In that night did God appear unto Solomon ,.... From hence to the end of 2 Chronicles 1:12 it is the same with 1 Kings 3:5 . See Gill on 1 Kings 3:5 , 1 Kings 3:6 , 1 Kings 3:7 , 1 Kings 3:8 , 1 Kings 3:9 , 1 Kings 3:10 , 1 Kings 3:11 , 1 Kings 3:12 , 1 Kings 3:13 , 1 Kings 3:14 , 1 Kings 3:15 read more
In that night - The night following the sacrifice. On Solomon's choice, see the notes on 1 Kings 3:5-15 ; (note). read more
Each highest need of life offers to turn into the first accepted and best rewarded prayer of life. This chapter of seventeen verses might remind us of a picture and its mount and frame, a precious stone and its setting. In this sense it is a unity. The first six verses are used just to prepare us for the contents of the six that follow; and the last five summarily assure us that the fulfilment did not fall short of, nor halt long behind, promise. The now sole reign of Solomon, begun with... read more
That night . This can mean no other night than that which followed the day (or the days) of sacrifices so multitudinous. The parallel account in 1 Kings 3:5 tells us the way in which "God appeared to Solomon," viz. by dream. The words of God's offer, Ask what I shall give thee , are identical in the parallel place. read more
God's offer to the young. "What a splendid and enviable position!" we are inclined to say; "one removed from ours by the whole breadth of fortune. How utterly unlike the conditions under which we freed ourselves to-day!" But is it so? Is there not, on the other hand, quite as much of comparison as of contrast between the position of the young sovereign and our own, as we look forward to the future that awaits us? Does not God say to each one of us, "Ask what I shall give thee?" ... read more
The vision and prayer of Solomon, and God ' s answer to that prayer. read more
The Divine responsiveness, etc. From the interesting scene described in these verses (more fully in 1 Kings 3:1-28 .) we may glean some lasting truths. I. THAT WE MAY CONFIDENTLY RECKON ON THE DIVINE RESPONSIVENESS . Solomon went to Gibeon with "all the congregation," in very great state, to seek the Lord there, and there he offered abundant sacrifices ( 2 Chronicles 1:6 ). And God responded to his act of piety by seeking him, by coming to him and making him a... read more
A young king's choice. I. THE PERMISSION GRANTED TO SOLOMON . "Ask what I shall give thee." Granted: 1 . By whom ? God ( Elohim ) , the Giver par excellence, of whom David had said, "All things come of thee" ( 1 Chronicles 29:14 ); "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" ( Psalms 33:5 ); and whom a New Testament writer describes as "the Father of lights," etc. ( James 1:5 , James 1:17 ). The invitation here accorded to Solomon, after the manner of... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 1:1-12
Here is, I. Solomon's great prosperity, 2 Chron. 1:1. Though he had a contested title, yet, God being with him, he was strengthened in his kingdom; his heart and hands were strengthened, and his interest in the people. God's presence will be our strength. II. His great piety and devotion. His father was a prophet, a psalmist, and kept mostly to the ark; but Solomon, having read much in his Bible concerning the tabernacle which Moses built and the altars there, paid more respect to them than,... read more