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2 Chronicles 8

18 verses

TL;DR

Solomon’s reign saw the expansion of fortified cities, tribute from neighboring peoples, and the completion of the Temple, accompanied by organized worship and trade with Ophir.

Summary

In the twenty‑first year of Solomon’s reign, he fortified many cities such as Hamathzobah, Tadmor, and Bethhoron, building walls, gates, and bars, and established control over surrounding regions. He compelled the remaining peoples—Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—to pay tribute, while the Israelites served as military officers, charioteers, and horsemen. Solomon arranged priestly and Levitical duties, conducted daily and festival offerings, and upheld the orders set by his father David. The construction of the Temple reached completion, with all preparations finalized before its foundation. Finally, Solomon engaged in maritime trade, bringing 450 talents of gold from Ophir via ships sent by Huram’s servants.

Outline
  1. Fortification of cities and completion of the Temple under Solomon’s leadership
  2. Tribute from neighboring peoples and organization of Israelite military officers
  3. Structured worship, priestly duties, and trade relations with Ophir
Themes
State-building and military dominanceTribute and foreign relationsWorship discipline and priestly order
Keywords
SolomonTempletributefortificationpriestsLevitesOphirgoldchariotshorsemen
People
SolomonHuramdaughter of PharaohDavidpriestsLevitescaptainschariotshorsemensons of IsraelHittitesAmoritesPerizzitesHivitesJebusites
Places
HamathzobahTadmorBethhoronBaalathJerusalemLebanonEziongeberElothOphircity of Davidland of Edomsea side
Things
houses of the LORDcity walls, gates, and barstributeburnt offeringspriestly coursesLevitical dutiesporterstreasuresfoundationgold from Ophirships
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 8:16: Stresses that the work of Solomon was completed and the Temple was perfected, marking the culmination of his reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:8: Highlights the tribute imposed on the remaining peoples, showing the political reach of Solomon.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:12: Shows Solomon’s devotion through burnt offerings, linking worship to statecraft.
Questions
  • What does Solomon’s policy of tribute reveal about Israel’s political strategy?
  • How did the organization of priests and Levites influence worship in the Temple?
  • In what ways does the completion of the Temple reflect Solomon’s legacy?
  • What might the mention of trade with Ophir suggest about Israel’s economic reach?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage is primarily descriptive, reporting facts of construction, tribute, worship, and trade without emotive language.