2 Chronicles 8:6

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
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.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
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.
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World English Bible Messianic
and Baalath, and all the storage 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.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Also Baalath, and al the cities of store that Salomon had, and all the charet cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and euery pleasant place that Salomon had a minde to builde in Ierusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the lande of his dominion.
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Young's Literal Translation
and Baalath, and all the cities of store that Solomon had, and all the cities of the chariot, and the cities of the horsemen, and all the desire of Solomon that he desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
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See also
1 Kings 7:2Ecclesiastes 2:41 Kings 10:262 Chronicles 1:141 Kings 9:181 Kings 9:19Song of Solomon 4:8
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Solomon’s Building Projects
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In the KJVVerse 11,353 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Chronicles 8:6 details the vast scope of King Solomon's national building program, encompassing the construction or fortification of strategic locations like Baalath, numerous store cities, and specialized chariot and cavalry garrisons. This verse underscores the immense wealth, administrative prowess, and military foresight of Solomon's reign, showcasing his ability to realize grand architectural ambitions across the breadth of his expansive dominion, from Jerusalem to Lebanon and beyond, solidifying his kingdom's infrastructure and power.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (8:1-10) that chronicles Solomon's extensive activities after the completion and dedication of the Temple and his own royal palace, which together consumed twenty years (2 Chronicles 8:1). Having established the central religious and governmental structures, Solomon then turned his attention to consolidating his kingdom's power and infrastructure. This passage details his building projects, including the rebuilding of cities given to him by Hiram, King of Tyre (2 Chronicles 8:2), and the construction of new strategic centers. The specific mention of Baalath and various types of cities in verse 6 highlights the geographical and functional diversity of these endeavors, moving from the sacred and royal to the practical and military aspects of his reign. This account parallels the narrative found in 1 Kings 9:17-19.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, allowing for such massive public works. In the ancient Near East, control over trade routes, military strength, and efficient resource management were critical for maintaining a powerful kingdom. "Store cities" (Hebrew: arei hammiskenot) were vital logistical hubs, serving as collection points for taxes (often in kind, like grain or oil), military provisions, and administrative centers. "Chariot cities" and "cities of the horsemen" were strategic garrisons for Solomon's formidable military, which included a large force of chariots and cavalry, a significant development for Israel (compare 1 Kings 10:26-29). The mention of Lebanon points to the source of valuable timber for his projects and the northern reach of his influence, while Jerusalem remained the administrative and spiritual heart. These projects reflect a highly organized state capable of mobilizing vast resources and labor, often through conscripted foreign labor (2 Chronicles 8:7-9).
  • Key Themes: The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the narrative of Solomon's reign in 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights Solomon's Grandeur and Prosperity, showcasing the immense wealth and resources at his disposal, which were a direct fulfillment of God's promise of wisdom and riches (as seen in 1 Kings 3:13). Secondly, it emphasizes Strategic Infrastructure and Military Power. The construction of store cities, chariot cities, and cities for horsemen was not merely for show but served crucial practical purposes: ensuring national stability, facilitating trade, and projecting military strength across his vast territory. These were essential components of a well-organized empire. Thirdly, the phrase "all that Solomon desired to build" underscores the theme of Fulfillment of Royal Ambition. It portrays a king whose vision and will were fully realized, operating in a period of peace that allowed for extensive development, reflecting a divinely enabled capacity to achieve his grand plans. Finally, the mention of building "throughout all the land of his dominion" reinforces the theme of the Extent of Solomon's Dominion, signifying the vast territorial control and administrative reach of his empire, extending from the heartland of Judah to the northern borders and beyond.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Baalath (Hebrew, Baʻălâth', H1191): As a specific place name, Baalath's exact location is debated, though it is generally identified with a strategic site. The Strong's definition "mistressship; Baalath, a place in Palestine" suggests a site of significant control or prominence. Some scholars connect it to Baalbek (Heliopolis) in modern-day Lebanon, a major ancient city known for its temples and strategic location in the Beqaa Valley, which would signify Solomon's control far to the north. Others suggest a site closer to Dan or in the tribal territory of Naphtali. Regardless of its precise identification, its inclusion in this list alongside Jerusalem and Lebanon signifies its importance as a key fortified city or administrative center within Solomon's extensive network of building projects, indicating a strategic outpost or a significant point of control.
  • Store (Hebrew, miçkᵉnâh', H4543): This word, referring to "store-house" or "magazine," indicates the nature of the "store cities." These were not merely storage facilities but multifunctional logistical hubs. They served as collection points for agricultural produce (taxes in kind), military supplies (weapons, provisions), and administrative centers for regional governance. Their existence indicates a highly organized and centralized economic system designed to support the kingdom's infrastructure, military, and royal court. They were crucial for national security and economic stability.
