King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:6 in the King James Version says “And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and of...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.”

2 Chronicles 1:6 · KJV

Context

4

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.

5

Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. he put: or, was there

6

And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

7

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

8

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

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 · 15 words
וַיַּ֧עַל1 of 15

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שְׁלֹמֹ֨ה2 of 15

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

שָׁ֜ם3 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַל4 of 15
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֤ח5 of 15

“altar”

H4196

an altar

הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙6 of 15

“thither to the brasen”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לִפְנֵ֣י7 of 15

“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

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 15
H834

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

לְאֹ֣הֶל10 of 15

“which was at the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד11 of 15

“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

וַיַּ֧עַל12 of 15

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלָ֛יו13 of 15
H5921

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

עֹל֖וֹת14 of 15

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אָֽלֶף׃15 of 15

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:41 Chronicles 29:211 Kings 8:63Isaiah 40:16

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