2 Chronicles 8:10

KJV

And these [were] the chief of king Solomon's officers, [even] two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these were the chief {H8269} of king {H4428} Solomon's {H8010} officers {H5324}{H5333}, even two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}, that bare rule {H7287} over the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo had 250 chief officers in charge of the people.

Berean Standard Bible

They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.

American Standard Version

And these were the chief officers of king Solomon, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 8:10 provides a concise yet significant detail about King Solomon's extensive and well-organized administration, specifically identifying two hundred and fifty chief officers who were entrusted with direct governance over the people. This verse highlights the practical outworking of Solomon's divinely granted wisdom in establishing a robust and efficient system of delegated authority, essential for managing the vast and prosperous kingdom that God had blessed. It underscores the importance of structured leadership in maintaining order, ensuring justice, and facilitating the effective functioning of a thriving nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 2 Chronicles 8 that details King Solomon's post-Temple and palace construction activities. Following the magnificent dedication of the Temple and the completion of his own royal residence, Solomon turned his attention to consolidating his kingdom's infrastructure and administrative framework. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 8:1-9) describe his building projects in various cities, his dealings with foreign labor, and the distinction between the Israelite workforce and the non-Israelite laborers. Verse 10 specifically shifts focus from the physical construction to the human organization, identifying a core group of Israelite leaders responsible for the direct governance of the populace, a crucial element in maintaining the stability and order of the kingdom after such massive undertakings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked a zenith of Israelite power and prosperity, necessitating a sophisticated administrative apparatus to manage its expanded territories, economic ventures, and diverse population. In the ancient Near East, large empires relied heavily on delegated authority to maintain control and collect resources across vast regions. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom ([1 Kings 4:29](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29 - Solomon's Wisdom")), applied this divine gift not only to judicial matters but also to the practicalities of governance. The establishment of a clear hierarchy of officers, distinct from military or cultic officials, was a common practice in well-organized monarchies, ensuring that the king's authority was effectively extended throughout the land and that the people were properly managed.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Effective Governance:** The presence of these chief officers underscores Solomon's commitment to and success in establishing a highly organized and efficient governmental system. This reflects the practical application of his wisdom, demonstrating that divine blessing often manifests through diligent human organization and wise leadership. A well-structured administration was vital for managing the kingdom's vast resources, maintaining internal order, and executing the king's decrees, all contributing to the nation's stability and prosperity.
* **Delegated Authority:** The mention of "chief of King Solomon's officers" who "bare rule over the people" highlights the critical principle of delegation. Solomon, as the supreme ruler, understood that effective leadership in a large kingdom required entrusting significant authority and responsibility to capable individuals. These 250 individuals were not mere supervisors but high-ranking administrators empowered to govern various segments of the populace, ensuring that the king's reach extended to every corner of the land.
* **National Organization:** This verse contributes to the Chronicler's broader portrayal of Solomon's reign as an era of unparalleled order and divine favor. The meticulous detail concerning the administrative structure emphasizes the scale of Solomon's kingdom and the necessity of a robust, well-organized leadership to manage a thriving nation. This organizational prowess allowed for the smooth functioning of society, the efficient collection of taxes, the administration of justice, and the overall maintenance of the kingdom's well-being, reflecting God's blessing on a people living in ordered community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief (Hebrew, _sar'_):** This term (שָׂר) is frequently translated as "prince," "chief," "leader," or "official." It denotes a person of high rank, authority, and often, military or administrative command. In this context, it signifies that these 250 individuals were not minor functionaries but prominent figures within Solomon's governmental hierarchy, holding positions of significant influence and power directly under the king.
* **Officers (Hebrew, _netsibim'_):** The word (נְצִיבִים) refers to "appointed ones," "governors," or "prefects." It implies individuals who have been specifically designated or stationed to a position of authority, often over a particular district or function. When combined with _sar_, "chief officers" indicates a group of highly placed, appointed administrators who were entrusted with specific responsibilities in governing the kingdom, rather than merely overseeing labor or military matters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [were] the chief of king Solomon's officers":** This clause introduces a specific group of high-ranking officials directly serving King Solomon. The term "chief officers" emphasizes their elevated status and their close association with the monarch's authority, indicating that they were key figures in the royal administration, distinct from other categories of supervisors or laborers.
* **"[even] two hundred and fifty":** This precise number specifies the size of this particular group of administrators. While other texts (e.g., [1 Kings 9:23](/1_kings/9-23 "1 Kings 9:23 - Solomon's Chief Officers")) mention a larger number of chief officers, this figure likely refers to a specific, perhaps elite or higher-ranking, subset of Israelite officials within Solomon's complex governmental structure, highlighting their distinct role.
* **"that bare rule over the people":** This final clause clearly defines the primary function of these 250 officers. Their role was not merely advisory or supervisory, but involved direct governance and administration over the general populace. This indicates their significant delegated authority in managing the affairs of the people, from justice to taxation, ensuring the smooth operation of the kingdom across its territories.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of 2 Chronicles 8:10 employs several literary devices. **Enumeration** is evident in the specific mention of "two hundred and fifty" officers, which lends a sense of precision and order to the description of Solomon's administration. This numerical detail contributes to the Chronicler's overall portrayal of Solomon's reign as a period of meticulous organization and prosperity, reflecting divine blessing. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the structured nature of Solomon's kingdom and the effective delegation of authority, which was crucial for managing a realm of such magnitude. The implied **Intertextuality** with the parallel account in [1 Kings 9:23](/1_kings/9-23 "1 Kings 9:23 - Solomon's Chief Officers"), which mentions 550 chief officers, invites the reader to consider the complementary perspectives of the two historical accounts, suggesting different classifications or focuses within Solomon's complex bureaucracy rather than a contradiction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The administrative structure described in 2 Chronicles 8:10 reflects a profound theological principle: God is a God of order, and wise governance is a manifestation of His character and blessing. Solomon's ability to establish such an efficient system was a direct result of the wisdom God had granted him, demonstrating that divine wisdom is not merely for spiritual insight but also for practical, earthly administration. The delegation of authority, as seen here, is a recurring biblical theme, illustrating that effective leadership often involves empowering others to share in responsibility, thereby extending the reach and impact of governance. This principle ensures that the burdens of leadership are distributed, and the well-being of the people is more effectively managed, reflecting a divine pattern for human organization.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Moses' Delegation of Authority")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's administrative structure in 2 Chronicles 8:10 offers timeless lessons on leadership, organization, and the wise delegation of authority. In any endeavor, whether a family, a business, a community organization, or a church, the principles of clear structure, empowered leadership, and entrusted responsibility are vital for achieving collective goals and maintaining well-being. This verse reminds us that even divinely blessed undertakings require human diligence and strategic organization. Effective leadership involves not only vision but also the practical wisdom to select capable individuals, equip them, and empower them to "bare rule" within their designated spheres. When authority is wisely delegated and responsibilities are clearly defined, it fosters efficiency, accountability, and the flourishing of the community, reflecting God's own character as a God of order and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of delegated authority in Solomon's kingdom apply to leadership structures in our churches or organizations today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals, contribute to order and efficient management within our spheres of influence, reflecting God's character?**
* **What qualities should we look for when entrusting others with significant responsibility, whether in spiritual or secular contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why does 2 Chronicles 8:10 mention 250 officers, while 1 Kings 9:23 mentions 550?**

