2 Crônicas 8
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 8
Henry: Though Solomon was a man of great learning and knowledge, yet he spent his days, not in contemplation, but in action, not in his study, but in his country, in building cities and fortifying them, in a time of peace preparing for a time of war, which is as much a man’s business as it is in summer to provide food for winter. Andrew Hill: it may be possible to harmonize the reports in one of two ways. (1) Perhaps Kings and Chronicles refer to two different occasions in which cities are exchanged as a part of agreements arranged between Hiram and Solomon. (2) Chronicles may be the sequel to the Kings’ account in that Hiram held the twenty cities temporarily as collateral for the timber supplied to Solomon until such time as a “cash” payment (of gold) could be made. RON DANIEL - Review In our last study, we zoomed through chapters two through seven, watching as King Solomon constructed and dedicated the temple. Tonight, we will be covering the final two chapters that the Chronicler devotes to the reign of Solomon. 2Ch 8:1-2 Twenty Cities Of Galilee - Solomon's building projects had lasted 20 years (7 for the temple, 13 for the house - 1Kings 6:38-7:1). As you recall, Solomon had solicited the help of Khee-RAWM, the king of Tyre, for supplies and workers for these projects (2Chr. 2). Solomon's original plan was to pay with huge quantities of wheat, barley, wine, and oil (2Chr. 2:10). However, it would seem that over the course of the project, Solomon went over budget, and became more indebted to Khee-RAWM than he had planned. It was agreed between them that 20 Israelite cities in the northern region of Galilee would become the territory of Tyre, in exchange for a large quantity of gold which Solomon needed to finish. But then a problem arose. The author of Kings tells us, 1Ki 9:12-13 ...Khee-RAWM came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him, and they did not please him. He said, "What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?" So they were called the land of Kaw-BOOL to this day. "Kaw-BOOL" means "binding." Khee-RAWM obviously was not happy with the arrangement, and felt that he had gotten stuck in an unfair contract that he couldn't get out of. In the end, the cities were transferred back to Israelite ownership, either after Solomon paid Khee-RAWM back, or Khee-RAWM simply gave them back. Solomon had these cities settled by the Jews, and invested in their improvement and expansion. Matthew Henry Notes: 2Chr 8: In this chapter we are told, I. What cities Solomon built (v. 1-6). II. What workmen Solomon employed (v. 7-10). III. What care he took about a proper settlement for his wife (v. 11). IV. What a good method he put the temple-service into (v. 12-16). V. What trading he had with foreign countries (v. 17, 18). 2Chr 8:1-11 This we had 1 Ki. 9:10-24, and therefore shall only observe here, I. Though Solomon was a man of great learning and knowledge, yet he spent his days, not in contemplation, but in action, not in his study, but in his country, in building cities and fortifying them, in a time of peace preparing for a time of war, which is as much a man's business as it is in summer to provide food for winter. II. As he was a man of business himself, and did not consult his own ease, so he employed a great many hands, kept abundance of people to work. It is the interest of a state by all means possible to promote and encourage industry, and to keep its subjects from idleness. A great many strangers there were in Israel, many that remained of the Canaanites; and they were welcome to live there, but not to live and do nothing. The men of Laish, who had no business, were an easy prey to the invaders, Jdg. 18:7. III. When Solomon had begun with building the house of God, and made good work and quick work of that, he prospered in all his undertakings, so that he built all that he desired to build, 2Chr 8:6. Those who have a genius for building find that one project draws on another, and the latter must amend and improve the former. Now observe, 1. How the divine providence gratified even Solomon's humour, and gave him success, not only in all that he needed to build and that it was for his advantage to build, but in all that he had a mind to build. So indulgent a Father God is sometimes to the innocent desires of his children that serve him. Thus he pleased Jacob with that promise, Joseph shall put his hand on thy eyes. 2. Solomon knew how to set bounds to his desires. He was not one of those that enlarge them endlessly, and can never be satisfied, but knew when to draw in; for he finished all he desired, and then he desired no more. He did not sit down and fret that he had not more cities to