2 Chronicles 8

2 Chronicles 8:1

C. Solomon in All His Splendor (8:19:28)8:1-6 Here we read of Solomon’s accomplishments and successes in various areas. First he undertook a vast urban-development program, rebuilding or capturing storage cities, fortified cities, chariot cities, and settlements. 8:7-10 He conscripted Canaanites for his slave labor force but used the Israelites as fighting men, commanders, and chief officials. 8:11 He would not allow his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, to live in the royal palace, saying that it was holy because the ark of the Lord had entered there. This does not mean that the ark had actually been taken inside the palace, but rather that the palace was holy by reason of its proximity to the ark in the temple. Unfortunately, the fact that Solomon restricted her to a special residence did not restrict her from leading him off into idolatry (1Ki_11:1-8). 8:12-16 The king was careful to observe the sacrifices and offerings connected with the religious calendar. He also appointed . . . the priests and Levites to serve . . . according to the schedules prepared by David his father. Thus all the work of Solomon was well-ordered from start to finish. 8:17, 18 Finally, we read of Solomon’s maritime ventures in partnership with Hiram. The ships traveled between Ezion Geber and Elathboth on the northern tip of the eastern arm of the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba)and Ophir. It has been variously conjectured that Ophir was in southern Arabia, eastern Africa, or India.