2 CHRONICLES 1
GOD GRANTS SOLOMON GREAT WISDOM, WEALTH, + A LONG LIFE
Solomon, the King of Israel, has a dream where God promises to provide anything he requests. Solomon chooses the wisdom to discern good and evil. God is pleased by this request and gives Solomon wisdom as well as wealth and a long life. This account is also recorded in 1 Kings 3.
Solomon is extremely wealthy and has accrued 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen. In Deuteronomy 17, God forbids Israel's kings from amassing three things: wealth, women, and horses. Solomon has already gained great wealth and horses, and if he's anything like his father David, women will be next.
2 CHRONICLES 2
KING HIRAM PROVIDES SOLOMON MATERIALS FOR THE TEMPLE
As Solomon prepares to build the temple, he consults King Hiram of Tyre to obtain the highest quality materials. King Hiram had a close relationship with David and recognizes the great work that God has done in Israel. Hiram rejoices with gladness that God provided David a wise and faithful son.
King Hiram has access to beautiful cedar and cypress and supplies Solomon with everything he needs to build the temple, including craftsmen who are skilled in engraving.
Solomon acknowledges that not even the highest places of heaven could contain God. Solomon is honored and humbled that God allows him to build His dwelling place on Earth.
2 CHRONICLES 3
SOLOMON BEGINS CONSTRUCTING THE TEMPLE
Solomon starts building the temple, taking time to add beautiful details. It is designed with an abundance of gold and cypress and cedar wood. In the most holy place, Solomon positions two cherubim, gigantic angel-like figures, as guards. Separating the innermost part of the temple, Solomon makes a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, similar to the garments made for the priests (Exodus 28).
Solomon builds the temple at Mount Moriah on the threshing floor that David previously purchased as a place for sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21).
2 CHRONICLES 4
THE TEMPLE ELEMENTS + FURNISHINGS
Solomon commissions the construction of the temple furnishings, including an altar, lampstands, table, and bronze doors. Hiram makes many items out of pure gold, making them valuable and beautiful for God’s dwelling place. Many of the elements God instructed Moses to build within the tabernacle were also built to be used within the temple (Exodus 25-31).
2 CHRONICLES 5
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO THE TEMPLE
Once Solomon completes construction, he brings David's dedicated treasures to the temple. Solomon gathers the Israelites for a feast before transporting the ark of the covenant into the temple. Earlier in 2 Samuel 6, when moving the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle, David allows the ark to be carried incorrectly and a man named Uzzah was killed in the process. Solomon follows God’s instructions carefully and appoints the priests to correctly carry the ark of the covenant.
Once they arrive, the ark of the covenant is placed inside the innermost part of the temple, called the holy of holies or most holy place. The Israelites praise God and worship using trumpets, cymbals, harps, and lyres. Using the language of Psalm 136, they declare that God is good and that His steadfast love would endure forever!
God’s presence arrives in the form of a thick cloud and becomes so overwhelming that the priests could no longer stand. God made His presence known!
2 CHRONICLES 6
SOLOMON PRAISES GOD FOR HIS FULFILLED PROMISE
Solomon offers a blessing over the people of Israel and reminds them how significant and meaningful it is for God to choose Jerusalem as His dwelling place on Earth. Solomon acknowledges the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, that although David desires to build God’s dwelling place, God chose Solomon to complete it.
Solomon is amazed at God's goodness, not only for keeping His promise, but also for His decision to draw near to the Israelites. Solomon knows that God’s presence cannot be contained to the temple—not even the heavens can contain His presence! Solomon dedicates himself to God and asks for God’s continued provision and mercy.
Solomon praises God for His ability to know our hearts intimately and personally. Solomon prays that people of all nations would come to know God and experience His nearness.
2 Chronicles 6:18 - But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!
2 CHRONICLES 7
GOD WARNS THE ISRAELITES TO REMAIN FAITHFUL
When Solomon finishes his prayer, fire comes down from heaven to consume the Israelites' burnt offerings. God’s presence is so overwhelming that the priests could not enter the temple. Everyone bows down and worships God, praising His goodness and steadfast love. Thousands of sacrifices are offered, and the Israelites feast, rejoicing for two weeks over all that God has done for them.
Solomon accomplishes all that he set out to do. God hears Solomon’s prayer and appears to him, telling him that He has chosen Jerusalem as a house of sacrifice.
Despite God’s dwelling among the Israelites, they return to their unfaithful and rebellious ways. God warns Solomon of impending plagues, including drought, locust, and illness as a result of the nation's sinfulness. God would forgive the Israelites and end the plagues if they would repent and turn from their wicked ways.
God reminds the Israelites that idol worship will bring disaster. If the Israelites forsake God’s covenant and commandments by worshiping false gods, they will be removed from the Promised Land.
