And Baalath ,.... See 1 Kings 9:18 . From hence, to the end of 2 Chronicles 8:11 , it is the same with 1 Kings 9:19 . See Gill on 1 Kings 9:19 . 1 Kings 9:20 . 1 Kings 9:21 . 1 Kings 9:22 . 1 Kings 9:23 . 1 Kings 9:24 . read more
The formative influence of the Church. In the exceeding abundance of suggestion of homiletic matter that characterizes Scripture, and even its historic books, there is naturally so much the less temptation to strain its sacred contents (which at all times serve their own purposes) by laying them under forced contributions to this particular service. It may be, therefore, perhaps best to say at once that this chapter does not proffer anything specially suitable for homiletics proper. None... read more
These verses, corresponding very nearly exactly with the parallel ( 1 Kings 9:20-23 ), betray how it was a thing never to be forgotten, if only as a fact, that the extermination of the old possessors of the land had not been entire; so that allusion to it is not omitted even by a post-Captivity compiler. The parallel charitably "whom the children of Israel were not able to destroy utterly," where our text shows with exacter fidelity, whom the children of Israel consumed not . The parallel... read more
The subjects of Solomon. I. NON - ISRAELITES . 1 . Their nationalities. Descendants of five of the seven nations in the promised laud anterior to the conquest, remnants of which were left instead of being utterly consumed as enjoined by Moses ( Deuteronomy 7:1 ). 2 . Their condition. Practically bond-servants, paying tribute to Solomon, they had no part in the civil commonwealth or religious theocracy of Israel. They illustrate the relation in which the world's... read more
On the number compare 1 Kings 5:16 note. read more
A.M. 3012. B.C. 992. Solomon’s buildings, 2 Chronicles 8:1-6 . His workmen and officers, 2 Chronicles 8:7-10 . He settles his wife, 2 Chronicles 8:11 . Fixes the method of the temple-service, 2 Chronicles 8:12-16 . His trade, 2 Chronicles 8:17 , 2 Chronicles 8:18 . 2 Chronicles 8:2. The cities which Huram had restored Which Solomon gave to Hiram, but which, not being pleased with them, he restored to him again, 1 Kings 9:12. Solomon built them That is, rebuilt them, and placed his... read more
Solomon’s greatness (8:1-9:31)Other building programs of Solomon are outlined. The Chronicler adds a note that the reason Solomon built a separate palace for his Egyptian wife was to preserve the holiness of the throne. This point is important to the Chronicler, who wants to show that the Davidic kings, on the whole, tried to remain faithful to God. He notes in addition that Solomon organized the temple services according to the plan that David had laid down (8:1-18; see notes on 1 Kings... read more
2 Chronicles 8:10. And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, &c.— But those chief officers who presided over the works of Solomon, were two hundred and fifty. See 1Ki 9:23 where they are said to be five hundred and fifty. Other inferior officers were included perhaps in the former account. REFLECTIONS.—1st, The only warlike expedition that Solomon was engaged in, we have in 2Ch 8:3 reducing to his obedience Hamath-zobah, which seems to have revolted. His buildings, to which his... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 8:1-11
This we had 1 Kgs. 9:10-24, and therefore shall only observe here, I. Though Solomon was a man of great learning and knowledge, yet he spent his days, not in contemplation, but in action, not in his study, but in his country, in building cities and fortifying them, in a time of peace preparing for a time of war, which is as much a man's business as it is in summer to provide food for winter. II. As he was a man of business himself, and did not consult his own ease, so he employed a great many... read more