2 Chronicles 1-9 United Monarchy: Solomon

III. The United Monarchy, Part Two: Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:1-9:31)

In Chronicles the reigns of David and Solomon are seen as a unity, though this is obscured by the artificial split of Chronicles into two books. The first part of 2 Chronicles tells the story of Solomon as the chosen builder of the Temple without reference to his other exploits so familiar from 1 Kings. Part one of the united monarchy is found in 1 Chronicles 10-29.

5 Periods of Reformation in 2 Chronicles

1. Under King Asa, ch. 15
2. Under King Jehoshaphat, ch. 17:6-10
3. Under the priest, Jehooida, and King Joash, ch. 23:16-19
4. Under King Hezekiah, ch. 29-31
5. Under King Josiah, ch. 34,35

A. Solomon’s Wisdom and Wealth (2 Chronicles 1:1-17)

The reign of Solomon is introduced by lifting up his gift of wisdom and his vast wealth.

B. Initial Preparations for the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:1-18)

Solomon’s preparations for the construction of the Temple, as described in correspondence between Solomon and Huram, complete the extensive preparations initiated by his father, David, in 1 Chronicles 22.

C. Temple Construction (2 Chronicles 3:1-5:1)

The books of Chronicles have been building to this point. Now the central activity of Solomon’s reign is related in a report of the Temple’s construction that emphasizes its splendor.

D. Temple Dedication (2 Chronicles 5:2-7:22)

Sharing a central position with the construction of the Temple is the worship service in which the ark is finally placed in the Temple, and the Temple itself is dedicated.

E. Completion of the Temple (2 Chronicles 8:1-16)

Solomon’s other building activities are briefly recounted, followed by the king’s offerings of sacrifices on the altar and the installation of the priests and Levites.

F. Solomon’s Wisdom and Wealth (2 Chronicles 8:17-9:31)

The Chronicler’s portrait of Solomon ends, just as it had begun, with special emphasis upon Solomon’s wisdom and wealth.