2 Chronicles Chapter 8

At a Glance

  • Chapter 8 recounts Solomon’s broader program of governance and expansion after the temple’s dedication.
  • This chapter frames the expansion of the kingdom as a concrete outgrowth of temple-centered faith.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • As part of Chronicles’ Solomon narrative, Chapter 8 juxtaposes temple-centered faith with the day-to-day governance that supports it.
  • - Temple-faith in governance: The king’s administration and temple service work in tandem.

Chapter Overview

Chapter 8 recounts Solomon’s broader program of governance and expansion after the temple’s dedication. It details the completion of Solomon’s own house and the cities he built, including military and administrative hubs, as well as the provisioning of infrastructure like store cities and chariot towns. The text notes that Solomon did not enslave the Israelites but relied on guest workers and soldiers, emphasizing a governance model that sought stability while maintaining national independence. Solomon’s devotion to God is evident in his regular sacrifices and annual feasts, including Sabbaths and festivals.

This chapter frames the expansion of the kingdom as a concrete outgrowth of temple-centered faith. The chapter emphasizes obedience, order, and a disciplined royal administration as prerequisites for a prosperous and faithful society. It also displays Solomon’s international engagement, including his alliance through marriage with Pharaoh’s daughter, demonstrating diplomacy and political complexity in the ancient Near East. The chapter ends on a note of wealth and influence, signaling both blessing and potential vulnerability if faithfulness wavers.

Historical & Literary Context

As part of Chronicles’ Solomon narrative, Chapter 8 juxtaposes temple-centered faith with the day-to-day governance that supports it. The emphasis on contributing cities, material abundance, and revered worship aligns with Chronicles’ broader aim: to present a holistic portrait of a nation whose prosperity rests on covenant fidelity. The material wealth and political reach illustrate how a rightly oriented kingdom can extend God’s name, not merely through liturgy but through just governance and societal flourishing.

Key Themes

- Temple-faith in governance: The king’s administration and temple service work in tandem.

- Justice and restraint: Solomon’s restraint in not making Israel a slave underscores ethical leadership.

- Diplomatic breadth: International ties reflect the reality of ancient politics and the temple’s place within it.

- Worship shaping society: The rhythms of festival and sacrifice sustain communal identity.

Modern Application

For contemporary readers, this chapter invites reflection on:

- Leadership that blends spiritual devotion with prudent governance.

- Ethical use of power and resources to benefit the common good.

- The place of cultural engagement and diplomacy in a faith that seeks the welfare of all peoples.

- The integration of worship and daily life, so prosperity serves to advance righteousness rather than private self-interest.

Cross-References (3–5)

- 1 Kings 9 (Solomon’s building programs and wealth)

- 2 Chronicles 9 (Solomon’s wealth and wisdom)

- Deuteronomy 17–18 (laws of governance and kings)

Recommended Personas

- Solomon (for governance and expansion)

- Prophet or Wisdom figure (to weigh wealth against faithfulness)

- Queen/Visitor (for diplomacy insights)

Chapter Text

1

And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,

2

That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

3

And Solomon went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.

4

And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

5

Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

6

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

7

As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,

8

But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.

9

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

10

And these were the chief of king Solomon’s officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

11

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.

12

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

14

And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

15

And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.

16

Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.

17

Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.

18

And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore 2 Chronicles Chapter 8 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
← 2 Chronicles 72 Chronicles 9 →