What I Noticed Today (2 Chronicles 7-9)
2 Chronicles 7
The dedication of the Temple of the Lord.
Note: The temple was built on the same ground where David had sacrificed on the threshing floor of Ornan (1 Chronicles 21:25).
In verses 1-10, when Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down, consumed the offerings, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
- The people bowed down and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord.
- Huge numbers of oxen and sheep were sacrificed to dedicate the temple.
- The people fasted seven days, held an assembly on the eighth day, dedicated the altar for seven days, and then feasted for seven days. After these celebrations, the people returned home.
In verse 11, Solomon completed the construction of the Lord’s Temple and His palace.
Note: While the author summarized the completion of the Temple and Solomon’s palace in one sentence, their actual construction took approximately 20-years (1 Kings 6:38-7:1)!
In verses 12-22, the Lord appeared to Solomon at night:
- God promised Solomon that when the people sinned, He would forgive them if they would repent and turn back to Him.
- God promised David that if Solomon followed Him faithfully, He would establish his throne as He had promised David.
- However, warned God, if Solomon or the people turn away from Me then I will cast you from My sight.
2 Chronicles 8
2 Chronicles 8 recounts the cities that Solomon rebuilt over a period of 20 years.
In verses 1-11, Solomon rebuilt the 20 cities that his father, David, had given to Hiram, king of Tyre.
Note: Hiram was displeased with these cities and had apparently given them back to Solomon who then rebuilt them.
- The non-Israelites who lived in the land were drafted as forced labor. This included the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
- It is interesting that Solomon makes a note of moving his Egyptian wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, out of the city of Jerusalem to a house he had built for her because his wife should not live in a place where the Ark of the Lord had been because these places were holy.
Note: The Chronicler does not say how the daughter of Pharaoh came to be Solomon’s wife. Pharaoh must have considered Solomon to be his equal, an important ally, or both, to have given his daughter to Solomon in marriage.
In verses 12-16, Solomon obeyed the Lord, fulfilling all the requirements of the daily offering, and the annual festivals and celebrations. The Levites and priests carried out their ministry tasks according to Solomon’s commands.
In verses 17-18, Solomon aligned with Hiram, king of Tyre to conduct trade across the Mediterranean.
- On a trip to Ophir, they took 450 talents of gold (17 tons) and gave it to Solomon (to store in his palace, 2 Chronicles 9:15).
Note: The location of Ophir is unknown.
Note: Hiram had ships, but no easy access to the Mediterranean Sea. Solomon had access to the sea, but no ships or experienced sailors.
2 Chronicles 9
2 Chronicles 9 recounts the visit from the Queen of Sheba.
In verses 1-12, the Queen of Sheba had heard about Solomon’s wisdom and the wealth in the kingdom, and she wanted to see and hear for herself.
Note: Solomon’s wisdom is referenced six times in this passage.
- Having seen all Solomon’s palace and the Lord’s temple Sheba concluded his success was a sign that the Lord loved Israel and He had made Solomon king to reign over the people.
- Sheba gave Solomon 4-1/2 tons of gold, rare spices, and precious stones. Solomon reciprocated by giving her more than she had given him.
In verses 13-28, the latter part of the chapter details the wealth of Solomon’s kingdom:
- All the shields, implements drinking cups, and other items made of pure gold are listed (this passage mentions gold 16 times).
- Kings from all over the world came to Solomon to hear his wisdom and bring him gifts.
- Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots and 12,000 horsemen. He stationed them in chariot cities throughout Israel and with him in Jerusalem.
Note: Solomon’s accumulation of horses and chariots was a violation of Deuteronomy 17:16-17.
In verses 29-31, Solomon reigned over Israel from Jerusalem for 40 years. After he died his son, Rehoboam reigned in his place.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Solomon was very careful to observe the statutes given by God in his prayers and by observing the daily sacrifices, yet he married an Egyptian woman, which as we shall see, ultimately led to Solomon participating in idolatrous ceremonies himself. God had warned Solomon what would happen if he turned away, yet Solomon brought the idolatry into the country himself.
- How we need to be careful as we accept God’s blessings that we follow Him faithfully in all aspects of our lives.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