  • Dominion (Hebrew, memshâlâh', H4475): Derived from a root meaning "to rule" or "to have authority," this term emphasizes the vastness and completeness of Solomon's control. The Strong's definition includes "rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler; dominion, government, power." It signifies not just the geographical extent of his kingdom but also the administrative and political authority he wielded over it. The building projects described in this verse served as tangible manifestations of this dominion, demonstrating his power and ability to shape the physical landscape of his empire according to his will.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Baalath": This opening phrase immediately introduces one specific, significant city that was part of Solomon's extensive building program. Its placement at the beginning of the list, alongside general categories of cities, suggests its particular importance, whether for strategic, economic, or administrative reasons, within his vast network of construction.
  • "and all the store cities that Solomon had": This clause refers to the numerous cities specifically designed and utilized for the storage of goods, provisions, and military supplies. The phrase "that Solomon had" emphasizes that these were under his direct control and part of his national infrastructure, vital for supporting his administration, military, and economic endeavors.
  • "and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen": These phrases denote specialized military garrisons. "Chariot cities" were fortified centers where Solomon's large chariot forces were stationed, maintained, and trained. Similarly, "cities of the horsemen" housed his cavalry units. The distinction highlights the advanced and diversified nature of Solomon's military, which relied heavily on these mobile and powerful units for defense, projection of power, and control of trade routes.
  • "and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion": This sweeping statement encapsulates the boundless ambition and successful execution of Solomon's architectural vision. "All that Solomon desired to build" indicates that his plans were fully realized. The geographical scope—from the capital Jerusalem, to the northern regions like Lebanon (important for timber and trade), and extending "throughout all the land of his dominion"—underscores the comprehensive nature and vast territorial reach of his building projects, solidifying his control and leaving a lasting physical imprint on his empire.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices to convey the grandeur and scope of Solomon's building achievements. Enumeration and Listing are prominent, as the verse meticulously itemizes various types of cities and geographical locations ("Baalath, and all the store cities... and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon"). This extensive cataloging emphasizes the sheer volume and diversity of his projects. The repeated use of "and all" creates a sense of Accumulation and Totality, suggesting that no corner of his kingdom or aspect of his ambition was left untouched. The phrase "all that Solomon desired to build" borders on Hyperbole, conveying the idea of boundless aspiration and the king's seemingly limitless capacity to bring his every vision to fruition. Furthermore, the mention of specific geographical points like "Jerusalem" and "Lebanon" followed by the encompassing "throughout all the land of his dominion" serves as a form of Merism, where two extremes represent the whole, effectively illustrating the vast geographical reach of his empire and the pervasive nature of his building activities.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, detailing Solomon's vast building projects, serves as a powerful testament to the earthly glory and prosperity granted to him by God, a direct fulfillment of the divine promise (e.g., 1 Kings 3:13). It highlights the peak of Israel's national power and influence under a divinely appointed king. However, it also subtly introduces themes that will later be critiqued within the biblical narrative. While impressive, these earthly achievements, particularly the accumulation of chariots and horses, and the vast wealth, stand in tension with the Deuteronomic warnings against kings multiplying horses, wives, and silver and gold (e.g., Deuteronomy 17:16-17). The passage, therefore, prompts reflection on the nature of human ambition, the stewardship of divinely bestowed resources, and the ultimate value of earthly accomplishments in the light of God's eternal purposes. It sets the stage for the later decline of Solomon's reign, where his focus on personal grandeur and the accumulation of power eventually led to spiritual compromise and the division of the kingdom.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Solomon's extensive building program, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 8:6, stands as a monumental achievement of human ingenuity, power, and ambition, enabled by a period of divine blessing and peace. It reminds us of the human capacity to envision and construct great things, to leave a tangible legacy. Yet, the broader biblical narrative, particularly Solomon's own later reflections in Ecclesiastes, invites us to consider the ultimate value and fleeting nature of even the grandest earthly accomplishments. While we are called to be good stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities God provides, and to build up our communities and societies, this verse serves as a subtle reminder that true and lasting significance is not found solely in physical structures or accumulated wealth. Our focus should ultimately be on building a spiritual legacy, investing in what endures for eternity, and ensuring that our ambitions are aligned with God's purposes, rather than being driven by a desire for self-glory or temporary earthly dominion. As Solomon himself concluded, much of what is built under the sun can ultimately be "vanity and a chasing after wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Questions for Reflection

