2 Chronicles 1:8-12 NKJV

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 1:10

Give me now wisdom and knowledge . The force of the opening of this verse, and the relation of it to the former, are both prejudiced by the "now" ( עַתּה ) being deposed from its right position as the first word in the verse. For the rest of this verse, the parallel passage has "an understanding heart" in place of our "wisdom and knowledge; " and "that I may discern between good and bad," in place of our that I may go out and come in before this people . In using the words,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 1:11

With this verse the answer to Solomon's prayer begins. It is here concisely given in two verses, but occupies five ( 2 Chronicles 1:10-14 ) in the parallel place, including the verse not found here, which says, "The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing." Otherwise there is no essential difference of any importance, though it may be noted that the parallel gives voice to the promise of "length of days," on the condition of Solomon fulfilling his part in showing obedience... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 1:12

Such as none of the kings … before thee, neither … after thee. These words were sadly ominous of the short-lived glory of the kingdom Only two kings had reigned before Solomon in Israel, and the glory of the kingdom too surely culminated in his reign, and even before the end of it ( 2 Chronicles 9:22 , 2 Chronicles 9:23 ; 1 Chronicles 29:25 ; Ecclesiastes 2:9 ). On the other hand, the gratuitous and spontaneous fulness of promise in the Divine reply to a human prayer that "pleased"... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

The verbal differences between this passage and the corresponding one of Kings 1 Kings 3:5-14 are very considerable, and indicate the general truth that the object of the sacred historians is to give a true account of the real bearing of what was said: not ordinarily to furnish us with all or the exact words that were uttered. The most important point omitted in Chronicles, and supplied by Kings, is the conditional promise of long life made to Solomon 1 Kings 3:14; while the chief point absent... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Chronicles 1:8

2 Chronicles 1:8. And hast made me to reign Give me the spirit of my father David, that Israel may not suffer by the change. The eminence of those that went before us, and the obligation that lies upon us to keep and carry on the good work they were engaged in, should quicken our prayers for wisdom and grace, that we may do the work of God in our day as faithfully as they did in theirs. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Chronicles 1:10

2 Chronicles 1:10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge Like a genuine son of David and Abraham, he chose spiritual blessings rather than temporal. That I may go out and come in before this people This is a proverbial speech for governing the people both at home and abroad, in peace and war. See Numbers 27:17; Deuteronomy 31:2. For who can judge this thy people, that is so great? Among such a numerous people he knew there would be so many, and so various, and, many times, difficult cases... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Chronicles 1:12

2 Chronicles 1:12. And I will give thee riches and wealth, &c. Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and frequently of this too. But those who make the other world their end shall not only obtain that, but shall have as much as is convenient of this world in their way. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 1:1-17

1:1-9:31 THE REIGN OF SOLOMONSolomon’s wisdom and wealth (1:1-17)The writer of Chronicles is chiefly concerned with the continuation of the dynasty of David through Solomon according to God’s promise, and therefore he omits stories that he considers irrelevant to his theme. He says nothing of Adonijah’s attempt to gain the throne, and nothing of Solomon’s alliance with Egypt (1 Kings 1:1-3:3). His initial emphasis is rather on Solomon’s devotion to God from the very beginning of his reign.To... read more

E.W. Bullinger