King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:10 in the King James Version says “And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers , even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers , even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.”

2 Chronicles 8:10 · KJV

Context

8

But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.

9

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

10

And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers , even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

11

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. holy: Heb. holiness

12

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Consolidating the kingdom and establishing worship. 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's Other Building Projects point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּה1 of 10
H428

these or those

שָׂרֵ֤י2 of 10

“And these were the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַנִּצָּיבִ֛ים3 of 10

“officers”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 10
H834

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

לַמֶּ֥לֶךְ5 of 10

“of king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה6 of 10

“Solomon's”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים7 of 10

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָ֑יִם8 of 10

“even two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָֽרֹדִ֖ים9 of 10

“that bare rule”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָּעָֽם׃10 of 10

“over the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 2:181 Kings 5:161 Kings 9:23

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