SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
2 Chronicles 1:1 through 9:31

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

BACKGROUND

The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written after the Jews returned from seventy years in Babylonian captivity. The author (traditionally assumed to be Ezra) wanted to encourage God’s chosen people, the Jews, to keep their spiritual heritage alive, so in these books he emphasized the record of Judah’s righteous kings who had zealously sought to turn the people back to God. 

Much of the material in 2 Chronicles, which spans from 970 B.C. to 538 B.C., adds to the parallel historical record found in the Books of 1 and 2 Kings. The nine chapters of today’s text center on the reign of Solomon, the son of David, whose most significant accomplishment was the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 1 opens with an account of the new king gathering Israel together at Gibeon and his wise choice when given the opportunity to ask God for whatever he desired. Chapters 2 through 4 describe the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and its furnishings, and chapters 5 through 7 cover the dedication of the house of God. Chapters 8 and 9 provide concluding commentary on the reign of Solomon, relating some of his other building activities and the visit of the Queen of Sheba. The text concludes with an account of Solomon’s death and burial. 

As readers of Chronicles today, we want to learn lessons from the past. When we review Judah’s history, we see the blessings that accrued to the godly leaders, and the downward spiral of chaos and destruction caused by those who were wicked and idolatrous. While God hates sin, these books remind us that He also desires to forgive and restore those who will turn to Him in humility and repentance.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. Solomon took the throne of Judah in 970 B.C. as the divinely appointed successor to his father, David. After assembling the leaders and congregation of Israel at Gibeon, he made offerings to God. That very night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and told the new king to ask whatever he desired from Him. Solomon’s request is recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:8-10. What characteristics of Solomon are revealed by his response, and how can they serve as an example to us when we bring our requests to God?‍
   
   Your students will respond with a variety of thoughts. These may include:
      • Thankfulness. When God asked Solomon to ask for what he wished, the king’s first response was to reflect on God’s great blessings to his father David and to acknowledge that it was God who had placed him on the throne.
      • Humility. Though he had become king, Solomon saw that his own knowledge and judgment were insufficient. In the parallel account in 1 Kings, he said, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7).
      • Awareness of his need. The enormous challenge of ruling “a people like the dust of the earth in multitude” caused Solomon to realize his need for wisdom.
      • Selflessness. Solomon could have asked God for long life, riches, the life of his enemies, or something else that would have been of primary benefit to himself. Instead, he asked for wisdom and knowledge—something that would benefit others. 
   
   Point out that when we come before God with our petitions, we want to come with these same characteristics.
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2. Solomon received wisdom directly and miraculously from God. This was not just extensive knowledge or practical know-how—it was the ability to make wise decisions based on proper discernment and good judgment. What are some of the ways God gives us wisdom? How will having this help us with our responsibilities at home, school, work, and in the service of God?
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   You may wish to begin the discussion of this question by defining wisdom as rightly applying the knowledge that we have through insight that comes from God. Then guide your group to see that true wisdom is rooted in the fear of God and a relationship with Him. Without a definite and personal connection to Him, we will never have His wisdom. When that connection is established through a born-again experience, we can gain wisdom by studying His Word, regularly communicating with Him, and spending time with other believers. As we ask for God’s wisdom, listen to the Holy Spirit, humbly submit to His guidance, and obey His commands, we will grow in spiritual maturity and godly wisdom. James 1:5 and 3:13-18 would be good supporting passages to use in connection with this question.
   
   You may wish to expand your discussion by asking your group to differentiate between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. The wisdom of the world often revolves around becoming educated, or possessing a “street-smart” knowledge that enables a person to play the world’s games successfully. Godly wisdom, by contrast, is not focused on self-preservation or self-promotion, but on honoring God and following His guidance. This type of wisdom empowers us to see life from an eternal perspective and act accordingly. 
   