  • What kind of "legacy" are we primarily focused on building in our own lives—one that is earthly and temporary, or one that has eternal significance?
  • How do we balance our God-given desires for achievement and productivity with a humble recognition that true success comes from God's blessing and alignment with His will?
  • In what ways might our pursuit of grand projects or material accumulation distract us from cultivating a deeper relationship with God and investing in spiritual priorities?

FAQ

What was the significance of "store cities," "chariot cities," and "cities of the horsemen" in Solomon's kingdom?

Answer: These specialized cities were crucial components of Solomon's highly organized and powerful kingdom. "Store cities" (Hebrew: arei hammiskenot) served as central depots for collecting and distributing agricultural produce (often as taxes), military supplies, and other goods, vital for the kingdom's economic stability and logistical support. They were administrative hubs for managing resources. "Chariot cities" and "cities of the horsemen" were military garrisons strategically located throughout the kingdom. They housed Solomon's formidable chariot forces and cavalry units, which were the cutting edge of ancient Near Eastern military technology. These cities allowed Solomon to project power, protect trade routes, and quickly respond to threats, demonstrating his military strength and control over his vast dominion, as described in 1 Kings 10:26.

Where was "Baalath" located, and why was it important?

Answer: The exact location of Baalath mentioned in 2 Chronicles 8:6 is debated among scholars. Some identify it with Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis) in modern-day Lebanon, a significant site in the Beqaa Valley, which would indicate the northernmost extent of Solomon's direct building and control. Others suggest a site within the tribal territories of Dan or Naphtali in northern Israel. Regardless of its precise geographical identification, its inclusion in this list alongside Jerusalem and Lebanon signifies its strategic importance. It was likely a key fortified city, a major administrative center, or a vital point along trade routes that Solomon deemed essential for his kingdom's security and economic prosperity. Its fortification was part of Solomon's broader effort to consolidate his power and secure his borders.

Does this verse imply that Solomon's desires were always righteous?

