King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:2 Mean?

“Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.”

Context

And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.

So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2-6) Solomon and the national assembly repair to the Mosaic tabernacle at Gibeon, and sacrifice upon the great altar of burnt offering. (Comp. 1Kings 3:4, which the present section supplements and explains.) (2) **Then Solomon spake unto all Israel.**—Or, *commanded all Israel* (1Chronicles 21:17; 2Samuel 16:11; 2Kings 1:11; Vulg., *prœcepit*)*.* **To the captains of thousands . . . chief of the fathers.**—This is an apposition, explaining what is meant by “all Israel” in the first clause, viz., the national representatives. The account in Kings allows only one verse for the sacrifice, and so omits to mention that the princes took part in it (1Kings 3:4). The fact, however, is likely in itself. (Comp. the similar assemblies under David, 1Chronicles 13:1; 1Chronicles 23:2; 1Chronicles 28:1.) **Every governor.**—Heb. *nūsî’, prince, emir* of a tribe, or *chief* of a clan. (Comp. Genesis 23:6; Numbers 7:10; 1Kings 8:1.) **The chief of the fathers.**—*The heads of the clans.* This defines the preceding phrase.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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