual engagement.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the brazen altar still at Gibeon and not with the Ark in Jerusalem?
This verse describes a transitional period in Israelite worship. King David had previously brought the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, to Jerusalem (as seen in 2 Samuel 6). However, the Tabernacle of the Lord, along with its associated implements like the brazen altar, had remained at Gibeon, which was known as "the great high place" (1 Kings 3:4). This arrangement meant that while the Ark was in the capital, the traditional site for corporate sacrifice and the Tabernacle structure itself was still at Gibeon. This separation existed until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, which would then house both the Ark and the new, permanent sacrificial altar, centralizing Israelite worship.
What was the significance of Bezaleel being mentioned in connection with the altar?
The mention of Bezaleel, "the son of Uri, the son of Hur," is highly significant because he was the divinely appointed and Spirit-filled chief craftsman responsible for overseeing the construction of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, including the brazen altar, during the time of Moses (as detailed in Exodus 31:1-5). His inclusion in 2 Chronicles 1:5 serves to emphasize the altar's ancient, divinely-ordained origin and its authenticity. It underscores the continuity of legitimate worship practices from the wilderness generation through the early monarchy, assuring the reader that Solomon and the congregation were seeking God through the prescribed, sacred means established by God Himself, not through a human invention.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The brazen altar, where "Solomon and the congregation sought unto it," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This ancient structure, designed for the shedding of animal blood to make temporary atonement for sin, powerfully prefigured the singular, once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. Just as the altar was the divinely appointed place for approaching God under the Old Covenant, Christ is now our true "altar", through whom we gain direct access to the Father. His perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross accomplished what countless animal sacrifices could never fully achieve: the complete and eternal cleansing of sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). Therefore, while Solomon and the congregation sought God through the means of the brazen altar, believers today are called to draw near to God with confidence, not through a physical altar, but through faith in Christ's finished work, entering the holiest place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-22). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all that the brazen altar represented: the place of judgment, atonement, and reconciliation, enabling true and lasting fellowship with God.