Read the Modern Pastor’s Version
Select a book and chapter to read the MPV in modern, pastor-shaped English. This view shows the reading edition of the text in paragraphs.
Currently viewing: 2 Chronicles 1 · MPV reading edition
Solomon was firmly established in his kingdom, with God his God being with him. God greatly exalted him, making Solomon's name renowned throughout the land.
Solomon spoke to all Israel, addressing the captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, judges, governors, and every leader from each tribe. He invited them to join him at the high place in Gibeon, where the tabernacle of God's presence stood – a reminder of Moses' time in the wilderness.
At this location, David had brought the bronze ark up from Kiriath Jearim and set it in its designated tent within the city of Jerusalem. The bronze altar Bezalel had crafted under God's guidance was situated before the tabernacle, where Solomon and the gathered community sought to offer sacrifices.
Solomon went to the bronze altar at the center of the tabernacle and offered a thousand burnt offerings to God. It was on that very night that God appeared to him in a vision.
"Ask what I shall give you," God said to Solomon.
Solomon responded, "You have shown great mercy to my father David, making me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, establish the promise you made to David my father. You've given me a vast and numerous people to rule – as many as the dust of the earth in multitude."
"I'll grant you wisdom and knowledge," God replied, "so you can govern your people effectively. Who else can lead such a massive population?" Solomon asked.
God's response was immediate: "I will give you riches, wealth, and honor beyond what any of the kings who came before you have had. And none after you will have the like."
With his journey to Gibeon complete, Solomon returned to Jerusalem and assumed his role as king over Israel. He accumulated a vast military force, commissioning 1,400 chariots and stationing them in strategic locations along with 12,000 horsemen.
Solomon's wealth and resources expanded exponentially, making silver and gold abundant in Jerusalem like stones, and cedar trees plentiful as the sycomore trees that grew in the lowlands. He imported horses from Egypt at a high price and used his merchants to acquire linen yarn.
Additionally, he sourced chariots for 600 shekels of silver and horses for 150 shekels each, which were then exported to the kings of the Hittites and Syrians through diplomatic means.