1:1 While the book of 1 Chronicles focuses mainly on David’s life, 2 Chronicles focuses on the lives of the rest of the kings of Judah, the southern kingdom. Very little is mentioned about Israel, the northern kingdom, because (1) Chronicles was written for Judeans who had returned from captivity in Babylon, and (2) Judah represented David’s family, from which the Messiah would come. Israel was in a state of constant turmoil, anarchy, and rebellion against God, but Judah, at least, made sporadic efforts to follow God.
1:1 More details about Solomon’s rise to the throne can be read in 1 Kings 1–2. Solomon’s profile is found in 1 Kings 3, p. 689.
1:2-5 The Tabernacle that Moses had built centuries earlier (Exodus 35–40) was still in operation although it had been moved several times. When Solomon became king, the Tabernacle was located at Gibeon, a town about six miles northwest of Jerusalem. All the Tabernacle furniture was kept at Gibeon except the Ark of God, which David had moved to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13; 15–16). David wanted the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence, to reside in the city where he ruled the people. The Tabernacle at Gibeon, however, was still considered Israel’s main religious center until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem.
1:10 Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on proper discernment and judgment. Knowledge, in this verse, refers to the practical know-how necessary for handling everyday matters. Wisdom applies knowledge. Solomon used his wisdom and knowledge not only to build the Temple from his father’s plans but also to put the nation on firm economic footing.
1:10 God’s offer to Solomon stretches the imagination: “Ask what I shall give thee” (1:7). But Solomon put the needs of his people first and asked for wisdom rather than riches. He realized that wisdom would be the most valuable asset he could have as king. Later he wrote, wisdom “is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” (Proverbs 3:15). The same wisdom that was given to Solomon is available to us; the same God offers it. How can we acquire wisdom? First, we must ask God, who “giveth to all men liberally” (James 1:5). Second, we must devote ourselves wholeheartedly to studying and applying God’s Word, the source of divine wisdom, to our lives. (For more on Solomon’s wisdom, read the notes on 1 Kings 3:6-9 and 3:12.)
1:11, 12 Solomon could have had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation. Because God approved of the way Solomon ordered his priorities, he gave Solomon wealth, riches, and honor as well. Jesus also spoke about priorities. He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33). This does not guarantee that we will be wealthy and famous like Solomon, but it means that when we put God first, the wisdom he gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we have greater wealth than we could ever imagine.
1:12 Solomon’s wealth was impressive. In this specific case, it symbolized God’s blessing in his life and was a reward for seeking God’s wisdom. Jesus the Messiah came to fulfill God’s promise to David of an eternal Kingdom. The spiritual benefits of Jesus’ rule are even more impressive than the material benefits of Solomon’s. Whereas Solomon’s wisdom was limited and his wealth eventually disappeared, Jesus’ wisdom is eternal and his treasures can never be taken away.