2 Chronicles 8
DOYLYrestored &c.] Here is a short relation of what is told more largely at 1 Kings ix. 12, 13: only we are further informed in this place, that Solomon rebuilt the cities, after they were restored to him by Huram, so that his own subjects became the inhabitants. Bp. Patrick.
Chap. IX. ver. 8. Blessed be the Lord thy God.] In these words she says much more than is related at
2 Chronicles 8:3
- — went to Hamath-zobah.] Probably the country lying between the Euphrates and Damascus. Bocharf. Perhaps the country is so called, as being a part of the kingdom of Hamath, seized on by the king of Zobah. Dr. Wells. See notes at Numb. xiii. 21; xxxiv. 2;
2 Chronicles 8:11
- — My wife shall not dwell in the house of David] “The ark of the Lord” had dwelt for a considerable time in the house of David, where a tabernacle had been made on purpose for it. On this account, Solomon thought that especial regard should be paid to a place, which had been employed for so sacred an end, and would not suffer his wife, who was a stranger, though a proselyte to the Jewish religion, to keep her court there: for she and her servants might in many ways have defiled a place, which had been made sacred by the symbol of the Divine presence dwelling there. Bp. Patrick.
2 Chronicles 8:14
- — David the man of God] It is observable that David is here called “the man of God,” as Moses had been; because, after Moses, there was none like him divinely inspired, to raise the publick worship to a higher pitch by his heavenly hymns; and to direct the manner of its performance in proper order. Solomon was a very wise man in natural knowledge, and in political affairs, and in moral and Divine things; but he was much inferiour to David both in true piety, and in the gift of prophecy. Bp. Patrick. The queen of Sheba admireth the wisdom of Solomon. Before CHRIST 992. Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon. # CHAP. IX.