2 Chronicles 1 2

2 Chronicles 1:2 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 1:2 nkjv

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.

2 Chronicles 1:2 niv

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?

2 Chronicles 1:2 esv

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.

2 Chronicles 1:2 nlt

Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel ? the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders.

2 Chronicles 1 verses

2 Chronicles 1 2 Meaning

2 Chronicles 1:2 details Solomon's broad outreach to the diverse leadership of Israel. It states that King Solomon "spoke to all Israel," clarifying this comprehensive gathering by listing specific categories of leaders: the military commanders ("commanders of thousands and of hundreds"), judicial officials ("judges"), all general "leaders" or princes, and significantly, the "heads of the fathers' houses," representing the tribal and family structures. This verse establishes the unified and representative nature of the nation under Solomon's reign, indicating his formal and legitimate address to every key stratum of Israelite society before a significant national event, namely, his journey to Gibeon for worship.

2 Chronicles 1 2 Context

2 Chronicles begins with Solomon's ascension to the throne, firmly established after David's death and the swift quashing of potential rivalries. Chapter 1 serves as the prologue to Solomon's long and prosperous reign, focusing specifically on his crucial visit to Gibeon. This visit is not merely a personal act but a public and national one, setting the spiritual and political tone for his rule. Verse 2, therefore, provides the critical setup for this event, demonstrating that Solomon's actions were undertaken with the full knowledge and perhaps collective participation of all the significant leaders of Israel. The Chronicler emphasizes Solomon's legitimate and comprehensive authority by detailing the wide representation of "all Israel" present, highlighting unity and adherence to proper governance and worship from the very outset of his reign. This stands in contrast to accounts of divided loyalty or internal strife that would sometimes plague later kings, portraying Solomon as a ruler supported by every sector of society.

2 Chronicles 1 2 Word analysis

• Then Solomon spoke (וַיֹּאמֶר שְׁלֹמֹה - vayyomer Shlomo):
  • "Then" (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): The Hebrew waw-consecutive, connecting this action directly to the preceding events of Solomon's kingdom being "established." It implies continuity and an immediate consequence. Solomon is acting from a position of secured authority.
  • "spoke" (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): While commonly "said," here, given the audience, it implies addressing, summoning, or communicating an official directive or intention. It denotes an act of royal authority and communication, not a casual remark. It signifies Solomon taking the initiative to convene and lead the nation.
• to all Israel (לְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵל - l'chol Yisrael):
  • "all Israel": This phrase is significant throughout the Chronicler's work, often used to emphasize national unity and continuity with God's covenant people. It reinforces the idea that Solomon's rule, like David's, was over a united nation under God, rather than fragmented tribes or factions. It underscores the legitimacy and national scope of his upcoming act of worship.
• to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds (שָׂרֵי הָאֲלָפִים וְהַמֵּאוֹת - sarei ha'alafim v'hammei'ot):
  • "commanders" (שָׂרֵי - sarei): Leaders or officials, often in a military or administrative capacity.
  • "thousands and of hundreds": This organizational structure dates back to Moses' time (Exod 18:21, Deut 1:15), indicating established military and administrative leadership structures responsible for managing groups of the populace. Their presence signifies the support of the kingdom's organized military and civil service.
• to the judges (וְלַשֹׁפְטִים - v'lashofetim):
  • "judges" (שֹׁפְטִים - shofetim): Those who administer justice, representing the judicial branch of Israelite society. Their inclusion underscores the rule of law and the administration of justice as central to the kingdom, seeking their legal and moral affirmation for the upcoming actions.
• and to every leader in all Israel (וּלְכָל נָשִׂיא בְּכָל יִשְׂרָאֵל - u'l'chol nasi b'chol Yisrael):
  • "leader" (נָשִׂיא - nasi): A prince, chieftain, or prominent person. This term is broader than military commanders or judges, likely encompassing civil officials, tribal chieftains not covered by other titles, and other significant societal figures. Its inclusion makes the assembly truly comprehensive.
• the heads of the fathers' houses (רָאשֵׁי הָאָבוֹת - rashei ha'avot):
  • "heads of the fathers' houses": These represent the foundational socio-political units of ancient Israel—the tribal and familial structures. They are the elders and patriarchs of the various clans and families, essential for traditional legitimacy and societal cohesion. Their presence signifies tribal consent and familial representation. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes these familial lines, tracing continuity from patriarchal times. This diverse representation of leaders—military, judicial, civil, and familial—highlights the complete societal endorsement and unity surrounding Solomon's early reign and his act of worship at Gibeon. It establishes a broad base of support and accountability for the new king.

2 Chronicles 1 2 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s meticulous listing of leaders in 2 Chronicles 1:2 underscores a crucial theological point: God's work in Israel unfolds not only through individual figures like kings but also through the collective response of a well-ordered community. This organizational structure (military, judicial, tribal) reflects a divinely sanctioned order for governance. The inclusion of "heads of the fathers' houses" (רָאשֵׁי הָאָבוֹת) is particularly noteworthy for the Chronicler, emphasizing continuity with Israel's ancient patriarchal and tribal roots, even as it transitions into a monarchy. This shows a holistic view of the nation, integrating traditional tribal structures with newer governmental and military apparatus, all under the unified authority of the Davidic king, Solomon. This demonstrates that Solomon’s authority was respected and acknowledged across the full spectrum of Israeli society, indicating a strong, unified kingdom at the dawn of his reign, a recurring theme the Chronicler wants to highlight.

2 Chronicles 1 2 Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:2 is a foundational verse that establishes Solomon's universal leadership and the comprehensive support for his reign at its very beginning. By assembling and addressing "all Israel," represented by a meticulous listing of various authoritative figures—military commanders, judges, civil leaders, and heads of ancestral houses—the Chronicler underscores the national unity and legitimacy of Solomon's rule. This carefully detailed audience signifies that Solomon's upcoming pivotal act of worship at Gibeon was not a private or personal endeavor, but a nationally endorsed, collective undertaking. It illustrates the organizational depth of Israel's society and reinforces the theme of a unified kingdom under God, where secular and religious leadership converged in collective obedience and worship. The verse thus sets the stage for a period of divine favor and wisdom granted to a king who commenced his rule by acknowledging God with the full assent of his people.