2 Chronicles 8:6

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

And Baalath {H1191}, and all the store {H4543} cities {H5892} that Solomon {H8010} had, and all the chariot {H7393} cities {H5892}, and the cities {H5892} of the horsemen {H6571}, and all that Solomon {H8010} desired {H2836}{H2837} to build {H1129} in Jerusalem {H3389}, and in Lebanon {H3844}, and throughout all the land {H776} of his dominion {H4475}.

Ba'alat; and all the cities that Shlomo had for storing supplies, all the cities for his chariots, the cities for his horsemen, and all the other buildings Shlomo wanted to build in Yerushalayim, in the L'vanon and throughout the land he ruled.

as well as Baalath, all the store cities that belonged to Solomon, and all the cities for his chariots and horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion.

and Baalath, and all the store-cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:6 elaborates on the extensive building projects undertaken by King Solomon, showcasing the immense wealth, power, and strategic vision of his reign. This verse highlights not only the scale of his construction but also the breadth of his dominion.

Context

This verse is part of a section in 2 Chronicles (and paralleled in 1 Kings 9:17-19) that details Solomon's activities after the completion of the Temple and his own palace. Having dedicated seven years to the Temple and thirteen to his royal residence, Solomon then embarked on a vast program of national infrastructure. These projects were crucial for consolidating his kingdom's power, improving logistics, and strengthening its military capabilities. The mention of "Baalath" (likely modern-day Baalbek or a site in Dan) alongside Jerusalem and Lebanon indicates the wide geographical spread of his influence and building efforts.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Grandeur and Prosperity: The sheer number and variety of cities built—store cities, chariot cities, and cities for horsemen—underscore the unparalleled wealth and resources at Solomon's disposal, a direct result of his divinely blessed wisdom and prosperity.
  • Strategic Infrastructure: These cities served vital purposes. "Store cities" (Hebrew: arei hammiskenot) were centers for storing provisions, weapons, and other goods, essential for national stability and military readiness. "Chariot cities" and "cities of the horsemen" were military garrisons, strategically placed to protect trade routes and borders, reflecting the advanced military technology of the time.
  • Fulfillment of Desire: The phrase "all that Solomon desired to build" emphasizes the king's ambitious vision and his ability to bring every one of his grand architectural plans to fruition. It speaks to a period of peace and prosperity that allowed for such extensive development.
  • Extent of Dominion: The construction "throughout all the land of his dominion" highlights the vast territorial control and administrative reach of Solomon's empire, extending from Jerusalem into the northern regions and beyond.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "store cities" (עָרֵי הַמִּסְכְּנֹת - arei hammiskenot) literally means "cities of treasuries" or "cities of storehouses." This term emphasizes their function as logistical hubs for the kingdom, crucial for managing resources and supporting the military. The detailed listing of these specialized cities—for chariots, horsemen, and storage—paints a picture of a highly organized and advanced state.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the human capacity for grand achievement and the desire to build and leave a legacy. Solomon's extensive building program, while a testament to his power, also serves as a backdrop for later biblical narratives that question the ultimate value of earthly achievements. While we are called to be good stewards of our resources and talents, the New Testament encourages us to focus on building a spiritual legacy that endures, rather than solely on temporary, physical structures. As Solomon himself later reflected in Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, even the grandest earthly works can ultimately prove to be "vanity and vexation of spirit."

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:2

    He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof [was] an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:4

    I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

  • 1 Kings 10:26

    And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:14

    And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Kings 9:18

    And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,

  • 1 Kings 9:19

    And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:8

    ¶ Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
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