2 Chronicles 1 13

2 Chronicles 1:13 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 1:13 nkjv

So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel.

2 Chronicles 1:13 niv

Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.

2 Chronicles 1:13 esv

So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.

2 Chronicles 1:13 nlt

Then Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the Tabernacle at the place of worship in Gibeon, and he reigned over Israel.

2 Chronicles 1 verses

2 Chronicles 1 13 Meaning

This verse signifies Solomon's immediate return from Gibeon to Jerusalem after his divine encounter where he requested and received wisdom, wealth, and honor from God. His arrival in Jerusalem marks the official commencement and consolidation of his reign over all Israel, directly connecting his divinely granted favor with his kingly authority established in the capital city. The mention of the "tabernacle of meeting" underscores that his journey and subsequent reign were established under the sanction and presence of God.

2 Chronicles 1 13 Context

This verse concludes the narrative segment in 2 Chronicles 1 (vv. 7-12) where God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. Gibeon was a major "high place" (cult site) at the time, where the tabernacle of meeting, made by Moses, was located, along with the great bronze altar. Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings there (1:6). In response to God's offer, Solomon humbly requested "wisdom and knowledge" to govern God's great people, rather than riches, honor, or long life (1:10). God was pleased with his request and granted him wisdom, along with the unasked-for riches, wealth, and honor, promising him an unparalleled reign if he walked in God's ways (1:11-12).

Thus, verse 13 details Solomon's purposeful return from this pivotal encounter site back to Jerusalem, the political and designated spiritual capital, now fully prepared and divinely empowered to commence his reign. The Chronicler emphasizes Solomon's legitimate worship and God's explicit blessing as foundational to his rule, contrasting with later narratives in Kings that sometimes highlight Solomon's initial failures.

2 Chronicles 1 13 Word analysis

• So Solomon came (וַיָּבֹא שְׁלֹמֹה wa-yāḇō šəlōmōh): Indicates an intentional, divinely-guided movement. "Came" suggests purposeful arrival, not just travel. This signifies the completion of his Gibeon encounter and the transition to kingship in the capital.
• from the high place (מֵהַבָּמָה mē-ha-bāmāh): The Hebrew word bamah refers to a "high place" or elevated cultic site. While later in Israel's history, high places often became associated with idolatrous worship and were condemned, Gibeon at this time was an established, legitimate site for Yahweh worship where the Tabernacle stood. The Chronicler portrays Solomon's worship here positively. This highlights the early acceptable religious practice before the centralization of worship in the Jerusalem Temple.
• that was at Gibeon (אֲשֶׁר בְּגִבְעוֹן ʾăšer bə-Giḇʿōn): Gibeon was a prominent city associated with the Hivites and later given to the priests (Josh 21:17). It was renowned for its great high place (1 Ki 3:4; 2 Chron 1:3). Its mention emphasizes the specific, well-known location of Solomon's encounter with God, lending credibility to the event.
• to Jerusalem (לִירוּשָׁלַ֫ם li-Yərušālam): Jerusalem, David's chosen capital, symbolized the seat of God's chosen dynasty and was destined to become the singular place of worship for all Israel. Solomon's journey to Jerusalem signifies the translation of divine endorsement into temporal power within the proper spiritual and political center. This reinforces the city's importance as God's chosen place.
• from before the tabernacle of meeting (מִפְּנֵי אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד mipnê ʾōhel môʿēd): The "tabernacle of meeting" (ohel mo'ed) was the portable sanctuary where God met with His people (Ex 29:43). Though David had brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the full tabernacle, with the altar of burnt offering, was still at Gibeon (1 Chron 16:39; 21:29). Solomon’s return "from before" (i.e., from the location of) the tabernacle highlights that his encounter with God and subsequent reign were consecrated in the presence of God's appointed dwelling place. This legitimizes his actions from a religious standpoint.
• and reigned over Israel (וַיִּמְלֹךְ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל wa-yimloh ʿal Yisrāʾēl): This phrase signifies the full and immediate assumption of kingly power by Solomon. The conjunction "and" implies a direct consequence or concurrent action with his return. His reign is presented as established because of his divine encounter and wisdom. This sets the stage for the rest of his story as depicted by the Chronicler, focusing on his divinely-blessed, successful rule.

2 Chronicles 1 13 Bonus section

The Chronicler's specific mention of "the tabernacle of meeting" being at Gibeon (cf. 1 Chron 16:39-40, 21:29) differentiates his account slightly from Kings by making it explicitly clear why Solomon was sacrificing there. This serves to legitimize Solomon's actions at a high place, given that the divine sanctuary (the bronze altar and other elements of the Tabernacle) was present. It subtly underscores the appropriateness of his worship at that particular bamah before the Temple in Jerusalem was built, thereby precluding any implied condemnation usually associated with high places. This reinforces Solomon's obedience and divine endorsement from the very start of his reign.

2 Chronicles 1 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:13 serves as a pivotal bridge, demonstrating the direct link between Solomon's encounter with God at Gibeon and the establishment of his rule in Jerusalem. Having humbly sought and received wisdom (along with unrequested riches and honor), Solomon returns to the capital city. This movement from the site of divine revelation (Gibeon) to the seat of political power (Jerusalem) is highly significant. It underlines that his kingship is not merely by human succession but is divinely authorized and empowered. The mention of the Tabernacle underscores that his anointing for reign comes with the full weight of God's covenant presence. For the Chronicler, Solomon's rule is fundamentally rooted in his walk with God and God's anointing, making it a prosperous and successful reign. This emphasis aligns with the Chronicler's theological agenda to highlight the faithfulness of God to the Davidic covenant and the prosperity that comes from seeking God first. It sets a positive tone for Solomon's reign, emphasizing divine favor as the source of his initial stability and glory.