build, as Alexander did that he had not more worlds to conquer, Hab. 2:5. IV. That one reason why Solomon built a palace on purpose for the queen, and removed her and her court to it, was because he thought it by no means proper that she should dwell in the house of David (2Chr 8:11), considering that that had been a place of great piety, and perhaps her house was a place of great vanity. She was proselyted, it is likely, to the Jewish religion; but it is a question whether all her servants were. Perhaps they had among them the idols of Egypt, and a great deal of profaneness and debauchery. Now, though Solomon had not zeal and courage enough to suppress and punish what was amiss there, yet he so far consulted the honour of his father's memory that he would not suffer that place to be thus profaned where the ark of God had been and where holy David had prayed many a good prayer and sung many a sweet psalm. Not that all the places where the ark had been were so holy as never to be put to a common use; for then the houses of Abinadab and Obed-edom must have been so. But the place where it had been so long, and had been so publicly attended on, was so venerable that it was not fit to be the place of so much gaiety, not to say iniquity, as was to be found, I fear, in the court that Pharaoh's daughter kept. Note, Between things sacred and things common the ancient landmarks ought to be kept up. It was an outer-court of the temple that was the court of the women. 2 Chronicles 8:2 that he built the cities which Huram had given to him, and settled the sons of Israel there. the cities (KJV): 1Ki 9:11-18 that he built the cities which Huram had given to him, and settled the sons of Israel there. Solomon and Hiram had evidently renegotiated their earlier treaty (cf. 1 Ki 9:11, 12). Andrew Hill: it may be possible to harmonize the reports in one of two ways. (1) Perhaps Kings and Chronicles refer to two different occasions in which cities are exchanged as a part of agreements arranged between Hiram and Solomon. (2) Chronicles may be the sequel to the Kings’ account in that Hiram held the twenty cities temporarily as collateral for the timber supplied to Solomon until such time as a “cash” payment (of gold) could be made. 2 Chronicles 8:3 Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it. Hamath zobah (KJV): Nu 13:21 34:8 2Sa 8:3 1Ki 11:23-25 1Ch 18:3 Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it - Solomon rightly wrote "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD." (Pr 21:31). Frederick Mabie: Solomon’s taking of Hamath Zobah and his subsequent building of storage cities (cf. vv. 4-6) indicate a significant expansion of Israelite political control and economic hegemony achieved through the control of trade routes and the receipt of tribute payments and tax revenue. Solomon’s geographical hegemony extended north, deep into northern Syria, and bordered the west bank of the Euphrates River to the northeast. The name of this area (Hamath Zobah) suggests that Hamath had gained prominence over the Aramean (or perhaps Neo-Hittite) kingdom of Zobah. David’s earlier conflict with Zobah is noted in 1 Chronicles 18:3-6 (2Sa 8:3-8). Paul Apple - (1Chr 8:3-6) Cities for Military and Economic Dominion a. (2Ch 8:3) Hamath-zobah Frederick Mabie: Solomon’s taking of Hamath Zobah and his subsequent building of storage cities (cf. 2Ch 8:4-6) indicate a significant expansion of Israelite political control and economic hegemony achieved through the control of trade routes and the receipt of tribute payments and tax revenue. Solomon’s geographical hegemony extended north, deep into northern Syria, and bordered the west bank of the Euphrates River to the northeast. The name of this area (Hamath Zobah) suggests that Hamath had gained prominence over the Aramean (or perhaps Neo-Hittite) kingdom of Zobah. David’s earlier conflict with Zobah is noted in 1 Chronicles 18:3-6 (2Sa 8:3-8). RON DANIEL - 2Ch 8:3-6 Solomon Builds Cities - 2Chr. 8:3-6 Then Solomon went to Kham-ATH Tso-BAW and captured it. He built Tad-MORE in the wilderness and all the storage cities which he had built in Kham-AWTH. He also built upper Bayth Kho-RONE and lower Bayth Kho-RONE, fortified cities with walls, gates and bars; and Bah-al-AWTH and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule. Solomon had finished the local projects, and now he's expanding the kingdom. This was the largest that the nation of Israel would ever expand before the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth. How was this accomplished? Solomon exercised the proper priorities: start locally, then expand. This basic business and biblical principle is often ignored by new ministries and ministers. Wanting to take the world for Jesus Christ, they try to do everything at once. "We'll have a building project, a radio station, vacation Bible school, a jail ministry, community evangelism outreaches..." But because they do too much too soon, they don't have the finances, the resources, or the personnel to accomplish everything. They get spread too thin and quickly burn out. I have learned that you've got to plant and water and wait for a long time before even one plant grows successfully. In the parable of the sower, Jesus talked about scattering seed on soil. If the seed falls on good soil, it will grow into a plant, and that plant will produce seeds amounting to 100, 60, or 30 times what was sown (Mark 4:8). And so you can't expect to successfully farm 100 acres until you've invested your resources in the one acre. If you're doing a ministry, start with the most important thing, then expand and occupy territory as you can. Remember, God didn't give the Promised Land to the Jews all at once. Moses said, Deut. 7:22 "The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you." HAMATH ZOBAH Possibly a variant of “Hamath,” since no other site with this name is known. Otherwise, the compound name may have been used to refer to an extended region including both Hamath and Zobah, an important Aramean kingdom dating from the eleventh century BC, located between Damascus and Hamath. The only biblical reference to Hamath Zobah states that Solomon captured it and built storage cities in the area (2 Chron. 8:3–4). Solomon’s building program indicates that the region was under his control for a period of time. One important LXX manuscript reads “Beth Zobah” (“house of Zobah”) instead of “Hamath Zobah.” If this reading is correct, the text may simply state that Solomon battled and exerted dominion over the house or kingdom of Zobah. (BORROW The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary) 2 Chronicles 8:4 He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities which he had built in Hamath. he built (KJV): 1Ki 9:17-19 He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities which he had built in Hamath. August Konkel: Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon sit astride a ridge, which rises from the Valley of Aijalon and extends to the plateau north of Jerusalem. Fortifications were important to protect the route that connected Jerusalem to the major coastal trade route. Certain cities served for storage and for military cavalry. Large building complexes at Hazor, Beth Shemesh, and Megiddo consist of a long room, with two rows of pillars dividing it into three sections. They may have been used as stables and storehouses, or may have been barracks for a professional army. Baalath, originally assigned to the tribe of Dan (Josh 15:9), is probably the city also known as Kiriath Jearim, on the western boundary of Judah. TADMOR [ISBE] - tad'-mor, tad'-mor (tadhmor): A city built by Solomon in the wilderness (2 Ch 8:4), the Roman Palmyra. Tadmor is the native name and is found on inscriptions. It occurs also in the Kere of 1 Ki 9:18, where the Kethibh or consonants read "Tamar" (compare Ezek 47:19; 48:28). It is famous in Arabian as well as in Hebrew literature, and enters Roman history in connection with Zenobia and Longinus. The inscriptions, which belong for the most part to the latter period (266-73 AD), have been published by Dawkins and Wood and also by M. Waddington and the Duc de Luynes. Popular works on the subject are An Account of Palmyra and Zenobia by W. Wright, and The Last Days and Fall of Palmyra by W. Ware. ISBE - Storage Cities - Fortified towns for stockpiling food. These were selected by Solomon and set aside for stores of victuals, chariots, horsemen, etc. (1 Ki 9:19). Jehoshaphat "built in Judah castles and cities of store" (2 Ch 17:12). Twelve officers were appointed by Solomon to provision his household, each officer being responsible for the supply in one month in the year (1 Ki 4:7). There were also "storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages" (1 Ch 27:25KJV). STORAGE CITY Towns or cities where royal tribute or taxes (paid in kind), provisions, and weapons were stored for use by the government or at the government’s discretion, especially in time of famine or war. Storage cities are a hallmark of centralized government, as seen during Israel’s monarchy (1000–586 BC). Over thirty-five tripartite pillared buildings have been discovered at over twelve different archaeological sites within the Levant, including Hazor, Megiddo, Tel Beersheba, and Beth Shemesh. These buildings probably were used as storehouses, though other theories exist. Over 150 pottery vessels were recovered in such buildings at Tel Beersheba, and similar buildings uncovered at Beth Shemesh were identified by the Grant excavations as Iron Age storehouses. Pithom and Rameses were two of Pharaoh’s storage cities in Egypt (Exod. 1:11). During the united monarchy, Solomon had storage cities throughout Israel (1 Kings 9:19; 2 Chron. 8:4–6). Storehouses in Naphtali were destroyed by Ben-Hadad I (2 Chron. 16:4). Jehoshaphat built storage cities throughout Judah (2 Chron. 17:12), and Hezekiah’s storage cities helped him to prepare for ensuing war (32:28). Storage jars with the stamped inscription lmlk (“to/for the king”) have been found throughout Judah, likely remnants of the provisions that once filled Hezekiah’s storehouses. (BORROW The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary) 2 Chronicles 8:5 He also built upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon, fortified cities with walls, gates and bars; Bethhoron (KJV): Jos 16:3,5 1Ch 7:24 He also built upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon, fortified cities with walls, gates and bars - "he twin cities of Beth-horon controlled a pass NW of Jerusalem that led to Joppa." (Ryrie) August Konkel: Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon sit astride a ridge, which rises from the Valley of Aijalon and extends to the plateau north of Jerusalem. Fortifications were important to protect the route that connected Jerusalem to the major coastal trade route. Certain cities served for storage and for military cavalry. Large building complexes at Hazor, Beth Shemesh, and Megiddo consist of a long room, with two rows of pillars dividing it into three sections. They may have been used as stables and storehouses, or may have been barracks for a professional army. Baalath, originally assigned to the tribe of Dan (Josh 15:9), is probably the city also known as Kiriath Jearim, on the western boundary of Judah. (Quoted by Paul Apple) BETH-HORON (Heb. bēṯ-ḥôrôn) BORROW Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible A levitical city in the tribal territory of Ephraim (Josh. 21:22; 1 Chr. 6:68). The name means “house of Horon” (perhaps a Canaanite deity). Twin cities are indicated: Lower Beth-horon was assigned to Ephraim (Josh. 16:3), while Upper Beth-horon was on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin (v. 5; 18:13–14). The Chronicler attributes their construction to Sheerah, granddaughter of Ephraim (1 Chr. 7:24). Both cities were situated on the “ascent [or descent] of Beth-horon,” down which Joshua chased Amorites fleeing their defeat at Gibeon (Josh. 10:10–11). Their location on the slope leading to the hill country from the coastal plain made the cities strategically important and vulnerable to attack. Upper Beth-horon has been identified with Beit ʿUr el-Fōqāʾ (160143) and Lower Beth-horon with Beit ʿUr et-Ṭahta (158144). During the reign of Saul, Philistine raiders attacked Beth-horon (1 Sam. 13:18). Solomon rebuilt Lower Beth-horon (1 Kgs. 9:17; the Chronicler names both cities, calling them “fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars”; 2 Chr. 8:5–6). The Egyptian pharaoh Shishak names Beth-horon in his list of places conquered in Palestine, recorded on the temple to Amun at Karnak. Later Beth-horon was attacked by renegade Judean mercenaries who rampaged from Samaria to Beth-horon (2 Chr. 25:13). The area remained strategically important in the intertestamental period. Judas Maccabeus won a victory there (1 Macc. 3:16, 24). The Syrians used Beth-horon as a camp (1 Macc. 7:39) and later refortified the site (1 Macc 9:50). DANIEL C. BROWNING, JR 2 Chronicles 8:6 and Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule. Baalath (KJV): Jos 19:44 1Ki 9:18 the store cities (KJV): 2Ch 8:4 17:12 1Ki 9:19 chariot cities (KJV): 2Ch 1:14 1Ki 10:26 all that Solomon desired to build (KJV): Heb. all the desire of Solomon which he desired to build, 1Ki 9:19 Ec 2:4,10-26 and in Lebanon (KJV): 1Ki 7:2 Song 4:8 And Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule. Baalath Store-city built by Solomon, probably west of Gezer in the original territory of Dan (1Kgs 9:18; 2 Chr 8:6). Leon Wood - “It seems safe to say that, following this action, Israel controlled more territory than at any other time in its history. In his day, Solomon was probably the most powerful and influential ruler in the Middle East.” (Israel's united monarchy) Ron Daniel: How was this accomplished? Solomon exercised the proper priorities: start locally, then expand. This basic business and biblical principle is often ignored by new ministries and ministers. Wanting to take the world for Jesus Christ, they try to do everything at once. "We'll have a building project, a radio station, vacation Bible school, a jail ministry, community evangelism outreaches..." But because they do too much too soon, they don't have the finances, the resources, or the personnel to accomplish everything. They get spread too thin and quickly burn out. (Quoted by Paul Apple) J.A. Thompson: It is evident also that Solomon controlled the major trade routes to Mesopotamia—the main overland route via Hamath and the shorter desert route via Tadmor (possibly Palmyra). Control of these trade routes was important for Solomon's commercial endeavors and therefore his wealth. The mention of store cities (2Ch 8:4) would fit this picture of trade. (Quoted by Paul Apple) John Olley: The summary statement portrays blessing, as there is not only a dynasty but a “dominion,” an area and people being ruled. David had been active with “building” in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 11:8–9); now Solomon was “building” throughout the “dominion.” The motif of “building” as a sign of blessing following obedient trust, sometimes after repentance, continues with subsequent kings (2Ch 11:5–23; 17:12; 26:2–10; 27:2–4; 32:5; 33:13–15). (Quoted by Paul Apple) Andrew Hill: The emphasis on store cites and chariot cities (1 Chron. 8:6) highlights the priority Solomon gives to the related activities of trade and military defense. The summary statement (8:6c) lauding Solomon’s achievements indicates he has both the political power and the economic resources to build at will throughout his empire (Quoted by Paul Apple) 2 Chronicles 8:7 All of the people who were left of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel, As for all (KJV): 1Ki 9:20-22 the Hittites (KJV): Ge 15:19-21 De 7:1 All of the people who were left of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel, Paul Apple 2Chr 8:7-10) Labor Force Enlisted by Solomon Jamieson, Fausset and Brown: The descendants of the Canaanites who remained int the country were treated as war-prisoners, being obliged to “pay tribute, or to serve as galley-slaves” (2 Chron. 2:18), while the Israelites were employed in no works but such as were of an honorable character. RON DANIEL - 2Ch 8:7-10 Foreign Forced Laborers - Solomon did used slaves to build the cities. They were not his fellow Jews, but the Canaanites peoples who had not been removed by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. 2 Chronicles 8:8 namely, from their descendants who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed, them Solomon raised as forced laborers to this day. whom the children (KJV): Judges 1:21-36 Ps 106:34 to pay (KJV): 2Ch 2:17,18 Jos 16:10 17:13 1Ki 5:13,14 FORCED LABOR namely, from their descendants who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed, them Solomon raised as forced laborers to this day. FORCED LABOR - BORROW Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible A type of slave labor program, commonly referred to as corvée or conscripted labor. It was by means of forced labor that rulers of the ancient Near East carried out their building enterprises, building and rebuilding cities. Also, it was through the use of forced labor that kings maintained control of minority groups in their kingdoms. By the use of forced labor the Egyptian king, at the time of the Exodus, built the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Ex 1:8–14) and at the same time attempted to maintain control of the Hebrews, a minority group in his kingdom. David (2Sa 20:23) and Solomon (1Kgs. 9:15–21) also used forced labor programs. But while Solomon built Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer by means of forced labor, his excessive conscription of workers from among the northern tribes (1Ki 5:13–14) resulted in revolt and the division of the kingdom (1Ki 12:1–19). Egyptian records refer to rulers like Thutmose III who made campaigns annually into Palestine and Syria as a means of systematically looting those areas and collecting the resources he needed back in Egypt, including the resources of slave labor. Egyptian tomb paintings, such as that of Rameses III bringing back shackled prisoners of war or slaves, provide their own unique record. LAMOINE F. DEVRIES 2 Chronicles 8:9 But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel; they were men of war, his chief captains and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen. But of the (KJV): Ex 19:5,6 Lev 25:39-46 Ga 4:26,31 they were men (KJV): 1Sa 8:11,12 But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel; they were men of war (SOLDIERS), his chief captains and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen - "Good jobs" were given to his fellow Hebrews, and menial jobs to the former inhabitants of the promised land who had not been exterminated. Paul Apple - 2Ch 8:9-10 Leaders from the Sons of Israel David
2 Crônicas 8
