# 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.