2 Chronicles 8:1

¶ And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of twenty {H6242} years {H8141}, wherein Solomon {H8010} had built {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and his own house {H1004},

At the end of twenty years, during which time Shlomo had built the house of ADONAI and his own palace,

Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own palace,

And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of Jehovah, and his own house,

Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:1 marks a significant chronological point in the reign of King Solomon, summarizing the completion of his two most monumental building projects: the Temple of the LORD and his own royal palace. This verse serves as a transition point, looking back at the extensive construction period before detailing Solomon's further administrative and building activities.

Context

This verse immediately follows a recap of God's reaffirmation of His covenant with Solomon after the dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:11-22). The "twenty years" mentioned here encompass the seven years it took to build the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:38) and the subsequent thirteen years dedicated to constructing his elaborate royal palace complex (1 Kings 7:1). This lengthy period highlights the immense scale of resources, labor, and vision involved in these undertakings, which transformed Jerusalem into a grand capital and solidified Solomon's reign. The parallel account in 1 Kings 9:10 confirms this precise timeframe.

Key Themes

  • Completion and Fulfillment: The verse signifies the successful conclusion of Solomon's primary architectural endeavors, particularly the fulfillment of David's vision to build a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people.
  • Dedication and Stewardship: Solomon's commitment to building the Temple first underscores his initial dedication to God, followed by the construction of his personal residence. This sequence reflects a prioritization, though the combined duration emphasizes the vastness of his responsibilities and resources.
  • Solomon's Grandeur: The completion of these structures cemented Solomon's reputation for immense wealth, power, and divinely-granted wisdom, which allowed him to oversee such monumental projects.
  • Historical Marker: This twenty-year mark serves as a crucial chronological anchor for understanding the subsequent events of Solomon's reign, which shift from primary construction to administration, defense, and trade.

Significance and Application

This verse, while seemingly a simple chronological statement, carries profound significance. It reminds us of:

  • The Value of Long-Term Vision: Great achievements, especially those for God's glory, often require sustained effort over many years. Solomon's building projects were not quick endeavors but the result of decades of planning and execution.
  • Prioritizing God's Work: The order of construction (Temple first, then palace) offers a principle of prioritizing spiritual foundations before personal comforts or ambitions. While Solomon's later life saw some deviation, this initial dedication is noteworthy.
  • Stewardship of Resources: Solomon was entrusted with immense wealth and wisdom, which he initially directed towards establishing a central place of worship and a stable kingdom. This prompts reflection on how we steward the resources, talents, and time God has given us.

In essence, 2 Chronicles 8:1 closes a chapter on Solomon's foundational building era, setting the stage for the next phase of his illustrious, yet ultimately complex, reign.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 9:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the LORD, and the king's house,

  • 1 Kings 9:28 (2 votes)

    And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought [it] to king Solomon.