2 Chronicles 1 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Chronicles 1 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter marks the beginning of Solomon's reign and focuses on his initial actions as king.

1. Solomon's Reign Begins: Solomon, son of David, firmly establishes his kingdom with God's support. He rallies his army and officials, demonstrating his authority.

2. Sacrifice at Gibeon: Solomon leads a massive procession to the high place at Gibeon, where the Tent of Meeting resides. He offers a thousand burnt offerings to God, acknowledging His sovereignty.

3. God Appears to Solomon: During the night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything he desires.

4. Solomon's Wise Request: Instead of asking for wealth, long life, or victory over his enemies, Solomon humbly requests wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people justly.

5. God Grants Solomon's Request: Impressed by Solomon's selfless request, God grants him not only wisdom and knowledge beyond measure but also riches, wealth, and honor exceeding any king before him.

6. Solomon's Return and Prosperity: Solomon returns to Jerusalem from Gibeon, filled with God's blessing. His reign begins with immense prosperity and peace.

Key Themes:

God's Blessing on Solomon: The chapter emphasizes God's favor and blessing upon Solomon as he begins his reign.
Wisdom over Worldly Possessions: Solomon's request for wisdom highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and prioritizing righteous leadership over personal gain.
The Importance of Sacrifice: Solomon's grand sacrifice at Gibeon demonstrates his devotion to God and his understanding of seeking divine favor.

This chapter sets the stage for Solomon's reign, characterized by wisdom, wealth, and peace, all attributed to his close relationship with God and his wise choices. However, it also hints at the potential pitfalls of such abundance, which will unfold in later chapters.

2 Chronicles 1 bible study ai commentary

2 Chronicles 1 recounts the establishment of Solomon's kingdom, initiated by a grand act of national worship at Gibeon. The chapter pivots on Solomon’s selfless request for wisdom to govern God's people, a prayer God not only answers but lavishly exceeds by adding unprecedented wealth and honor. It sets a theological foundation for the Chronicler's narrative: true royal success and national prosperity are direct consequences of prioritizing God and seeking His wisdom.

2 Chronicles 1 Context

Written for a post-exilic Jewish community, the book of Chronicles retells Israel's history to inspire hope and provide a model for restoration. It emphasizes the Davidic dynasty, the centrality of the Jerusalem Temple, and the direct link between obedience and blessing. Chapter 1 idealizes Solomon, omitting the political turmoil and rivals' executions detailed in 1 Kings 1-2. It presents his rise as seamless and divinely orchestrated, highlighting him as the pious founder of the Temple, a blueprint for the restored community's leadership and priorities. The religious setting is unique, with the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem and the Tabernacle of Moses at a "high place" in Gibeon. While worship at high places would later be condemned, it was legitimized here by the Tabernacle's presence during this transitional period before the Temple's construction.

2 Chronicles 1:1

Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

In-depth-analysis

Established himself firmly: The Hebrew word chazaq means to be strengthened, to become strong or secure. This is the Chronicler's opening thesis for Solomon's reign: its foundation is not political maneuvering, but divine empowerment.
The LORD his God was with him: This is the key formula for success throughout the Old Testament. God's presence is the cause, and Solomon's greatness is the effect.
Made him exceedingly great: This directly fulfills the promises and prayers for Solomon, setting a positive tone that intentionally overlooks the conflicts surrounding his accession mentioned in 1 Kings.

Bible references

1 Chronicles 29:25: The LORD highly exalted Solomon... and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before. (Direct fulfillment of David's hope and God's promise).
Genesis 12:2: "I will make you into a great nation... I will make your name great..." (Echoes the foundational Abrahamic promise of greatness bestowed by God).
Joshua 1:9: "...for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Connects Solomon's success to the same principle of divine presence that guaranteed Joshua's).

Cross references

1 Ki 2:12 (parallel event); 1 Chr 22:13 (conditional promise); Gen 26:3 (God with Isaac); Gen 39:2 (God with Joseph); Jdg 6:12 (God with Gideon).

2 Chronicles 1:2-6

2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel—to the commanders of thousands and hundreds, to the judges and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of families— 3 and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the LORD’s servant had made in the wilderness. 4 David had brought up 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. 5 But the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there before the tabernacle of the LORD; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

In-depth-analysis

Spoke to all Israel: Solomon begins his reign by unifying the nation's leadership for a collective act of worship. This demonstrates national solidarity.
High place at Gibeon: This was the primary place of legitimate national worship before the Temple because the Mosaic Tabernacle (ohel mo'ed or "tent of meeting") was there.
Divided Sanctuary: The Chronicler carefully explains the historical anomaly: the Tabernacle was at Gibeon, while the Ark was in Jerusalem. This context justifies Solomon's actions and builds anticipation for the Temple, which will unite these elements.
Bronze altar that Bezalel... had made: By explicitly linking the altar to Bezalel, the artisan from Exodus, the Chronicler asserts the historic legitimacy and continuity of Solomon's worship. It connects Solomon directly to the authority of Moses.
A thousand burnt offerings: An act of extraordinary, royal-scale piety. The number 1,000 often signifies completeness or a massive quantity, showing the depth of Solomon's devotion and the wealth of his kingdom.