2 CHRONICLES 8
SOLOMON COMPLETES THE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
After twenty years, Solomon finishes constructing the temple and building his palace, as well as rebuilding cities for King Hiram. Solomon has an abundance of cities, chariots, and horsemen, acquiring anything that he desires with his wealth.
In Leviticus 25, God forbids forced labor among the Israelites. Instead, Solomon finds a way around this law and used foreigners as forced labor.
Solomon’s wife, Pharaoh's daughter, is given a separate home and does not live near the Temple. Solomon makes burnt offerings and honors the annual festivals.
2 CHRONICLES 9
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA AMAZED BY SOLOMON’S WEALTH
After completing the temple, news of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth travel quickly. The Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to test Solomon’s knowledge with difficult questions. She is left speechless by Solomon’s wisdom and accomplishments. Although she does not know God, she praises Him and acknowledges Him as the source of Solomon’s wisdom!
Solomon’s wealth is growing rapidly. He has amassed great wealth and an abundance of horses, a direct disobedience to the laws of Deuteronomy 17.
After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam replaces him on the throne.
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REHOBOAM’S MERCILESS DECISION
After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam reigns and Jeroboam returns to Israel after hiding from Solomon in Egypt.
Jeroboam confronts Rehoboam about the heavy burden of forced labor that was created under Solomon’s reign. Rehoboam takes three days to decide what to do and during that time seeks advice from two groups of people, his elders and his peers.
The older men encourage Rehoboam to have mercy and lighten the workload for the laborers, but the younger men encourage Rehoboam to increase their burdens and overwork them. Rehoboam makes the cruel decision to increase the labor of the workers, who compares his leadership to the sting of a scorpion.
Because of Rehoboam’s poor leadership and unrighteousness, the Israelites rebel against him, and he flees to Jerusalem.
2 CHRONICLES 11
THE NATION OF ISRAEL SPLIT INTO TWO KINGDOMS
In Jerusalem, two of the tribes remain loyal to Rehoboam, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who become the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
Rehoboam prepares for battle with the other ten tribes, who become the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam fortifies cities around Judah for protection in the case of a civil war.
Because Jeroboam, the leader of the Northern Kingdom, is recklessly making false places of worship, the Levite priests support Rehoboam. For three years, the Levites provide added security and peace to the kingdom of Judah.
Shown through his genealogy, Rehoboam is a descendant of David. Although Rehoboam has many children, he intends to make his son Abijah the heir to the throne.
For a more detailed account of the nation’s divide, visit 1 Kings 12-14.
2 CHRONICLES 12
THE TEMPLE PLUNDERED BY THE EGYPTIANS
Rehoboam’s poor leadership leads to unfaithfulness in Judah. Because the people abandon God’s word, God allows the Egyptians to plunder the temple, stealing valuable treasures and shields of gold.
After a seventeen-year reign, Rehoboam dies and is succeeded by his son Abijah.
2 CHRONICLES 13
ISRAEL + JUDAH AT WAR
After Rehoboam’s death, he is succeeded by his son Abijah. While Abijah rules in Judah, Jeroboam was still on the throne in Israel. During their reign, war breaks out between Abijah and Jeroboam.
Abijah confronts Jeroboam and his army, calling them out for their faithlessness and disregard for God’s covenant. Abijah believes that Judah is more righteous than Israel.
Despite Judah’s much smaller army, they are victorious over Israel because they cried out to God in prayer. 500,000 of Israel’s warriors were killed in battle.
Later, God strikes down Jeroboam, and Nadab succeeds him on the throne as Israel’s king.
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ASA’S RIGHTEOUS + VICTORIOUS REIGN
After Abijah’s death, his son Asa becomes ruler of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Asa is a righteous king who instituted good policies and rid Judah of false idols.
Although the odds are stacked against them, Asa and his small army trust in God’s provision and are able to defeat the Cushites, Israel’s Egyptian enemy.
2 Chronicles 14:11 - And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.”
2 CHRONICLES 15
ASA RULES FAITHFULLY IN JUDAH
A man named Azariah, the son of Obed, is led by God’s spirit to bring a message of encouragement to Asa. Azariah encourages Asa that if he continues to seek God, God’s presence would be with him. Asa gathers the kingdom, calling them to renew the covenant and remain faithful to God alone.
Asa continues to destroy idols and false gods. Asa goes as far as removing his own grandmother, Maacah, from her royal position because of her creation of false idols.
2 CHRONICLES 16
ASA’S RIGHTEOUS REIGN COMES TO AN UNFORTUNATE END
During Asa’s reign in Judah, Israel is led by Baasha. Baasha wants to attack, so Israel starts preparing for war.
