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2 Chronicles
Introduction
In the fifth century BC, many Judeans were returning from exile to the southern part of the land of Israel. They faced great difficulties: their capital city and temple had been destroyed, foreigners had moved in, and they were no longer ruled by their own king. But the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah insist that God’s people can still fulfill his purpose. They must form a unique society centered on the worship of God in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. (These books are really one long book, telling a continuous story; one can see, for example, how the end of 2 Chronicles overlaps with the beginning of Ezra.)
The book presents a sweeping chronicle of Israel’s history, beginning with a long genealogy or ancestor list. Going all the way back to Adam, it situates the people of Israel among the nations and reminds them of their calling. Special attention is given to Judah, ancestor of the royal line of David, and to Levi, ancestor of the priests and temple attendants.
The second main part describes the kings who ruled in Jerusalem down to the time of the exile. David receives more attention than others, but many details of his life told elsewhere are left out. The focus is on his military campaigns and his elaborate plans for the temple in Jerusalem. The reason is clear when we see that David was not permitted to build the temple because he was a warrior. God wanted a man of peace to build the place where all nations would come to pray. The honor therefore fell to David’s son Solomon. More space is devoted to him than to any king besides David, describing his construction of the temple and the splendors of his reign.
The final part of the book relates the experiences of the returned exiles. The memoirs of Ezra and Nehemiah, leaders of the second generation of returned Judeans, are incorporated into the history. These leaders helped create a distinct community by forbidding intermarriage with the surrounding peoples, and they directed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Included here is a description of a great covenant renewal ceremony led by Ezra and Nehemiah.
An important theme of the entire history—which can appropriately be called a temple history—is that pure worship is offered on God’s terms, not ours. God has chosen Israel to welcome the nations into true worship. Through all the ups and downs of history he is working to bring this purpose to fulfillment.
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2 Chronicles Chapter 1 (ESV)
6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 13 So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
REFLECTION:
- Intelligence and wisdom are different. Wisdom is the insight and discernment to make the right decision while intelligence (or knowledge) is the skill to deal with the daily work. King Solomon used the wisdom he asked from God not only to build the temple according to David’s plan but also to build a stable economic foundation for the country. Today many people want to be smart but lack great wisdom. Reflect what kind of wisdom God expect you to have in living your life today?
- God’s promise to Solomon: “Ask what I shall give you” (1:7) will uplift our heart. Solomon put the needs of the people first. He asked for wisdom instead of treasures for he knew that the most important treasure for a king is wisdom. Later Solomon wrote in Proverbs “Wisdom is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Prov. 3:15). God gave Solomon wisdom in former times and the same God will willingly give us wisdom nowadays. Imagine if God said to you what he said to Solomon in verse 7, how would you reply?
- Solomon could ask for anything but he only asked God for wisdom to govern the people. God was pleased with his choice of priorities and also give him treasures, abundances and honour. Jesus also talked about priority in life. If we seek God first, all the things we need shall be added unto us. His promise does not mean that we will be as rich as Solomon but the wisdom He gives will help us lead a life that honours Him when we seek God first. Do you believe that if you seek God first then all the things you need shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33, Lk. 12:31)?
PRAYER:
Come before God humbly and ask God to give you wisdom so that you will understand the true place of wealth and honour in God’s Kingdom. Ask God to give you greater faith and how you can seek God first in your life.
HYMN:
Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear) – youtu.be/x3SnaCDE2lM?si=jovWC_YSqaJzEN-2
