2 Chronicles 8:1-11

1. Solomon’s political success 8:1-11

God blessed Solomon by giving him good relations with King Hiram of Tyre (2 Chronicles 8:1). Hiram evidently returned the cities Solomon had previously given to him (2 Chronicles 8:2; cf. 1 Kings 9:10-14). Then Solomon developed these towns. Solomon also captured more territory and fortified many cities.

"It seems safe to say that, following this action, Israel controlled more territory than at any other time in its history. In his day, Solomon was probably the most powerful and influential ruler in the Middle East." [Note: Leon J. Wood, Israel’s United Monarchy, p. 326.]

Moreover, he controlled the native Canaanite population (2 Chronicles 8:8). 2 Chronicles 8:3, which is very brief, is the only reference in Chronicles to Solomon’s military activity. Everywhere else his image is that of a peaceful king (1 Chronicles 22:9).