Asa becomes allies with Ben-Hadad, a leader in Aram, by making a treaty with gold and silver. Together, Asa and Aram overpower Baasha.
God is displeased with Asa for turning to the help of another country instead of relying on God for help. Through a man named Hanani, God speaks to Asa and warns him against seeking others for help over trusting in God. Asa does not respond well to this warning and locked up Hanani. Instead of admitting his wrongdoing, Asa lashes out and continues to sin.
Later in his life, Asa is afflicted with a diseased foot. Even in his unhealth, Asa does not call upon God for help. After forty-one years on the throne, Asa dies and is buried in Jerusalem.
2 CHRONICLES 17
JEHOSHAPHAT FAITHFULLY REMOVES IDOLS + GREW JUDAH’S ARMY
After the death of Asa, Asa’s son Jehoshaphat rules over Judah. Jehoshaphat is a good, faithful king who follows God and did not worship other idols. Jehoshaphat is well regarded and all of Judah brings him gifts, increasing his wealth and influence.
Through Jehoshaphat’s devotion to God, he removes false places of worship and idols. The Kingdom of Judah appoints religious officials to travel throughout the nation and teach God’s law.
Because of Jehoshaphat’s God-fearing leadership style, other kingdoms do not start war with Judah. Although there is peace during this time, Jehoshaphat is diligent in growing Judah’s army and preparing fortresses.
2 CHRONICLES 18
AHAB’S REBELLION LEADS TO HIS DEATH IN BATTLE
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, meets with Ahab, King of Israel to form an alliance against Aram and their leader Ben-Hadad. Through this alliance, Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram marries Athaliah, king Ahab’s daughter.
When deciding if they should attack the city of Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat wants to ask God for guidance. Instead, Ahab asks 400 false prophets for guidance. The prophets encourage Ahab to attack, prophesying that Israel will be successful. Jehoshaphat is resistant to the advice of the false prophets and wants to consult Micaiah, a prophet of God. Ahab hates Micaiah because he had previously delivered bad news to the Israelites.
Micaiah knows the false prophets were lying and warned Ahab and Jehoshaphat not to attack Aram. Micaiah knew that disaster that awaited if they attempted war with Aram. Micaiah is struck by a man named Zedekiah and imprisoned for rebuking Ahab’s plans. Micaiah is confident in God’s wisdom and knows that Ahab would not return from battle alive.
Jehoshaphat wears his royal robes into battle, making him a more obvious target. Ahab, wanting to remain discreet, enters the battle disguised. One of the Arameans shot off an arrow, by accident and without aim, and killed Ahab! No disguise or battle plan is greater than the prophecy of God—His Word always comes to pass!
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JEHOSHAPHAT’S HONORABLE DECISIONS
After Ahab’s death, Jehoshaphat went back to Judah. The prophet Jehu confronted Jehoshaphat for making an alliance with Ahab. Because Jehoshaphat destroyed false idols throughout Judah and desired to follow God, he was considered a righteous king, but his alliance with Ahab was wrong and out of character.
Jehoshaphat appointed judges and instructed them to honor God’s law in their decision making. Jehoshaphat also appointed the Levites to serve as officers and settle disputes. He encouraged his leadership to serve with justice and acknowledge God as the ultimate judge.
2 Chronicles 19:9 - And he charged them: ”Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart.”
2 CHRONICLES 20
GOD’S VICTORY OVER THE AMMONITES + MOABITES
The Moabites and Ammonites, two neighboring enemy kingdoms, wage war on Judah. When Jehoshaphat hears that they are approaching, he asks God for help in prayer. Jehoshaphat instates a nationwide fast throughout the Southern Kingdom. The people of Judah remember God’s previous victories and trust in Him to save them.
God’s spirit comes upon a man named Jahaziel, a Levite priest. Jahaziel knows that the nation of Judah is helpless without God’s strength, but trusts that God will provide them with a victory. He encourages the people standing before God to not be dismayed, for the battle is not theirs to win, it is God’s! Instead of entering the battle with weapons and vengeance, they enter with song and praise, singing “Give thanks to God, his steadfast love endures forever!”
Despite this unlikely battle strategy, God sends an ambush against the men attacking Judah, turning them against each other and killing them all. The people of Judah plunder the dead Ammonites and Moabites, spending three days taking all of their loot. The Kingdom of Judah comes together and blesses God, praising Him for their victory. When the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory, they fearfully withdraw from battle with Judah and leave the nation at peace.
All of the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory and leave Judah alone out of fear. Although Jehoshaphat follows in his father Asa’s righteous footsteps, he attempts to partner with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. Similar to his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat does not make deals with righteous people. Because of this, the prophet Eliezer tells Jehoshaphat that God would not establish his plans with wicked people and is shipwrecked on his way to trade in Tarshish with Ahaziah.