   In response to the second question, your group may suggest a variety of ways godly wisdom will help in the specific situations mentioned. After discussing their input, the point should be made that possessing godly wisdom will impact every aspect of our lives because it will help us live in a righteous manner that honors God. It will lead us to treat others as God would treat them, and guide us to embrace Biblical values and arrange our priorities with a goal of pleasing Him.
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3. God was pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom. Based on verses 11-12 of chapter 1, what additional blessings did the Lord grant Solomon?
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   Because Solomon chose to ask for wisdom, God gave him “riches, and wealth, and honour” in greater measure than any king before or after him. Point out to your group that when we put God first, He promises that we will receive what we really need. This is not a guarantee that we will obtain wealth and fame like that of Solomon, but God will give us richly rewarding lives, true contentment, and the assurance of a glorious eternity with Him. Spiritual riches, the blessing of God, and His approval are worth far more than any temporal gain we could ever accumulate.
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4. Chapter 2 reveals that Solomon spared no effort in the construction of the Temple. He employed over 100,000 people to quarry the right stones from the mountains and bring them to the Temple site. He asked the king of Tyre to sell him the renowned cedars of Lebanon from his territory for the Temple building project. He sought out craftsmen who were “cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave” (2 Chronicles 2:7). Why do you think Solomon incorporated superior materials and the work of professional artisans as he began his God-given task? What application do you see for us as we work in the service of the Lord?
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   Solomon’s choice of exceptional raw materials and his seeking out of skilled artisans indicated his desire to make the house of God the very best it could be, although he acknowledged in verse 6 that no one can build a house worthy of God.
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   Class discussion of the second question should bring out that the lesson for us is to do our best in accomplishing any task for the Lord. We never want to be guilty of half-hearted efforts in God’s service. To amplify this point, you could ask your group to name specific areas in life where care and attention to detail could bring glory to God. Suggestions may include striving to improve musical talents or professional skills that could be used for God, taking care that our appearance and behavior align with our Christian testimonies, maintaining integrity and honesty in the workplace, living in a Christlike manner at home so we are good examples to our families, etc.
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5. Chapter 3 indicates that the permanent house of the Lord was located on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The Holy of Holies (or Most Holy Place) in the Temple’s interior is described in verses 8-14. Using these verses, briefly describe this most sacred place within the Temple in your own words.
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   Class input should bring out that the Holy of Holies was a perfect cube shape with each gold-overlaid side measuring twenty cubits in length. Inside were two large cherubim overlaid with gold which had wings that touched; the phrase “image work” in verse 10 likely indicates they were carved sculptures. 
   
   Make sure your group understands that this sacred place, which was separated from the rest of the worship area, visually represented the presence of God in all His power and holiness.
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6. When the Temple was completed, the implements that had been prepared and the gifts King David had dedicated were brought into the Temple treasury. Then Solomon called Israel together for the ceremonial dedication and the moving of the Ark of the Covenant to its new location in the Temple. All twenty-four divisions of priests were present for this sacred occasion. They joined the “Levites which were the singers,” the instrumentalists playing cymbals, psalteries, and harps, and 120 priests playing trumpets. Together, the whole group made “one sound . . . in praising and thanking the Lord” (2 Chronicles 5:12-13). According to verses 13-14, what happened as this was done?
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   Verses 13-14 indicate that God came down and filled the Temple with His glory to the extent that the priests could not stand to minister. What a momentous occasion this must have been! The people who gathered in this beautiful new house of God had heard of Solomon’s purpose to build, offered of their own resources for the Temple’s construction, and watched the structure being built. Now it was complete. As the Ark of the Covenant was set in its place between the cherubim, the people began to worship God in song. When their voices and the sounds of the instruments blended into one chorus of praise and thanksgiving, the cloud of God’s glory—the sign of His presence among them—came down and filled the Temple. 
   
   Focus your group’s attention on verse 13 which states that the “trumpeters and singers were as one.” Ask your students what we can learn from the fact that the people were worshipping and praising God in unity when the Temple was filled with God’s presence. Resulting discussion should bring out that there is great power in both spiritual unity and united praise.
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7. Solomon’s prayer of dedication, recorded in 2 Chronicles 6:12–42, did not imply that God could be contained in the Temple or found only there. However, he did ask God to manifest His presence in the Temple in a special way and to be particularly attentive to the prayers offered there. In verses 22-39, Solomon made seven specific petitions to God, and each was directly associated with worship at the Temple. Name at least three of the petitions made in these verses.
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   You may wish to make a list of the petitions Solomon made in his prayer. They were as follows.
      • That God would confirm the innocence of the just and condemn the guilty (verses 22-23).
      • That God would forgive and restore the nation (verses 24-25).
      • That God would forgive and send rain when Israel’s sins would bring drought (verses 26-27).
      • That God would forgive and heal the land of famine, pestilence, and other afflictions (verses 28-31).
      • That God would hear the prayer of foreigners who would seek Him (verses 32-33).
      • That God would grant His people victory in any God-directed battles (verses 34-35).
      • That God would hear and forgive those who would pray for their sins while in captivity (verses 36-39).
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   Point out that several of these petitions involved situations when Israel would turn away from God and God would discipline them through natural disasters or enemy armies. While sin was not always the direct cause of such events, God previously had warned the Israelites that famine could be a consequence of sin (see Deuteronomy 28:15,23-24). At times in their history, He also used drought, pestilence, and the attacks of enemies to bring them to repentance. 
   
   Make sure your students understand that praying in the Temple or toward its location was not a type of good luck charm. It was simply a tangible way for the people to focus their attention on God. The king knew God would extend mercy if the people turned away from their wrongdoings, so he asked God to hear the cries of His people on such occasions, pardon their sins, and restore them in accordance with His promises.
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8. After the Temple dedication, God appeared again to Solomon and assured the king that his prayer had been heard. However, the blessings promised were provisional. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God told Solomon that when trouble came upon the people because of their sins, four conditions would need to be met to obtain forgiveness and forestall judgment: they would need to humble themselves, pray, seek after God, and turn away from their sinful behavior. When those conditions were met, God promised that He would hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land. What are some of the conditions we need to meet in order to benefit from the promises in the Bible?
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   Your group may offer a variety of answers. Make sure the students understand that the same four steps will need to be taken in our day by one who seeks God’s forgiveness. We cannot expect to receive answers to prayer in other situations without having a personal relationship with God, applying believing faith, practicing submission and obedience, delighting in the Lord, honoring our parents and those in authority over us, etc.
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9. The first twelve verses of chapter 9 describe the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon’s kingdom. Since King Solomon’s wisdom was widely known, she came with great and difficult questions for him. According to verse 2, “Solomon told her [answered] all her questions.” At times, people may come to us with “hard questions” related to our faith. How can we be sure our responses will reflect godly wisdom?
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   Your students should conclude that to be prepared to respond with godly wisdom to questions about our faith, we must be walking closely to God, reading His Word, and depending upon His Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say. 
   
   You may wish to explain that we will not always feel that we responded eloquently or effectively when hard questions are asked of us. Our feelings should not be a gauge. Remind your group that God says He will use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (see 1 Corinthians 1:27). While we may feel that our words were inadequate (or Satan may tell us that), God can anoint what we said and cause our words to be effective, though we may never see any impact. If we do our best, the results of our efforts for God are His concern, not ours.
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10. While Solomon accomplished much during his reign, he drifted away from God in his later years. In verses 29-31 of chapter 9, the writer omitted any reference to this; he simply reported that Solomon reigned for forty years, that he died and was buried in the city of David, and that his son Rehoboam succeeded him on the throne. Considering the many advantages God had blessed Solomon with, these few closing words seem like a sad obituary. What legacy do you want to leave behind when you pass from this world?
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    This question is intended to encourage personal reflection. If you wish to discuss the topic in your class setting, phrase your questions in a way that will bring a general description of how those who love and serve God will want to be remembered. The point should be made that the life decisions we make today will have real and lasting consequences and will impact the legacy we leave behind. Solomon made some good choices early in his reign, but he married heathen wives and drifted away from obeying God. As we will learn in next week’s lesson, Solomon’s son Rehoboam, who followed him on the throne of Judah, chose to forsake the law of the Lord as well. 
    
    If time allows, you may wish to wrap up your session by recounting examples of faithful individuals who left behind a positive spiritual legacy.

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CONCLUSION

Solomon began his reign of Judah with humility and dependence upon God and in response, God blessed him with wisdom, fame, and riches. He had many accomplishments during his forty-year reign, but he ultimately strayed from devotion to the true God. His deviation brought changes not only to his own life, but also to Israel.