Bible references

1 Kings 3:4: The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. (Parallel account).
Exodus 38:1-2: He made the altar of burnt offering... of acacia wood... and overlaid it with bronze. (Describes the origin of the very altar Solomon uses, emphasizing its sacred history).
1 Chronicles 16:39-40: David left Zadok the priest... before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon, to present burnt offerings to the LORD... regularly. (Establishes the precedent for priestly worship at Gibeon before Solomon).

Cross references

1 Chr 21:29 (Tabernacle at Gibeon); Lev 1:1-17 (Laws for burnt offerings); 1 Chr 15:1-3 (David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem); Deut 12:13-14 (Command to worship at one place, not yet fully applicable).

Polemics

While the law in Deuteronomy 12 later condemns worship at "high places," the Chronicler presents Gibeon as the authorized central sanctuary of its time. He uses this narrative to teach his post-exilic audience that their own worship must be tied to the legitimate sanctuary (the Second Temple) and that proper, unified worship is the first step toward national blessing.

2 Chronicles 1:7-10

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who can govern this great people of yours?”

In-depth-analysis

God appeared to Solomon: Divine initiative follows human devotion. God opens the dialogue.
Great kindness: Solomon uses the word chesed (covenant love, faithfulness). He grounds his request not in his own merit but in God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant.
As numerous as the dust of the earth: This phrase deliberately echoes the Abrahamic promise (Gen 13:16), framing his reign as a partial fulfillment of God's ancient plan for Israel.
Wisdom and knowledge: Solomon requests chokmah (skill, discernment, practical wisdom) and madda (information, knowledge). It is a practical request for the tools to govern effectively.
That I may lead: The motive is selfless—for the good of the people. He is not seeking personal advantage but competence for his God-given task. This contrasts sharply with the typical ambitions of ancient kings.

Bible references

James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (The New Testament instruction mirrors Solomon's action and God's character).
1 Kings 3:9: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (The parallel account specifies a "discerning heart" or "listening heart").
Proverbs 4:7: The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Solomon, traditionally the author of Proverbs, later teaches the very principle he practiced here).

Cross references

2 Sam 7:12-16 (Davidic covenant); Gen 13:16 (Abrahamic promise); Prov 2:6 (Lord gives wisdom); Eph 1:17 (Paul's prayer for wisdom for the church).

2 Chronicles 1:11-12

11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not even asked for long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

In-depth-analysis

This is your heart's desire: God commends the motive behind the request. He sees and rewards the heart.
List of worldly desires: The list of what Solomon didn't ask for—wealth, honor, vengeance, long life—represented the standard definition of success for an ancient Near Eastern monarch.
My people: God affirms Solomon's perspective. They are not Solomon's people, but God's. This elevates the task of kingship to one of stewardship.
None before... none after: A statement of unparalleled, unique blessing. This hyperbole elevates Solomon's reign as a golden age, a type of the ultimate Messianic kingdom.
Wisdom... and wealth: God gives what was asked for and adds what wasn't. The secondary blessings flow from the primary one.

Bible references

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (The quintessential teaching of this principle in the New Testament).
Proverbs 3:16: Long life is in her [wisdom's] right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (God's promise to Solomon aligns perfectly with the description of wisdom's rewards in Proverbs).
Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Demonstrates God's nature to give extravagantly beyond our requests).

Cross references

1 Ki 3:11-14 (parallel, includes condition of obedience); Mark 10:29-30 (rewards for discipleship); Psa 21:2-4 (God granting king's desire); Prov 8:18 (Wisdom offers riches and honor).

2 Chronicles 1:13-17

13 Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel... 14 Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.

In-depth-analysis

Accumulated chariots and horses: The first tangible evidence of the fulfillment of God's promise. This represents supreme military might and international prestige.
Silver and gold as common... as stones: Poetic hyperbole to describe unimaginable national prosperity, a direct result of God's blessing. This paints a picture of a utopian economy.
Imported from Egypt and Kue: Specifies the source of his military assets. Kue is identified as Cilicia (modern-day southeastern Turkey), a well-known horse-breeding region. This shows Solomon's integration into complex international trade networks.
Royal Merchants: Solomon established and controlled a state-level trading enterprise, acting as a middleman selling military hardware to other regional powers. This was a primary source of his immense wealth.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 17:16-17: The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them... He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. (The very actions described here as blessings are warned against in the Law. The Chronicler presents them purely as a sign of God's favor, while the author of Kings hints at them as a source of future downfall).
1 Kings 10:28-29: Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue... (The direct parallel, providing identical details about the trade).
Revelation 21:21: ...The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (Solomon's wealth typologically prefigures the greater, purer wealth of the New Jerusalem).

