King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:13 in the King James Version says “Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.”

2 Chronicles 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

12

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

13

Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

14

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

15

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. made: Heb. gave

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine blessing through seeking God wholeheartedly. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon Seeks Wisdom at Gibeon point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיָּבֹ֨א1 of 12

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה2 of 12

“Then Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לַבָּמָ֤ה3 of 12

“from his journey to the high place”

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁר4 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּגִבְעוֹן֙5 of 12

“that was at Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם6 of 12

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מִלִּפְנֵ֖י7 of 12

“from before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹ֣הֶל8 of 12

“the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד9 of 12

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ10 of 12

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל11 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃12 of 12

“over Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 4:24-252 Chronicles 1:3

Places in This Verse

GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 1 →

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