Then went Solomon to Eziongeber ,.... Being now at leisure to look after his navy, to carry on merchandise; and of this, and the following verse, and the reconciliation of them with 1 Kings 9:26 ; see Gill on 1 Kings 9:26 , 1 Kings 9:27 , 1 Kings 9:28 . read more
Knowledge of the sea - Skilful sailors. Solomon probably bore the expenses and his friend, the Tyrian king, furnished him with expert sailors; for the Jews, at no period of their history, had any skill in maritime affairs, their navigation being confined to the lakes of their own country, from which they could never acquire any nautical skill. The Tyrians, on the contrary, lived on and in the sea. 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
The first merchant-ships. I. To WHOM THEY BELONGED . 1 . Solomon —who constructed a navy of ships ( 1 Kings 9:26 ). The first mention of ship-building by the Israelites. An advance in civilization, it is doubtful whether this was in harmony with the calling of the Israelites as a theocratic people, whose business it was to keep themselves distinct from other nations. 2 . Hiram— who sent the Israelitish monarch ships by the hands of his servants. Either Hiram sent to... read more
The first impression created on reading this verse no doubt would he that Hiram sent ships to Solomon, at Ezion-geber and Eloth. But it is almost impossible to see how he could do so. The parallel much helps us, by saying that "Solomon made a navy," and Hiram assisted. by manning it with competent sailors; he "sent in the navy his servants," etc. ( 1 Kings 9:26 , 1 Kings 9:27 ). Some have suggested that the explanation is that Hiram gave materials, workmen, and models for Solomon's ships,... read more
It has been supposed that these ships were conveyed from Tyre to Ezion-geber, either(1) round the continent of Africa, or(2) across the isthmus of Suez.But the writer probably only means that ships were given by Hiram to Solomon at this time, and in connection with the Ophir enterprise. These vessels may have been delivered at Joppa, and have been there carefully studied by the Jewish shipwrights, who then preceeded to Ezion-geber, and, assisted by Phoenicians, constructed ships after their... 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
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 8:12-18
Here is, I. Solomon's devotion. The building of the temple was in order to the service of the temple. Whatever cost he was at in rearing the structure, if he had neglected the worship that was to be performed there, it would all have been to no purpose. Assisting the devotion of others will not atone for our own neglects. When Solomon had built the temple, 1. He kept up the holy sacrifices there, according to the law of Moses, 2 Chron. 8:12, 13. In vain had the altar been built, and in vain... read more