King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:2 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:2 in the King James Version says “That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell ther...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.”

2 Chronicles 8:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,

2

That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

3

And Solomon went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.

4

And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

Read 2 Chronicles 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וְהֶֽעָרִ֗ים1 of 13

“That the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 13
H834

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

נָתַ֤ן3 of 13

“had restored”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חוּרָם֙4 of 13

“which Huram”

H2361

churam, the name of an israelite and two syrians

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה5 of 13

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בָּנָ֥ה6 of 13

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה7 of 13

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֹתָ֑ם8 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיּ֥וֹשֶׁב9 of 13

“to dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֖ם10 of 13
H8033

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

אֶת11 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“them and caused the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of 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 8:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:11-18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 8 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes