Solomon's Worship, Wisdom, and Wealth
2 Chronicles 1:1-17

Solomon Asks for Wisdom

2 Chronicles 1:1-17

• Solomon established himself firmly over the kingdom, for the Lord was with him. (v. 1)
• Solomon and all the leaders of Israel went to Gibeon (seven miles northwest of Jerusalem). (v. 2-3)
• In Solomon's time, Gibeon (with the tabernacle) and Jerusalem (with the Ark) were the only two legitimate places to offer sacrifices.
• Remember, David had previously brought the Ark to Jerusalem. (v. 4)
• All of the other tabernacle furniture was still at Gibeon. (v. 5)
• Solomon offered many burnt offerings at Gibeon. (v. 6)
• God appeared to Solomon and told him to ask for whatever he wanted God to give him. (v. 7)
• 1 Kings 3:5 makes it clear that the Lord came to Solomon in a dream. (This episode is described in 1 Kings 3:5-15.)
• Solomon answers God by acknowledging God's greatness. He asks God to remember his promise to David. (v. 8-9)
• Compare 2 Chronicles 1:9 with Genesis 13:16. The promise God made to David/Solomon is very similar to the promise he made to Abraham.
• Solomon asks God to give him wisdom and knowledge because he knows that he will need wisdom and knowledge to govern Israel. (v. 10)
• Why did Solomon ask for wisdom and knowledge? See 1 Chronicles 22:11-12 where David tells Solomon to seek knowledge and understanding.
• It's important to note that Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge so that he could serve God better, not for his own gain.
• Discussion Question: What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? Possible Answers: wisdom ­ the ability to discern what is true, right, or lasting; insight; good judgment. knowledge ­ familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study. Knowledge deals with facts, wisdom is the application of knowledge.
• Solomon's factual knowledge was limited by his cultural environment; but his "wisdom," his ability in the application of knowledge, has never been surpassed (see 1 Kings 3:12).
• God tells Solomon that because he didn't ask for wealth, riches, honor, the death of his enemies, or long life, God would grant his request for wisdom and knowledge and also wealth, riches, and honor. (v. 11-12)
• Does God ask us what we want? What do we ask for? Do we get it?
• God will make Solomon greater than any king before or after him. (v. 12)
• Solomon returned to Jerusalem. (v. 13)
• Solomon accumulated great wealth. (v. 14-17)
• The existence of Solomon's chariot cities (see also 2 Chronicles 9:25), has been remarkably confirmed by archaeology. The excavation of Megiddo, southeast of Mount Carmel, has revealed one extensive stone stable capable of housing about four hundred horses.
• Note that Solomon is acquiring gold, silver, and horses from Egypt. These are things that God has previously forbidden the king to do. (Deuteronomy 17:16-17) Why did God forbid Israel to acquire horses from Egypt? Because Israel was enslaved by the Egyptians and they were not to return to Egypt.