2 Chronicles 8 1

2 Chronicles 8:1 kjv

And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,

2 Chronicles 8:1 nkjv

It came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own house,

2 Chronicles 8:1 niv

At the end of twenty years, during which Solomon built the temple of the LORD and his own palace,

2 Chronicles 8:1 esv

At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the LORD and his own house,

2 Chronicles 8:1 nlt

It took Solomon twenty years to build the LORD's Temple and his own royal palace. At the end of that time,

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 1 Meaning

This verse marks a significant milestone in King Solomon’s reign, signaling the completion of two monumental building projects that shaped the physical and spiritual landscape of Israel: the Temple of the Lord and his own royal palace. It highlights a period of intense construction lasting precisely twenty years, establishing both God’s dwelling place among His people and the seat of Solomon's sovereign authority. This completion set the stage for further administrative and economic developments within the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 8 1 Context

2 Chronicles 8:1 serves as a pivotal chronological marker and transitional statement in the Chronicler’s narrative. Chapters 2-7 detailed the preparation and construction of the Temple, its dedication, and God's powerful response and covenantal promises. Chapter 7 concludes with God appearing to Solomon and confirming His choice of the Temple and the importance of Solomon's obedience. This verse begins a new section of Solomon’s reign, focusing on the broader administrative, economic, and strategic developments after the completion of the foundational projects of the Temple and his royal residence. It sets the stage for descriptions of further city building, territorial expansion, organization of labor, and international relations in the subsequent verses of the chapter, signifying the transition from an initial focus on the spiritual center to the full establishment and organization of the kingdom. Historically, this period reflects the peak of Israel's national prosperity and influence under Solomon.

2 Chronicles 8 1 Word analysis

• Now it came to pass (וַיְהִי - way'hi): A common Hebrew narrative conjunction and verb ("and it was," "and it happened"). It signals a sequential development or a new phase in the story, linking events logically within the overarching narrative. It does not imply a sudden event, but rather a progression leading to this significant point.
• at the end of twenty years (מִקֵּץ עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה - miqqēṣ ʿeśrîm shana): This precise chronological marker emphasizes the completion of a substantial, pre-defined period. The two decades represent a key timeframe derived from the seven years dedicated to the Temple (1 Kgs 6:38) and the thirteen years for Solomon’s own palace (1 Kgs 7:1). This combination underscores the joint, sequential nature of these massive, national undertakings. It also speaks to God's precise timing and the king's long-term commitment.
• wherein Solomon had built (אֲשֶׁר בָּנָה שְׁלֹמֹה - ʾasher banah Shelomoh):
  • Solomon (Shelomoh): Meaning "peaceable" or "peace." He was divinely appointed by God (1 Chr 22:9-10) to construct the Temple, fulfilling David's vision. His role as the primary builder of these grand structures solidified his reign and was a testament to his obedience to God’s plan at this stage.
  • built (banah): This verb means "to build," "to construct," but also "to establish," "to restore," or "to found." It signifies not merely physical construction but the establishment of an institution, an orderly system, or a lasting foundation. For Solomon, it meant consolidating the nation through both religious and civil structures.
• the house of the Lord (אֶת־בֵּית יְהוָה - ʾet-bêt Yahweh): This refers exclusively to the Temple in Jerusalem. Its completion signified the physical manifestation of God's covenantal presence with His people, a central place of worship, sacrifice, and instruction. For the Chronicler, the Temple is of paramount importance, being the heart of the nation's spiritual life and prosperity. Its construction underscored the fulfillment of God’s promise to David regarding a house for His name.
• and his own house (וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ - wəʾet-bêtô): This denotes Solomon's personal royal palace complex, including various associated structures and courts (as detailed in 1 Kings 7). The parallelism with "the house of the Lord" is significant. While the Temple was for divine worship, the palace represented the secular seat of power, the administrative hub, and the visible manifestation of the king's authority and wealth. Its completion signaled the full establishment of Solomon's sovereign rule alongside the nation's religious center, and at times, it might have represented a challenge to God’s ultimate sovereignty.

2 Chronicles 8 1 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s inclusion of this precise timeline, mirroring the account in 1 Kings 9:10, emphasizes the scale and importance of these building projects in the context of the Davidic covenant and God's plan for Israel. While the Temple was constructed first and in less time (seven years), the parallel mention of Solomon's "own house" reminds the reader of the immense resources and attention the king also devoted to establishing his personal and administrative infrastructure (thirteen years). This might also subtly foreshadow later narratives in Solomon's life, where the balance between devotion to God's house and his own increasing focus on personal grandeur and alliances began to shift, ultimately leading to decline. The completion of these edifices signifies not just architectural achievement but the consolidation of a national identity and a divinely ordained period of prosperity.

2 Chronicles 8 1 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:1 marks the culmination of an extraordinary era of construction under King Solomon. This verse signifies the twenty-year period of building the two most important physical structures of the Israelite kingdom: the Temple, dedicated to the worship of Yahweh, and the elaborate royal palace, serving as the center of Solomon's government. This detailed chronological reference is vital; it highlights not only the magnitude and duration of these projects but also serves as a turning point, signaling the completion of foundational undertakings before Solomon embarked on further ventures for national expansion and administration. The completion of both "houses" underscored the unique relationship between God’s dwelling among His people and the stability of the Davidic monarchy, establishing both the spiritual and temporal anchors of the Israelite kingdom under Solomon’s rule. It also speaks to the importance of diligently completing tasks assigned by God and establishing stable structures for the welfare of God's people.