2 Chronicles 8:3

KJV

And Solomon went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} went {H3212} to Hamathzobah {H2578}, and prevailed {H2388} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Shlomo attacked Hamat-Tzovah and defeated it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it.

American Standard Version

And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 8:3 records King Solomon's strategic assertion of authority over Hamathzobah, a significant region to Israel's north. This concise verse highlights not only Solomon's expansive dominion and military prowess, often overshadowed by his wisdom and peaceful reign, but also his proactive measures to secure the kingdom's borders and vital trade routes, thereby contributing to the unparalleled prosperity and stability characteristic of his era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader summary of King Solomon's administrative and building achievements following the completion and dedication of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and his own royal palace, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 7:11](/2_chronicles/7-11 "2 Chronicles 7:11 - Solomon's Completed Work and God's Response"). The Chronicler, having emphasized Solomon's devotion to God through the Temple project, now shifts focus to the practical outworking of his divinely blessed reign. Verses 1-2 of chapter 8 provide a summary of Solomon's building projects, including cities given by Hiram, while verses 4-6 continue to list his various fortifications and store cities. The mention of Hamathzobah here serves as an important interjection, demonstrating the geographical reach and security measures that underpinned the kingdom's internal peace and prosperity. It underscores that Solomon's reign was not merely passive peace but actively maintained through strategic control.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hamathzobah refers to the region of Hamath and Zobah, two prominent Aramean kingdoms located in what is modern-day Syria, far to the north of Israel. Zobah, in particular, had been a powerful adversary to Israel in previous eras, notably under King David (cf. [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David Defeats Hadadezer, King of Zobah")). Solomon's action against Hamathzobah was not necessarily a large-scale military campaign but rather a decisive assertion of suzerainty or control, likely through a combination of military pressure and strategic diplomacy. This region was crucial for controlling lucrative trade routes that ran north-south, connecting Mesopotamia with Egypt and the Mediterranean coast. By "prevailing" against Hamathzobah, Solomon secured Israel's northern frontier, eliminated potential threats, and ensured the free flow of goods and tribute, which was vital for the immense wealth and stability of his kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader Solomonic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Solomon's Dominion and Strength**, reminding readers that his reign, while primarily known for wisdom and peace, was also backed by the necessary military and political power to maintain control over a vast empire. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's blessing upon his kingship. Secondly, it underscores the **Expansion of Israel's Influence and Territory**, illustrating how Solomon's kingdom reached its greatest geographical extent, fulfilling in part the ancient promises of God regarding the boundaries of the land given to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham and the Promised Land Boundaries")). This expansion was crucial for the [vast dominion Solomon held](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24 - Solomon's Dominion from the River to the Land of the Philistines and to the Border of Egypt"). Lastly, the action against Hamathzobah emphasizes the theme of **Securing Borders and Prosperity**. By neutralizing a potential northern threat and controlling key trade arteries, Solomon ensured the peace and economic flourishing that characterized his golden age, allowing him to focus on internal development and the spiritual life of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prevailed (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (_chazaq_) means "to be strong," "to seize," "to hold fast," "to strengthen," or "to prevail." In this context, it signifies a decisive and successful assertion of authority or control. It implies that Solomon did not merely visit Hamathzobah but established his dominion over it, either through military conquest, forced submission, or a powerful diplomatic maneuver backed by military might. The outcome was that Hamathzobah was brought under Israelite influence, ensuring stability and preventing it from posing a threat to Solomon's kingdom or its trade routes. This word conveys a sense of firm, unyielding power and successful execution of a strategic objective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon went to Hamathzobah":** This phrase indicates a deliberate and purposeful action on Solomon's part. "Went" (וַיֵּלֶךְ, _vayyelekh_) suggests a journey with a specific objective, implying either Solomon himself led an expedition or, more likely, dispatched his forces or representatives with a clear mandate. The destination, Hamathzobah, highlights the strategic importance of this northern region, indicating that Solomon's administrative and security concerns extended far beyond the immediate borders of Israel, reaching into areas vital for regional stability and trade.
* **"and prevailed against it":** This clause describes the successful outcome of Solomon's engagement with Hamathzobah. The use of "prevailed" (וַיֶּחֱזַק, _vayyeḥĕzaq_ from _chazaq_) underscores the decisive nature of the action. It implies that Solomon overcame any resistance or established his authority firmly, bringing the region under his control or influence. This outcome was crucial for securing the northern frontier, ensuring the safety of trade routes, and contributing to the overall peace and prosperity of his vast kingdom. It signifies the successful extension of Israelite power and the effective consolidation of Solomon's empire.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account of Solomon's action in 2 Chronicles 8:3 employs **Narrative Economy** and **Understatement**. The verse is remarkably concise, summarizing a significant military or political achievement in a single, brief statement. Unlike the detailed accounts of David's campaigns, the Chronicler chooses to present Solomon's "prevailing" against Hamathzobah without elaborate descriptions of battles or negotiations. This brevity serves to emphasize the ease and completeness of Solomon's authority and the divine favor that attended his reign. It suggests that Solomon's power was so formidable, and his reign so blessed, that such a vital strategic objective could be achieved with minimal narrative effort, highlighting the peace and stability that were the hallmarks of his era rather than the means by which they were achieved. The swift declaration of "prevailed against it" also functions as a **Statement of Fact**, presenting Solomon's dominion as an established reality rather than a contested struggle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's action in 2 Chronicles 8:3, though seemingly a mere military footnote, carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates the practical outworking of God's covenant promises to Israel concerning the extent of their land and the prosperity of their king. While Solomon's reign is often idealized as one of peace and wisdom, this verse reminds us that divine blessing also empowered him to exercise necessary strength and strategic governance to secure the kingdom. It illustrates that true peace often requires the establishment and maintenance of secure boundaries, both physical and spiritual. This proactive securing of borders ensured the stability required for the flourishing of the Temple worship and the nation's spiritual and economic life.

