2 Chronicles 1:13

¶ Then Solomon came [from his journey] to the high place that [was] at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

Then Solomon {H8010} came {H935} from his journey to the high place {H1116} that was at Gibeon {H1391} to Jerusalem {H3389}, from before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and reigned {H4427} over Israel {H3478}.

So Shlomo came away from the high place at Giv'on, from in front of the tent of meeting, to Yerushalayim; and he ruled over Isra'el.

So Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place in Gibeon before the Tent of Meeting, and he reigned over Israel.

So Solomon came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, unto Jerusalem; and he reigned over Israel.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:13 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, detailing his return to Jerusalem after a profound encounter with God at Gibeon. This verse serves as a transition point, signifying the official commencement of his divinely sanctioned rule over Israel.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings at the high place in Gibeon. It was there, at this significant worship site where the Tabernacle of the congregation (the portable sanctuary from the wilderness wanderings) was located, that God appeared to him in a dream. In this divine encounter, recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 (and paralleled in 1 Kings 3:5-15), Solomon famously requested wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people, rather than riches or long life. Having received this wisdom, he now returns to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual capital of Israel, ready to exercise his kingship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Legitimacy of Kingship: Solomon's return to Jerusalem and subsequent reign is presented as a direct outcome of his encounter with God and the wisdom he received. His rule is not merely by inheritance but by divine appointment and enablement.
  • Transition of Authority and Worship: The movement "from the high place that was at Gibeon... to Jerusalem" symbolizes a shift. While Gibeon was a legitimate place of worship due to the Tabernacle's presence, Jerusalem was destined to become the central place of worship with the future building of the Temple. This verse marks the beginning of Solomon's reign from the established capital.
  • Wisdom in Action: The verse implies that Solomon returns with the divine wisdom granted, now poised to apply it in the practical governance of his kingdom, fulfilling his earlier request.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "high place" (Hebrew: bamah) refers to an elevated place of worship. While later in Israel's history, many high places became associated with idolatry and were condemned, the one at Gibeon was significant because it housed the Tabernacle of Moses, making it a central and legitimate site for Israelite worship at that time. The "tabernacle of the congregation" (Hebrew: ohel mo'ed) literally means "tent of meeting," emphasizing its role as the place where God met with His people.

Practical Application

Solomon's journey from seeking God's wisdom at Gibeon to reigning in Jerusalem offers a timeless lesson. It highlights the importance of grounding leadership and responsibility in divine counsel and spiritual insight. Before embarking on significant endeavors, believers are called to seek God's wisdom, just as Solomon did. The return to "Jerusalem" (our sphere of influence) signifies the practical application of that wisdom in daily life, leadership, and service, confident in God's enablement.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:24 (2 votes)

    For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

  • 1 Kings 4:25 (2 votes)

    And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:3 (2 votes)

    So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that [was] at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.