Answer: The apparent discrepancy between 2 Chronicles 8:10 (250 officers) and [1 Kings 9:23](/1_kings/9-23 "1 Kings 9:23 - Solomon's Chief Officers") (550 officers) is best understood not as a contradiction, but as a difference in classification or focus. The Chronicler often provides a specific perspective or highlights particular aspects of Solomon's reign relevant to his theological agenda. It is widely believed that the 250 officers mentioned in 2 Chronicles 8:10 refer to a specific, perhaps higher-ranking, subset of Israelite "chief officers" who were directly responsible for "ruling over the people," indicating their administrative authority over the general populace. In contrast, the 550 officers in 1 Kings 9:23 might represent a broader category of all chief officers, possibly including those who were foremen over the non-Israelite laborers (as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Non-Israelite Laborers") and [1 Kings 9:22](/1_kings/9-22 "1 Kings 9:22 - Non-Israelite Laborers")), or those overseeing specific building projects. Both accounts are complementary, offering different but consistent insights into the vast and complex administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 8:10 details the earthly administration of King Solomon, it subtly points forward to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingdom, though divinely blessed and meticulously organized, was ultimately temporary and imperfect, prone to human failings and eventual division. It serves as a shadow of the ultimate, perfectly ordered kingdom of God, administered by the true King, Jesus Christ. Just as Solomon delegated authority to his chief officers to "bare rule over the people," so too does Christ, the supreme head of the church, delegate authority to His disciples and to those He calls to lead within His spiritual kingdom ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). He is the true "Chief Officer" who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy")), and His rule is not limited to a geographical kingdom but extends over all creation and over the hearts of His people. The order and peace of Solomon's reign, facilitated by his wise administration, foreshadow the perfect justice, righteousness, and eternal peace that characterize Christ's everlasting kingdom, where He will truly "rule over all peoples, nations, and languages" ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")), establishing an administration that will never end ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 5:16

Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which [were] over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

2 Chronicles 2:18

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

1 Kings 9:23

These [were] the chief of the officers that [were] over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.