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 1:6 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
2 Chronicles 1:6 vividly portrays King Solomon's profound act of worship at the very outset of his reign, where he journeyed to Gibeon, the esteemed site of the ancient Tabernacle, and offered an extraordinary one thousand burnt offerings upon the bronze altar. This pivotal moment underscores Solomon's deep reverence for God, his intentional seeking of divine favor and guidance, and his commitment to established covenant practices, thereby setting the stage for God's subsequent appearance and the granting of wisdom that would define his unparalleled rule.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the Chronicler's affirmation of Solomon's established kingdom and God's presence with him, emphasizing his strength and the divine blessing upon his rule. It serves as a crucial prelude to God's appearance to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, where God invites Solomon to make a request, leading to the granting of wisdom 2 Chronicles 1:7. The Chronicler, in contrast to the more politically focused narrative in the parallel account of 1 Kings 3, meticulously highlights Solomon's piety, adherence to traditional worship practices, and the unparalleled scale of his devotion. By emphasizing the lavishness of Solomon's offering, the text establishes a tone of profound spiritual commitment that precedes and justifies the extraordinary divine favor bestowed upon him.
Historical & Cultural Context
Gibeon held significant religious importance as a "high place," a traditional site of worship in Israel, and notably, it housed the Tabernacle of the Lord that Moses had constructed in the wilderness 2 Chronicles 1:3. While Jerusalem was emerging as the political capital, Gibeon remained a legitimate and vital religious center before the construction of the permanent Temple. The "brasen altar" was the large altar for burnt offerings, central to Israelite worship and the divinely ordained system of atonement and communion. Offering "a thousand burnt offerings" was an exceptionally lavish and unprecedented act, demonstrating immense wealth, power, and, crucially, a profound and comprehensive commitment to Yahweh, far exceeding typical sacrificial requirements and signaling a national act of dedication and dependence.
Key Themes
Solomon's journey to Gibeon and his massive offering contribute significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights Profound Devotion and Worship, showcasing Solomon's deliberate choice to honor God above all else at the very beginning of his reign, rather than relying solely on his own strength, political alliances, or inherited power. This act of worship is a powerful expression of his desire to walk in God's ways and acknowledge divine sovereignty. Secondly, it exemplifies Seeking Divine Favor and Guidance, demonstrating the biblical principle that prioritizing God and His kingdom often precedes and opens the door to His blessings, as seen in God's immediate response to Solomon's offering by inviting him to ask for anything compare with Matthew 6:33. Thirdly, it underscores the Continuity of Faith with Israel's covenant history, as Solomon worships at the very Tabernacle built by Moses, connecting his new reign to the ancient traditions and the enduring presence of God among His people, even as preparations for the permanent Temple in Jerusalem were underway.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to an animal sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the worshiper or priests, the ʻôlâh was wholly dedicated to God, symbolizing complete surrender, atonement for sin, and a profound act of devotion and communion. The sheer quantity of "a thousand" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Solomon's dedication and the magnitude of his desire for God's favor.
("altar") and H5178 ("brasen"), this refers to the large altar made of bronze, situated in the outer court of the Tabernacle, where animal sacrifices were offered. Bronze, often associated with judgment and purification in biblical symbolism, indicates that this was the place where sin was confronted and dealt with through the shedding of blood. Its presence at the Tabernacle signifies its central role in Israel's worship system, providing the means for atonement and access to God's presence.
("tabernacle") and H4150 ("congregation"), this phrase translates as "Tent of Meeting." It was the portable sanctuary constructed by Moses according to God's instructions, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people during their wilderness wanderings and until the construction of the Temple. Its presence in Gibeon, though not Jerusalem, legitimized the site as a divinely appointed place where God met with His people, underscoring Solomon's adherence to established, divinely ordained worship practices.
Verse Breakdown
"And Solomon went up thither"
This phrase indicates a deliberate, intentional, and physically demanding journey by Solomon to Gibeon, a significant high place. His ascent underscores the importance and solemnity of the occasion, highlighting his personal commitment and effort in seeking God at a recognized holy site, rather than merely sending representatives.
"to the brasen altar before the LORD"
This specifies the exact object and context of his worship—the divinely appointed altar for sacrifice, indicating Solomon's adherence to the Mosaic covenant and the prescribed means of approaching God. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that this act was directly addressed to God, performed in His acknowledged presence, signifying reverence and a desire for divine encounter.
"which [was] at the tabernacle of the congregation"
This clause provides crucial geographical and theological context, confirming that Solomon's worship was conducted at the legitimate, divinely sanctioned Tabernacle, which housed the sacred artifacts and represented God's dwelling among His people. This legitimizes his act, distinguishing it from unauthorized or pagan worship at other high places.
