2 Chronicles 8 6

2 Chronicles 8:6 kjv

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

2 Chronicles 8:6 nkjv

also Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities and the cities of the cavalry, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

2 Chronicles 8:6 niv

as well as Baalath and all his store cities, and all the cities for his chariots and for his horses?whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and throughout all the territory he ruled.

2 Chronicles 8:6 esv

and Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had and all the cities for his chariots and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

2 Chronicles 8:6 nlt

He also rebuilt Baalath and other supply centers and constructed towns where his chariots and horses could be stationed. He built everything he desired in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout his entire realm.

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 6 Meaning

This verse details King Solomon's extensive building programs across his kingdom, specifically mentioning the city of Baalath and a category of "store cities" along with fortifications for his formidable chariot and cavalry forces. It highlights that these projects were not just practical necessities but also a realization of his profound personal ambition and desire to expand and beautify his realm, covering strategic locations like Jerusalem, Lebanon, and every corner of his dominion.

2 Chronicles 8 6 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 8 largely describes the accomplishments of King Solomon after the completion of the Temple and his own palace, focusing on his building programs, administrative structure, and economic enterprises. Verse 6 specifically continues the enumeration of these building projects, detailing the geographical breadth and strategic types of structures Solomon initiated. The historical context is Solomon's prosperous reign, marked by unparalleled wealth and peace, enabling massive infrastructural development across his vast kingdom. Culturally, these "store cities," chariot cities, and horsemen cities underscore Israel's significant military capacity and sophisticated logistical support during this era, signifying a centralized and powerful monarchy.

2 Chronicles 8 6 Word analysis

• And Baalath:
  • Baalath (Hebrew: בַּעֲלָת, Baʿalāṯ). A specific fortified city mentioned in connection with Solomon's building. Its exact location is debated, but likely significant for its strategic or administrative importance within the Solomonic network of cities. This specific naming, rather than just "another city," gives it particular significance in the Chronicler's detailed record.
• and all the store cities:
  • all (Hebrew: כָּל־, kol-). Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of these installations; not just a few, but every necessary location.
  • store cities (Hebrew: עָרֵי הַמִּסְכְּנוֹת, ʿārê hammiskenôṯ). These were strategically important cities used for the storage of grain, oil, wine, military provisions, and possibly state taxes (which were often paid in kind). They served as logistical hubs, essential for supporting the king's vast army, administration, and large construction projects. This concept is ancient, seen in Pharaonic Egypt and other Near Eastern empires.
• that Solomon had:
  • This phrase clarifies ownership and initiative, firmly attributing these accomplishments to Solomon himself. It signifies his direct involvement in their development and control.
• and all the chariots:
  • all the chariots (Hebrew: הָרֶכֶב, hāreḵeḇ). This refers to the cities dedicated to the maintenance, stabling, and deployment of Solomon's chariots. Chariots were the pinnacle of ancient warfare technology, symbolizing military strength and royal power. Israel, under Solomon, had become a significant player in the chariot trade, acquiring them from Egypt and other regions.
• and the cities of the horsemen:
  • cities of the horsemen (Hebrew: הַפָּרָשִׁים, happārāšîm). These were settlements or sections within cities designated for his cavalry units and their horses. This implies a standing army and a robust defense infrastructure. The pairing of chariots and horsemen underlines a combined arms military strategy.
• and all that Solomon desired to build:
  • all that (Hebrew: וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר, wəḵōl ʾăšer). Expands the scope beyond mentioned types of cities to encompass anything else he wished to construct.
  • desired (Hebrew: חָשַׁק, ḥāšaq). This verb is stronger than simply "wanted" or "intended." It denotes a deep longing, affection, or passionate resolve. It reveals Solomon's personal investment and vision in his architectural projects, highlighting that these were not merely pragmatic necessities but manifestations of his profound aspiration. This signifies his regal ambition and perhaps his aesthetic and administrative inclinations.
  • to build (Hebrew: לִבְנוֹת, liḇnôṯ). The ongoing nature of his building ambition.
• in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion:
  • This trio outlines the geographical breadth of Solomon's construction projects and, by extension, the extent of his powerful control.
  • Jerusalem: The capital, administrative, religious, and political center, where grand projects like the Temple and palaces were situated.
  • Lebanon: Known for its timber resources (cedars and firs, vital for construction) and possibly administrative centers related to logging operations. This indicates control over natural resources and strategic territories beyond the immediate central kingdom.
  • all the land of his dominion: A comprehensive phrase affirming that Solomon's building and influence were not limited to a few strategic spots but extended throughout every region he controlled, demonstrating his unmatched authority and the reach of his empire. This indicates fulfillment of the covenant promise of land (Gen 15:18) under his reign, encompassing an unprecedented territorial control for Israel.

2 Chronicles 8 6 Bonus section

The extensive list of Solomon's building projects in 2 Chronicles, particularly those outside of Jerusalem, suggests a highly organized and centralized administration. The establishment of "store cities" and military cities across the land points to sophisticated logistical planning necessary for feeding large workforces, supplying an extensive military, and collecting and distributing state revenues. The Chronicler’s particular emphasis on Solomon’s desire to build might be seen as contrasting with the more detached descriptions in Kings, portraying Solomon not just as a builder but as an ardent visionary. This era, while prosperous, also laid foundations for future tensions, particularly with the widespread use of forced labor (both Israelite and non-Israelite) as noted in the surrounding verses of this chapter. The "land of his dominion" under Solomon represented an extent of control not again replicated by any Israelite king.

2 Chronicles 8 6 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:6 paints a vivid picture of King Solomon's imperial vision and vast material resources. Beyond the functional utility of "store cities" for national logistics and the establishment of "chariot" and "horsemen" centers for military prowess, the verse emphasizes the profound personal desire (ḥāšaq) Solomon had for building. This reveals that his architectural feats were not solely driven by pragmatic needs but by a deep-seated ambition and aesthetic sense to expand and glorify his kingdom. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes this golden age of Solomonic prosperity and territorial reach – from Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart, to Lebanon symbolizing strategic resource control, and ultimately "all the land of his dominion" as the full realization of God's territorial promises to Israel. This era represented the zenith of Israelite power and wealth, a reminder of what God could do through a dedicated monarch, even while subtly highlighting the excesses that eventually contributed to the kingdom's later decline (like multiplying horses against Mosaic law). The verse serves to illustrate the physical manifestation of Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and riches, and how these were channeled into shaping a comprehensive and formidable kingdom structure.