Solomon In All His Splendor; Solomon's Death
2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31

Solomon's Accomplishments

2 Chronicles 8:1-18

• It took Solomon half his reign to build the temple.
• Solomon expanded his kingdom. (v. 1-10)
• The war mentioned in verse 3 is the only war mentioned in Solomon's reign, and it seems of little significance.
• Solomon put Israelites in the army and in positions of leadership, while decendants of the Canaanites were given menial tasks.
• Solomon didn't let Pharoh's daughter live in David's house. (v. 11)
• Unfortunately, the fact that Solomon restricted his wife to a special residence did not restrict her from leading him off into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-8)
• Solomon had many wives, probably (at least in part) for political purposes. A king is far less likely to attack a nation where his daughter is the queen. However, these multiple marriages are against God's command.
• Solomon made sure that the priests and Levites kept up with their duties. (v. 14-15)

The Queen of Sheba

2 Chronicles 9:1-12

• The queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon and came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. (v. 1)
• Solomon answered all her questions. (v. 2)
• The queen of Sheba was extremely impressed by Solomon's wisdom and wealth. (v. 3-7)
• The queen of Sheba exclaims about God's greatness. (v. 8)
• The queen of Sheba gave Solomon many great gifts. (v. 9-11)
• Solomon repayed the queen of Sheba with gifts that were of greater value than the gifts she gave him. (v. 12)
• This encounter is another example of how Solomon's reign is characterized by three "Ws": Wisdom, Wealth, and Worship.

Solomon's Wealth

2 Chronicles 9:13-28

• Solomon was very wealthy.

Solomon's Death

2 Chronicles 9:29-31

• Other details of Solomon's reign are written in other books.
• Solomon died.