* [1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Solomon's Dominion from the River to the Land of the Philistines and to the Border of Egypt")
* [Psalm 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "Psalm 72:8 - A Prayer for the King's Righteous Reign and Dominion")
* [Deuteronomy 11:24](/deuteronomy/11-24 "Deuteronomy 11:24 - Every Place on which the Sole of Your Foot Treads Shall Be Yours")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's strategic "prevailing" against Hamathzobah offers a powerful lesson on the importance of actively securing and maintaining boundaries for well-being and flourishing. In our spiritual lives, this translates to the need for vigilance and decisive action against influences that threaten our peace, faith, or integrity. Just as Solomon ensured the security of his kingdom, believers are called to "prevail" against spiritual opposition by standing firm in the truth, relying on God's strength, and discerningly protecting their spiritual and personal spheres. This might involve setting healthy boundaries in relationships, guarding our minds against ungodly influences, or actively resisting temptations. Even in times of apparent peace and prosperity, this verse reminds us that spiritual diligence and courageous action are often necessary to preserve the blessings God has given us and to maintain order in our lives and communities. It's a call to proactive faith, not passive resignation, in the face of challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Hamathzobahs" (areas of spiritual or personal vulnerability) might God be calling you to address with wisdom and strength today?**
* **How does relying on God's strength empower you to "prevail" over obstacles and establish spiritual order in your life?**
* **In what ways can we proactively secure our spiritual "borders" to protect the peace and blessings God has given us?**

### FAQ
**Why is a military action like this mentioned in a book that often emphasizes Solomon's peace and wisdom?**

Answer: While Solomon's reign is celebrated for its unprecedented peace and wisdom, 2 Chronicles 8:3 serves as a crucial reminder that this peace was not merely a passive state but was actively secured and maintained through strategic governance and, when necessary, the assertion of military or political power. The Chronicler highlights this action to demonstrate the full extent of God's blessing on Solomon, which enabled him to not only build the Temple and rule wisely but also to consolidate and protect his vast kingdom. By "prevailing" against Hamathzobah, Solomon secured vital northern trade routes and eliminated potential threats, thereby creating the very conditions of stability and prosperity for which his reign is remembered. This verse underscores that true peace often requires strength and vigilance, ensuring that the kingdom's borders were secure and its wealth could flow unimpeded, as also implied by the vastness of [Solomon's dominion](/1_kings/4-24 "Solomon's Dominion and Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's "prevailing" against Hamathzobah, emblematic of his earthly dominion and the security he brought to Israel, ultimately points to the far greater and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon, the son of David, established a kingdom of peace through wisdom and strength, securing physical borders and ensuring prosperity. However, his reign was temporary, and his peace was always vulnerable. Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised Messiah, is the ultimate King who "prevailed" not against an earthly kingdom, but against the cosmic powers of sin, death, and the devil. His victory was achieved not through military might, but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, triumphing over spiritual adversaries (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The peace and security Solomon brought were limited; the peace Christ offers is eternal and spiritual, a reign over hearts and lives that knows no bounds (prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Prince of Peace and His Everlasting Kingdom")). Just as Solomon secured the physical promised land, Christ establishes an everlasting spiritual kingdom, liberating His people from bondage and leading them into an eternal inheritance. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has "prevailed" to open the scroll ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah Has Prevailed")). His dominion is not merely over a region, but over all creation, an eternal reign of righteousness and peace.

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 Chronicles 18:3

And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

Numbers 34:8

From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

1 Kings 11:23

And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

1 Kings 11:25

And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad [did]: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Numbers 13:21

¶ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

2 Samuel 8:3

David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.