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2 Chronicles 1

17 verses

TL;DR

Solomon’s reign begins with a prayer for wisdom, and God grants him profound wisdom, wealth, and honor.

Summary

After David’s reign, Solomon is strengthened and proclaimed king, speaking to Israel’s leaders. He gathers the congregation at the high place in Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the covenant remains. Solomon offers a thousand burnt offerings at the brazen altar made by Bezaleel. That night, God appears and asks Solomon what He should give him. Solomon requests wisdom to govern Israel’s many people, and God grants wisdom, knowledge, and unprecedented riches and honor. Solomon then returns to Jerusalem, establishes his capital, amasses chariots, horsemen, and vast resources, and supplies Egypt with horses and linen.

Outline
  1. Solomon’s ascension and consecration at Gibeon
  2. Prayer for wisdom and God’s gracious response
  3. Solomon’s reign, military strength, and material wealth
Themes
divine favorhumility in requestwisdom as divine giftpower and prosperity
Keywords
SolomonwisdomGodricheschariotshorsemenJerusalemGibeonArkaltarkingship
People
SolomonDavidMosesBezaleelUriHurGod
Places
GibeonJerusalemKirjathjearimthe wildernessEgypt
Things
Ark of Godbrazen altarthousand burnt offeringswisdomknowledgesilvergoldchariotshorsemencedar treeslinen yarn
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 1:7: God’s appearance and question to Solomon
  • 2 Chronicles 1:12: God grants wisdom and unprecedented wealth
Questions
  • Why does Solomon ask only for wisdom?
  • What does God’s response reveal about divine priorities?
  • How does Solomon’s accumulation of wealth and military resources reflect his reign?
  • In what ways does the passage emphasize the covenant between God and Israel?
  • What lessons about humility and leadership can modern readers draw from Solomon’s prayer?
Sentiment

positive
the text conveys divine favor, prosperity, and hopeful leadership.