Matthew Poole
2 Chronicles 1

Introduction

King Solomon's solemn offering at Gibeon, 2 Chronicles 1:1-6. His choice of wisdom is blessed by God, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12. His strength and wealth, 2 Chronicles 1:13-17.

Verse 1

Was strengthened, or established, after his seditious brother Adonijah and his partisans were suppressed; and he was received with the universal consent and joy of his princes and people.

Verse 2

Then Solomon spake, to wit, concerning his intention of going to Gibeon, and that they should attend him thither, as the next verse shows.

Verse 3

To the high place; upon which the tabernacle was placed; whence it is called the great high place, 1 Kings 3:4.

Verse 4

He separated the ark from the tabernacle, and brought it to Jerusalem, because there he intended to build a far more noble and lasting habitation for it.

Verse 5

He put; either Moses, mentioned 2 Chronicles 1:3, or Bezaleel, here last named, by the command and direction of Moses; or David, who may be said to put it there, because he continued it there, and did not remove it, as he did the ark from the tabernacle. Sought unto it, i.e. sought the Lord and his favour by hearty prayers and sacrifices in the place which God had appointed for that work, Leviticus 17:3, 4.

Verse 6

i.e. Which altar. But that he had now said, 2 Chronicles 1:5, and therefore would not unnecessarily repeat it. Or rather, who; and so these words are emphatical, and contain a reason why Solomon went thither, because the Lord was there graciously present to hear prayers and receive sacrifices.

Verse 7

In that night, after those sacrifices were offered. Did God appear, in a dream, of which see the notes on 1 Kings 3:5, &c.

Verse 8-10

What one man is sufficient to govern so numerous a people?

Verse 11

The life of thine enemies, i.e. the taking away of their lives.

Verse 12, 13

To the high place, or, from the high place; for the Hebrew prefix lamed, which commonly signifies to, is sometimes put for the Latin de, which signifies from.

Verse 14

Of this and the three following verses, see the notes on 1 Kings 10:26, &c.

Verse 15-17