"and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it"
This is the climax of the verse, detailing the immense and unprecedented scale of Solomon's sacrifice. The number "a thousand" signifies not just a large quantity, but an extraordinary, lavish, and comprehensive act of devotion, expressing profound reverence, a desire for complete dedication, and an earnest appeal for God's blessing and guidance at the dawn of his reign. It was a national act of worship, demonstrating the king's leadership in piety.
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 1:6 to underscore the profound significance of Solomon's actions and the divine response that follows. The most prominent is Hyperbole or Exaggeration, evident in the phrase "a thousand burnt offerings." While possibly a literal count, the sheer magnitude of the number serves to emphasize the extraordinary scale of Solomon's devotion, his immense wealth, and his unparalleled commitment to God, elevating the act beyond a mere ritual to a grand display of national piety and reverence. This lavishness also functions as Symbolism, where the burnt offering itself (the ʻôlâh) symbolizes complete surrender, dedication, and atonement, as the entire animal was consumed, ascending to God. The brasen altar symbolizes the means of purification and reconciliation with God, and the tabernacle of the congregation symbolizes God's tangible presence among His people and the designated place of divine encounter. Furthermore, the entire act serves as Foreshadowing, as Solomon's grand gesture of worship and humility directly precedes and sets the stage for God's subsequent appearance and generous offer to grant Solomon's request for wisdom, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between seeking God diligently and receiving His abundant blessing.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Solomon's act of offering a thousand burnt offerings at the Tabernacle's bronze altar is a profound theological statement that transcends mere ritual. It demonstrates a foundational principle of biblical faith: that true leadership, national prosperity, and personal wisdom begin with humble, extravagant devotion to God. This massive sacrifice was not an attempt to earn God's favor through works, but rather an overflowing expression of reverence, dependence, and a deep desire to align his nascent reign with divine will. It highlights the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance at the outset of any significant endeavor, acknowledging His sovereignty over all human affairs. This act of worship, steeped in the covenant traditions of Israel, underscores the enduring necessity of atonement and the pursuit of communion with God as the ultimate source of all wisdom, blessing, and legitimate authority.
Reflection and Application
Solomon's extraordinary act of worship in 2 Chronicles 1:6 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. While the specific practice of animal sacrifices has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of prioritizing God and dedicating our best to Him remains profoundly relevant. Solomon, at the peak of his power and at the dawn of a new era for Israel, chose to humble himself and make an unprecedented offering to the Lord. This teaches us the importance of beginning any new venture, phase of life, or significant undertaking by intentionally seeking God's face, dedicating our resources, talents, and time to His glory, and acknowledging our complete dependence on His wisdom and guidance. Our "offerings" today might involve fervent prayer, sacrificial giving, devoted service, or a complete surrender of our will to His. Just as Solomon's grand gesture opened the door for God to grant him wisdom and unparalleled blessing, so too does our genuine, heartfelt pursuit of God invite His presence, guidance, and blessing into every aspect of our lives, reminding us that true success and fulfillment flow from a heart humbly devoted to the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Solomon go to Gibeon instead of Jerusalem to offer sacrifices?
At this time, Jerusalem was the political capital, and King David had brought the Ark of the Covenant there 2 Samuel 6. However, the Tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness, along with the bronze altar, was still located at Gibeon 2 Chronicles 1:3. Gibeon was a legitimate and highly significant high place for worship, housing these sacred artifacts of Israel's covenant history. Solomon's choice to go to Gibeon demonstrates his adherence to established, divinely ordained worship practices associated with the Mosaic Tabernacle, even as preparations for the future permanent Temple in Jerusalem were underway. It was the proper and recognized place for such a large-scale, national sacrifice according to the traditions of the time.
What was the significance of "a thousand burnt offerings"?
The offering of "a thousand burnt offerings" was an extraordinarily lavish and unprecedented act of worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the quantity of an offering often reflected the devotion, wealth, and status of the worshiper. For Solomon, this immense sacrifice symbolized several things: profound personal and national devotion to Yahweh, a comprehensive act of atonement and purification for the nation, and an earnest appeal for God's favor and blessing at the very beginning of his reign. It was a demonstration of complete surrender and a desire for profound communion with God, far exceeding typical sacrificial requirements and underscoring the sincerity and magnitude of his commitment to God's covenant.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Solomon's magnificent act of offering a thousand burnt offerings, though a powerful expression of devotion and a foreshadowing of God's blessing, ultimately points beyond itself to the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "thousand burnt offerings," while immense, were temporary, imperfect, and required repetition, a stark contrast to the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered himself once for all to take away sins. Solomon's seeking of wisdom from God in response to his offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the wisdom of God and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The bronze altar, where judgment and atonement met, points to the cross where Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bore the judgment for humanity. Solomon's journey to the Tabernacle to meet with God foreshadows our direct access to the very presence of God through Christ, who is our great High Priest and the true meeting place between God and humanity, enabling us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.