Introduction to the Book of 2 Chronicles
The Book of 2 Chronicles is a continuation of the historical narrative in the Old Testament, focusing on the history of the southern kingdom of Judah. It covers the reigns of the kings from Solomon to the Babylonian exile, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of disobedience. The book emphasizes the role of the temple in Jerusalem and the significance of worship.
Chapter 1: Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
[1:1] Solomon the son of David was established in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
[1:2] Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in all Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses.
[1:3] And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness, was there.
[1:4] (But David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.)
[1:5] Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the assembly sought it out.
[1:6] And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
[1:7] In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.”
[1:8] And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
[1:9] O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
[1:10] Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”
[1:11] God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,
[1:12] wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”
[1:13] So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
[1:14] Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.
[1:15] And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.
[1:16] And Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price.
[1:17] A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king’s traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
Chapter 2: Solomon Plans to Build the Temple
[2:1] Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the Lord, and a royal palace for himself.
[2:2] And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens and 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 to oversee them.
[2:3] And Solomon sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedar to build himself a house to dwell in, so deal with me.
[2:4] Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel.
[2:5] The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
[2:6] But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?
[2:7] So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.
[2:8] Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon. And my servants will be with your servants,
[2:9] to prepare timber for me in abundance, for the house I am to build will be great and wonderful.
[2:10] I will give for your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil.”
This concludes the first two chapters of the Book of 2 Chronicles, detailing Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, his reign, and his plans to build the temple in Jerusalem.