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2 Chronicles 1

2 Chronicles 1 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

2 Chronicles 1 opens with Solomon firmly established as king and seeking the Lord at Gibeon. The chapter centers on his request for wisdom to govern God's people, and on God's answer. It also begins to describe the outward strength and wealth that came during his reign.

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What happens in 2 Chronicles 1?

Solomon begins his rule with the Lord's favor and gathers Israel's leaders at Gibeon, where the tabernacle stood. There he offers sacrifices and receives a nighttime appearance from God, who invites him to ask for what he wants. Solomon does not ask for riches, victory, or long life, but for wisdom and knowledge to lead God's people well. God grants that request and also promises wealth, honor, and prosperity beyond earlier kings. The chapter closes by describing Solomon's growing military resources, trade, and great material abundance.

This chapter starts the Chronicler's account of Solomon after the death of David. It moves quickly from his secure rule to his worship at Gibeon and then to the blessings that marked his kingdom. In the wider book, it sets up the building of the temple and the height of Israel's united monarchy.

Themes to notice

  • Wisdom for leadershipSolomon asks for the insight needed to govern God's people, and God approves that request.
  • God's favorThe chapter shows that Solomon's authority and success come from the Lord's gracious support.
  • Wealth and powerAlong with wisdom, Solomon receives great material resources and military strength.

Questions for 2 Chronicles 1

  • Why does Solomon ask for wisdom instead of riches or long life?
  • What does the setting at Gibeon add to the meaning of Solomon's sacrifice and prayer?
  • How does this chapter show the connection between God's blessing and Solomon's reign?

Read the full text of 2 Chronicles 1 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 1

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

1Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.

2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel—the heads of the families.3And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon because it was the location of God’s Tent of Meeting, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.4Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had prepared for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.5But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, was in Gibeon before the tabernacle of the LORD. So Solomon and the assembly inquired of Him there.6Solomon offered sacrifices there before the LORD on the bronze altar in the Tent of Meeting, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings.

7That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

8Solomon replied to God: “You have shown much loving devotion to my father David, and You have made me king in his place.9Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.10Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

11God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king—12therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”

13So Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place in Gibeon before the Tent of Meeting, and he reigned over Israel.

Solomon’s Riches

14Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.15The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.16Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue.17A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram.

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