II Chronicles Chapter 1
Please read: II Chronicles 1 –
The book of II Chronicles was written some time after the people returned to the land in 538 BC from their Babylonian captivity. They needed to re-establish the kingdom of Judah again and the people had a history that they needed to remember. One of the most successful times had been during the reign of King Solomon. The chronicler began with this time of flourishing, but sadly it all went downhill from there except for a couple of kings who did try to live pleasing to God. And so, the chronicler does spend a great deal of time writing about what led to the downfall of the kingdom and the people being taken captive by the Babylonians.
Let's Reflect
1. David, Solomon’s father, had promised his son something that was true about God. What did he promise him?
2. Solomon started his kingship exactly where he needed to. He worshipped the LORD God. While the Ark of the Covenant had been brought to Jerusalem by his father, the tabernacle had been left in the previous place where it had been. Solomon directed all the leadership to go to the tabernacle (or tent) to worship God. Where was the tabernacle located?
3. According to verse 3, the tabernacle, or tent of meeting, was made by whom?
4. What did Solomon and the leadership of Israel do at the bronze altar that was at the tabernacle?
5. It was that same night that God appeared to Solomon and revealed to him that He wanted to bless him. What blessing did Solomon ask for?
6. When you think about what it was that Solomon requested from God, what do you think it reveals about his character?
7. Did God give him only what he asked for?
8. The last few verses explore how wonderfully God blessed the kingdom of Solomon. What struck you the most as you read this description? Now think about how the words of the beginning of this book would have encouraged the people after being held captive.
