2 Chronicles 1:11 - Exposition

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 to the Divine will, and in following the steps of his father. Riches, wealth ( עשֶׁרנְכָסִים ). The most elementary idea of the former of these two words seems to be "straight growth," "prosperity;" of the latter, "to gather together" or "heap up." The former is found first in Genesis 31:16 ; and in the verb (hiph. conjugation) in Genesis 14:23 . Afterwards it is found in almost all of the historical books, in the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and in the prophets Jeremiah and Daniel. The latter word occurs only five times ( Joshua 22:8 ; in this and the following verses; and in Ecclesiastes 5:19 ; Ecclesiastes 6:2 ). Its Chaldee form is also found in Ezra 6:8 and Ezra 7:26 . A comparison of these passages scarcely sustains the supposition of some, suggested by the derivation of the word, that it marks specially those stores of useful things which constituted largely the wealth of Old Testament times. Wisdom and knowledge . The distinction between these is evident, as also that they are needful complements of one another for the forming of a catholic, useful, sound character.