2 Chronicles 1

Much that is said in the Introduction to 1 Chronicles applies to this Book also.

Solomon is the principal figure in i.-ix. The narrative in these chapters corresponds with that of 1 Kings iii.-xi. with some interesting additions. The sacrifice at Gibeon, for instance (i. 2, 3), was not merely an act of devotion on the part of Solomon, but a great public ceremony, and it was on the night of that sacrifice that God appeared to him (i. 7). A fuller account is given of the request which Solomon made to the king of Tyre (cp. ii. 7-10 with 1 Kings vii. 13). The brazen altar is merely mentioned in 1 Kings; here its construction and dimensions are given (iv. 1-5). The majestic music of the trumpeters and singers which preceded the manifestation of God’s glory is mentioned in 2 Chronicles only (v. 12, 13).

The remaining chapters (x.-xxxvi.) deal with the history of the kingdom of Judah from the time of Rehoboam to the captivity and the proclamation of Cyrus permitting the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The most important additions to the record of Kings are the account of Jehoshaphat’s reforms (xix.), his beautiful intercessory prayer and his appeal to the people, with the defeat of their enemies (xx. 1-30); Amaziah’s obedience to God’s command at apparent loss to himself (xxv. 1-10); the explanation of Jotham’s success (xxvii. 6); and the account of Hezekiah’s cleansing of the temple, his sacrifices, his keeping of the Passover and destruction of the idols (xxix.-xxxi.).

1 was strengthened. Heb., “strengthened (i.e., established) himself”; perhaps with allusion to the opposition to his accession. Cp. xii. 13; xiii. 21; xxi. 4; xxxii. 5, etc.

3 went to the high place. Cp. 1 Kings iii. 4. A few details are here added.

the tabernacle of the congregation. i.e., “the tent of meeting,” as in many other passages (R.V.). The chronicler here lays emphasis on the fact that the Sanctuary and the Ark were for the time in different places.

5 he put. Rather, as R.V., “was there.”

7 in that night, etc. The account of this vision in 1 Kings iii. 5-15 substantially accords with this: but with verbal differences that betoken a different narrator.

9. Thy promise.** This promise is also referred to in Psa. lxxii.

13 from his journey. The Septuagint gives the correct reading: “And Solomon came from the high place in Gibeon,” etc.

16 linen yarn. See notes on 1 Kings x. 28, 29. The whole passage in the two books is nearly identical. “Gold,” however (15), is not mentioned in Kings.