Cross references

1 Ki 4:26 (number of stalls); 2 Chr 9:25-28 (summary of wealth); Isa 2:7 (a critique of accumulating horses and wealth); Isa 31:1 (warning against relying on Egypt's horses).

Polemics

The Chronicler intentionally reframes the information from Deuteronomy 17. For him and his audience, the wealth and horses are not a violation of Torah but a visible sign of God's fulfilled promise. He omits the negative outcomes (idolatry via foreign wives, oppression for building projects) to keep Solomon as an untarnished model of a blessed king whose reign launched the Temple project.

2 Chronicles chapter 1 analysis

The Chronicler's Ideal King: Unlike the more critical portrayal in 1 Kings, Chronicles presents a nearly flawless Solomon in this initial phase. Political intrigue and the executions of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei are entirely omitted. Solomon's reign begins not with bloodshed but with a unifying act of national worship. This idealized portrait served to encourage the post-exilic community with a vision of a perfect Davidic ruler.
A Typology of Christ: Solomon's name (Shlomo) means "peaceful." His reign, founded on God-given wisdom and resulting in unprecedented peace and prosperity, serves as a powerful Old Testament type, or foreshadowing, of the reign of the Messiah. Christ, the "greater than Solomon" (Matt 12:42), brings true wisdom, riches of grace, and ultimate peace.
Worship as the Catalyst: The entire chapter is structured to show that Solomon's magnificent kingdom is a direct response to his initial act of lavish, God-centered worship. For the Chronicler, liturgy and piety are not secondary activities but the very engine of national life and security.
The Deutronomy 17 Dilemma: Modern scholars note the tension between Solomon’s actions (amassing horses from Egypt, accumulating vast gold/silver) and the clear prohibitions in Deuteronomy 17. The Chronicler's decision to portray these actions solely as blessings highlights his theological agenda: to show the rewards of seeking God. The book of Kings, in contrast, includes these same facts but allows them to foreshadow Solomon's eventual decline.

2 Chronicles 1 summary

Solomon, firmly established as king, leads all Israel in a solemn assembly at Gibeon, offering extravagant sacrifices at the Tabernacle. In a dream, God invites him to ask for anything, and Solomon selflessly requests wisdom to govern God's people. Pleased with his heart, God grants his request and additionally blesses him with wealth and honor unparalleled by any king before or after. The chapter concludes by immediately demonstrating the fulfillment of this promise through a display of Solomon's immense military power and economic prosperity.

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2 Chronicles chapter 1 kjv

¹ And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
² Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
³ So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
⁴ But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
⁵ Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
⁶ And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
⁷ In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
⁸ And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
⁹ Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
¹⁰ Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
¹¹ And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
¹² Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
¹³ Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.
¹⁴ And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
¹⁵ And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
¹⁶ And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
¹⁷ And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

2 Chronicles chapter 1 nkjv

¹ Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly.
² And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses.
³ Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
⁴ But David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
⁵ Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there.
⁶ And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
⁷ On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?"
⁸ And Solomon said to God: "You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
⁹ Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
¹⁰ Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?"
¹¹ Then God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life?but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king?
¹² wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like."
¹³ So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel.
¹⁴ And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.
¹⁵ Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.
¹⁶ And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king's merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price.
¹⁷ They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

2 Chronicles chapter 1 niv

¹ Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
² Then Solomon spoke to all Israel?to the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of families?
³ and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God's tent of meeting was there, which Moses the LORD's servant had made in the wilderness.
⁴ Now David had brought up 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.
⁵ But the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the LORD; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there.
⁶ Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
⁸ Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.
⁹ Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.
¹⁰ Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
¹¹ God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,
¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
¹³ Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.
¹⁴ Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.
¹⁵ The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.
¹⁶ Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue?the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price.
¹⁷ They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.

2 Chronicles chapter 1 esv

¹ Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
⁷ In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."
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.
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.
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?"
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,
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."
¹³ So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
¹⁴ Solomon gathered together 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.
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.
¹⁶ And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders would buy them from Kue for a price.
¹⁷ They imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver, and a horse for 150. Likewise through them these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

2 Chronicles chapter 1 nlt

¹ Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him very powerful.
² Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel ? the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders.
³ Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God's Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the LORD's servant, had made in the wilderness.)
⁴ David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem.
⁵ But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the LORD. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the LORD.
⁶ There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the LORD's presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it.
⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!"
⁸ Solomon replied to God, "You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place.
⁹ O LORD God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth!
¹⁰ Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?"
¹¹ God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people ?
¹² I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!"
¹³ Then Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the Tabernacle at the place of worship in Gibeon, and he reigned over Israel.
¹⁴ Solomon built up a huge force of chariots and horses. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses. He stationed some of them in the chariot cities and some near him in Jerusalem.
¹⁵ The king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stone. And valuable cedar timber was as common as the sycamore-fig trees that grow in the foothills of Judah.
¹⁶ Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and from Cilicia ; the king's traders acquired them from Cilicia at the standard price.
¹⁷ At that time chariots from Egypt could be purchased for 600 pieces of silver, and horses for 150 pieces of silver. They were then exported to the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram.