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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 1 verses 1–12
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.
You also therefore should ask nothing worldly, but all things spiritual, and you will surely receive. For so Solomon, because he asked what he ought, behold, how quickly he received. Two things now, you see, should be in one who prays: asking earnestly and asking what he ought, “since you too,” said he, “though you are parents, wait for your children to ask; and if they should ask of you anything inexpedient, you refuse the gifts; just as, if it be expedient, you consent and bestow it.” Do you too, considering these things, not withdraw until you receive; until you have found, do not retire; do not relax your diligence until the door is opened. For if you approach with this mind and say, “Except I receive, I will not depart,” you will surely receive, provided you ask such things as are both suitable for him of whom you asked to give and expedient for you the petitioner. But what are these? To seek the things spiritual, all of them; to forgive them who have trespassed, and so to draw near asking forgiveness; “to lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting.” If we thus ask, we shall receive. As it is, surely our asking is a mockery and the act of drunken rather than of sober people.“What then,” said one, “if I ask even spiritual things, and do not receive?” You did not surely knock with earnestness; or you made yourself unworthy to receive; or did quickly stop asking.
“And wherefore,” it may be inquired, “did he not say, what things we ought to ask”? No, truly, he has mentioned them all in what precedes and has signified for what things we ought to draw near. Do not say, then, “I drew near and did not receive.” For in no case is it owing to God that we receive not, God who loves us so much as to surpass even parents, to surpass them as far as goodness does this evil nature.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:7 records a profoundly significant divine encounter where God sovereignly appeared to King Solomon, immediately following his grand act of worship and sacrifice at Gibeon. This pivotal moment initiates a direct dialogue, as God extends an extraordinary and open-ended invitation to Solomon, urging him to "Ask what I shall give thee." This divine query sets the stage for the young king's renowned request for wisdom, which would profoundly shape his reign, lead to the construction of the magnificent Temple, and ultimately define his legacy as a monarch blessed with unparalleled insight and prosperity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its theological and narrative weight. There is a clear use of Juxtaposition, contrasting the grand, public spectacle of Solomon's thousand burnt offerings described in the preceding verse with the intimate, private, and direct encounter between God and Solomon that occurs "in that night." This contrast effectively highlights the personal and responsive nature of God's engagement with genuine devotion. The phrase "Ask what I shall give thee" functions as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, building dramatic tension and anticipation as the reader, already familiar with the broader narrative, awaits Solomon's renowned response—his request for wisdom. This open-ended invitation also serves as a profound Divine Test, probing the king's deepest desires and priorities at a critical juncture in his reign. Furthermore, the description of God "appearing" and "speaking" to Solomon, while conveying the reality of the encounter, can also be understood as a form of Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like actions and forms of communication to God to convey the tangible and direct nature of His interaction with humanity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's active and intimate involvement in human affairs, particularly in response to sincere worship and seeking. It reveals a God who is not distant or aloof but intimately engaged, ready to bless, empower, and even test those whom He calls to positions of leadership and responsibility. The "blank check" invitation underscores God's boundless generosity and His desire for humanity to approach Him with bold, faith-filled requests, trusting in His infinite capacity and willingness to provide. Theologically, it highlights the profound principle that God often responds to our devotion and humble dependence by opening doors of extraordinary opportunity, testing the true alignment of our hearts, and inviting us to align our personal desires with His overarching kingdom purposes. Solomon's subsequent wise choice for wisdom, rather than transient material gain or military might, serves as a timeless paradigm for prioritizing spiritual insight and divine guidance above all else.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine encounter recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:7 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. Just as God appeared to Solomon in direct response to his earnest worship and seeking, so too does God draw near to those who seek Him with sincere and devoted hearts. This verse challenges us to deeply consider the nature and motivation of our own prayers: are they primarily driven by self-interest and temporal desires, or do they genuinely reflect a profound desire for God's wisdom, His kingdom, and His will to be paramount in our lives? God's open-ended invitation to Solomon serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible, unhindered access we have to God through prayer, inviting us to ask boldly, yet not presumptuously, but with unwavering faith in His benevolent character and boundless generosity. It compels us to examine our deepest priorities, prompting us to honestly ask ourselves what we would truly request if given such an extraordinary opportunity, and whether our most cherished desires align with God's perfect will for our individual lives and for the advancement of His purposes in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God appear to Solomon at Gibeon and not Jerusalem?
Answer: At the time of this divine encounter, Jerusalem had not yet become the exclusive and fully established center of Israelite worship with the completed Temple. Gibeon was a highly significant "high place," serving as the legitimate and prominent site where the Tabernacle of Moses and the bronze altar were still located (2 Chronicles 1:3-5). It was the recognized and appropriate venue for large-scale sacrifices and public worship. God, in His sovereignty, chose to meet Solomon precisely where he was diligently seeking Him, according to the established and legitimate practices of the time, thereby validating both Solomon's profound devotion and the sacredness of the location prior to the Temple's eventual completion in Jerusalem.
Is this appearance a literal physical manifestation or a dream?
Answer: While the parallel account in 1 Kings 3:5 explicitly states that God appeared to Solomon "in a dream," 2 Chronicles 1:7 emphasizes the directness, reality, and undeniable impact of the divine encounter. The Hebrew verb nir'ah (נִרְאָה), translated "appear," signifies a clear, discernible manifestation of God's presence. Whether experienced within the context of a dream, a vision, or a waking encounter, it was unequivocally a genuine, personal, and undeniable communication from God to Solomon. Both biblical accounts affirm the authenticity, profundity, and transformative impact of God's direct interaction with the young king, regardless of the precise mode of divine revelation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine invitation extended to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1:7, "Ask what I shall give thee," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon's subsequent and wise request for wisdom profoundly foreshadows Christ, who is not merely wise but is the very embodiment and source of divine wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). God's boundless, open-ended generosity to Solomon points to the infinitely greater, limitless grace, and perfect provision offered to humanity through Christ's atoning work on the cross. In Christ, believers are not merely given a "blank check" for earthly desires, but are eternally "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). The direct access Solomon had to God for a specific request is infinitely surpassed by the intimate and constant access believers now have to the Father through Jesus, the Great High Priest. Christ Himself extends an even more profound invitation, urging us to "ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you, if you abide in me, and my words abide in you" (John 15:7). Through Christ, we are invited to approach "the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16), experiencing a new covenantal relationship far surpassing Solomon's, grounded in the perfect wisdom, ultimate sacrifice, and eternal intercession of the Lamb of God.