2Ch 1:3-5 | KingComments | STEP | The contents of the second book of the Chronicles immediately connects to the first book of the Chronicles. Both books form a whole. The history of David, who is mainly mentioned in the first book, and that of Solomon, with whom the second book begins, also form a whole. The fact that the two books form a whole can also be seen from the overall layout of the two books: 1. Genealogies from Adam to David (1 Chronicles 1-9) 2. The rise and reign of David (1 Chronicles 10-29) 3. The reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9) 4. The kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36) The second book of the Chronicles begins with the reign of Solomon and the building of the temple. Then follow the stories of the kings of Judah from the house of David and its decay. The book ends with the exile of the people and the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar. However, the last two verses of the book also give a new beginning. In these verses we see the work of the Spirit in the Persian King Cyrus, who sends a proclamation throughout his kingdom that anyone who wants to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the LORD is admitted to do so ( ). In this chapter the beginning of Solomon’s reign – he reigned from 970-930 BC – is described. He is about nineteen years old. It is a new beginning, but at the same time a continuation of the reign of David. We see this in the first words “Solomon the son of David”. The blessing of the LORD for David is continued under his son Solomon. The LORD fulfills His promises which He has made to David by “exalting” Solomon “greatly” ( ). There is no mention of a struggle in the acquisition of his kingship, which we find in the first book of the Kings. We can suppose that struggle in the words “established himself securely”. The words that follow, however, make it clear that the establishing of his position is not due to the exercise of his power and authority, but that he owes it to the fact that God is “with him and exalted him greatly” ( ). God’s presence will also be our strength. Solomon is here a picture of Christ in His glory. Solomon is at the beginning of a new era. For David the ark is the central place. For Solomon it is the altar at Gibeon, located in the area of the tribe of Benjamin, where the “tent of meeting” is. As long as there is no new altar and no temple, people come together there. It is an interim solution. Solomon uses his authority to order all of Israel, through all those who have a responsible position among the people, to seek and honor God. It is also important for us to lead and encourage those entrusted to us and on whom we can exert influence in the search for the things of the Lord. Solomon and all the assembly with him go to Gibeon to worship the LORD and ask Him for wisdom in a shabby tent, which is left over from the tabernacle. He offers a large number of animals on the bronze altar. Despite the imperfect situation, which the separation between the ark and the altar anyway is, the LORD connects His presence to that place. For there is talk of “the tabernacle of the LORD” and that Solomon offers there “before the LORD”. He will have inherited the thousand animals which he brings as a burnt offering from his father who had a great flock ( ). He does not keep what he has received for himself, but offers it to the LORD. He acknowledges that he has received everything from Him, as his father David has acknowledged ( ).

‏ 2 Chronicles 1:3-5

Introduction

The contents of the second book of the Chronicles immediately connects to the first book of the Chronicles. Both books form a whole. The history of David, who is mainly mentioned in the first book, and that of Solomon, with whom the second book begins, also form a whole.

The fact that the two books form a whole can also be seen from the overall layout of the two books:

1. Genealogies from Adam to David (1 Chronicles 1-9)

2. The rise and reign of David (1 Chronicles 10-29)

3. The reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9)

4. The kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 10-36)

The second book of the Chronicles begins with the reign of Solomon and the building of the temple. Then follow the stories of the kings of Judah from the house of David and its decay. The book ends with the exile of the people and the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar.

However, the last two verses of the book also give a new beginning. In these verses we see the work of the Spirit in the Persian King Cyrus, who sends a proclamation throughout his kingdom that anyone who wants to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the LORD is admitted to do so (2Chr 36:22-23).

Solomon Offers At Gibeon

In this chapter the beginning of Solomon’s reign – he reigned from 970-930 BC – is described. He is about nineteen years old. It is a new beginning, but at the same time a continuation of the reign of David. We see this in the first words “Solomon the son of David”. The blessing of the LORD for David is continued under his son Solomon. The LORD fulfills His promises which He has made to David by “exalting” Solomon “greatly” (2Chr 1:1).

There is no mention of a struggle in the acquisition of his kingship, which we find in the first book of the Kings. We can suppose that struggle in the words “established himself securely”. The words that follow, however, make it clear that the establishing of his position is not due to the exercise of his power and authority, but that he owes it to the fact that God is “with him and exalted him greatly” (2Chr 1:1). God’s presence will also be our strength. Solomon is here a picture of Christ in His glory.

Solomon is at the beginning of a new era. For David the ark is the central place. For Solomon it is the altar at Gibeon, located in the area of the tribe of Benjamin, where the “tent of meeting” is. As long as there is no new altar and no temple, people come together there. It is an interim solution. Solomon uses his authority to order all of Israel, through all those who have a responsible position among the people, to seek and honor God. It is also important for us to lead and encourage those entrusted to us and on whom we can exert influence in the search for the things of the Lord.

Solomon and all the assembly with him go to Gibeon to worship the LORD and ask Him for wisdom in a shabby tent, which is left over from the tabernacle. He offers a large number of animals on the bronze altar. Despite the imperfect situation, which the separation between the ark and the altar anyway is, the LORD connects His presence to that place. For there is talk of “the tabernacle of the LORD” and that Solomon offers there “before the LORD”.

He will have inherited the thousand animals which he brings as a burnt offering from his father who had a great flock (1Chr 27:29 ; 31). He does not keep what he has received for himself, but offers it to the LORD. He acknowledges that he has received everything from Him, as his father David has acknowledged (1Chr 29:14).