Answer: The phrase "all that Solomon desired to build" in 2 Chronicles 8:6 highlights Solomon's immense ambition and his divinely enabled capacity to bring his grand visions to fruition. On one hand, it speaks to a period of peace and prosperity under God's blessing, allowing for such extensive development. On the other hand, the biblical narrative, particularly in 1 Kings and later in Ecclesiastes, offers a more nuanced view of Solomon's desires. While many of his early endeavors were righteous and aimed at glorifying God (like building the Temple), his later accumulation of wealth, horses, and foreign wives (e.g., 1 Kings 11:1-8) eventually led him astray from God's commands (as outlined in Deuteronomy 17:16-17). Therefore, while this verse celebrates his achievements, it also serves as a backdrop against which the later spiritual compromises of his reign can be understood, demonstrating that even divinely blessed ambition can become misdirected.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The vast and impressive building program of King Solomon, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 8:6, serves as a powerful earthly type and shadow of the ultimate, eternal building project undertaken by Jesus Christ. Solomon, in his wisdom and glory, built a physical kingdom with store cities, chariot cities, and a vast dominion, all testifying to his power and the prosperity of his reign. However, his kingdom, for all its splendor, was temporary and ultimately flawed, as Solomon himself later succumbed to idolatry and his empire eventually fractured. In contrast, Jesus Christ, who is "greater than Solomon" (Matthew 12:42), builds a spiritual and eternal kingdom. He is the master builder of His Church, declaring, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Unlike Solomon's physical structures, Christ's building is composed of "living stones," believers who are being built up into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). His dominion is not confined to a geographical land but extends over all creation, an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away (Daniel 7:14). Solomon's desire to build was fulfilled in earthly structures; Christ's ultimate desire is to redeem and establish His eternal reign in the hearts of humanity, culminating in the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 8 verses 1–11

This we had Kg1 9:10-24, and therefore shall only observe here,

I. Though Solomon was a man of great learning and knowledge, yet he spent his days, not in contemplation, but in action, not in his study, but in his country, in building cities and fortifying them, in a time of peace preparing for a time of war, which is as much a man's business as it is in summer to provide food for winter.

II. As he was a man of business himself, and did not consult his own ease, so he employed a great many hands, kept abundance of people to work. It is the interest of a state by all means possible to promote and encourage industry, and to keep its subjects from idleness. A great many strangers there were in Israel, many that remained of the Canaanites; and they were welcome to live there, but not to live and do nothing. The men of Laish, who had no business, were an easy prey to the invaders, Jdg 18:7.

III. When Solomon had begun with building the house of God, and made good work and quick work of that, he prospered in all his undertakings, so that he built all that he desired to build, Ch2 8:6. Those who have a genius for building find that one project draws on another, and the latter must amend and improve the former. Now observe, 1. How the divine providence gratified even Solomon's humour, and gave him success, not only in all that he needed to build and that it was for his advantage to build, but in all that he had a mind to build. So indulgent a Father God is sometimes to the innocent desires of his children that serve him. Thus he pleased Jacob with that promise, Joseph shall put his hand on thy eyes. 2. Solomon knew how to set bounds to his desires. He was not one of those that enlarge them endlessly, and can never be satisfied, but knew when to draw in; for he finished all he desired, and then he desired no more. He did not sit down and fret that he had not more cities to build, as Alexander did that he had not more worlds to conquer, Hab 2:5.

IV. That one reason why Solomon built a palace on purpose for the queen, and removed her and her court to it, was because he thought it by no means proper that she should dwell in the house of David (Ch2 8:11), considering that that had been a place of great piety, and perhaps her house was a place of great vanity. She was proselyted, it is likely, to the Jewish religion; but it is a question whether all her servants were. Perhaps they had among them the idols of Egypt, and a great deal of profaneness and debauchery. Now, though Solomon had not zeal and courage enough to suppress and punish what was amiss there, yet he so far consulted the honour of his father's memory that he would not suffer that place to be thus profaned where the ark of God had been and where holy David had prayed many a good prayer and sung many a sweet psalm. Not that all the places where the ark had been were so holy as never to be put to a common use; for then the houses of Abinadab and Obed-edom must have been so. But the place where it had been so long, and had been so publicly attended on, was so venerable that it was not fit to be the place of so much gaiety, not to say iniquity, as was to be found, I fear, in the court that Pharaoh's daughter kept. Note, Between things sacred and things common the ancient landmarks ought to be kept up. It was an outer-court of the temple that was the court of the women.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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