Henry: Solomon, though a wise and great man and the builder of the temple, did not attempt to amend, alter, or add to what the man of God had, in God’s name, commanded, but closely adhered to that, and used his authority to have that duly observed; and then none departed from the commandment of the king concerning any matter, 2 Chron. 8:15. He observed God’s laws, and then all obeyed his orders. When the service of the temple was put into this good order, then it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected, 2 Chron. 8:16. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. 2 Chronicles 8:17 Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the seashore in the land of Edom. Ezion geber (KJV): 2Ch 20:36 Nu 33:35 1Ki 9:26,27 22:48 Eloth (KJV): De 2:8 2Ki 14:22 16:6, Elath Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the seashore in the land of Edom. Believer's Study Bible - Ezion Geber is a site on the northern end of the eastern arm of the Red Sea. It is mentioned as early as the time of the Exodus, when the Israelites encamped there just prior to their march into the Wilderness of Zin (Num. 33:35, 36). During his reign, Solomon sent the merchant ships to Ophir every three years (2Ch 9:21) for gold and other valuable goods. Ophir was probably either in lower Arabia or in east-central Africa. The difference between the 450 talents of gold (2Ch 9:18) and the 420 talents mentioned in 1 Kin. 9:28 appears to be the result of a confusion of numerical symbols in the transmission of the biblical text (see 1 Chronicles 1:1, "Book note: The Historical Reliability of Chronicles"). Andrew Hill: This entire chapter (2Ch 9) balances the opening chapter (ch. 1) in that God has honored Solomon’s obedience in giving the wealth accumulated by David to the building of the temple by restoring wealth to the monarchy through trade and gifts from other nations. The story also illustrates the key themes of the larger literary unit (2Ch 1–9), namely, Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, and fame—all gifts from God. For example, Solomon petitioned God for wisdom and was blessed with promises of wealth and fame as well (2Ch 1:11–12). As a result of her visit with King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba testifies of Solomon’s unsurpassed wisdom (2Ch 9:5) and contributes to Solomon’s wealth with lavish gifts of gold, spices, and gemstones (9:9). Beyond this, the queen bears witness to the fact that Solomon’s wisdom and wealth are the result of God’s blessing on the king and his love for the nation of Israel (2Ch 9:8). Martin Selman: This section concludes the record of Solomon’s achievements (2Ch 8-9) by concentrating on Solomon’s international relationships, in contrast to the Israelite setting of the previous one. Two striking examples of Solomon’s dealings with foreign rulers, one from the north and the other form the south, introduce a more general account of Solomon’s reputation among the kings of the earth (cf. v. 23). John Olley: The Chronicler’s narrating of the reigns of David and Solomon has highlighted the importance of the temple and its worship as the foundation for God’s people to enjoy security and prosperity. While the Kings account portrays some of the ambiguities of Solomon’s reign, including his material prosperity (in keeping with an overall narrative that addresses reasons for the exile and the way forward), Chronicles provides a vision of what God intends for his people when they follow him wholeheartedly. It illustrates God’s desire to bless, with lasting blessing inseparable from loyal worship. It foreshadows the words of Christ, who, after summarizing what “the Gentiles [“nations”] seek”—matters of food, drink, and clothing (and all that is required to provide these)—proclaims, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:31–33; cf. Luke 12:29–31). Some believers may experience foretaste of material blessings in this present life (although NT passages more often warn of opposition and persecution), but the vision of the new creation is one of luxurious plenty, a place “in which righteousness dwells” (Revelation 21–22; 2 Pet. 3:13). EZION GEBER A town located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqabah. The Bible locates it “near Elath in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Kings 9:26). However, the precise location is debated. Many scholars associate it with Tell el-Kheleifeh, which lies between modern Elath and Aqabah, about five hundred yards from the shore, but others identify it with the island of Jezirat al-Faraun, about fifteen miles south along the western coast of the Gulf of Aqabah. Still others speculate that it lies undiscovered under modern Aqabah. The ruins of Tell el-Kheleifeh contain a citadel and storehouses surrounded by double casemate walls. The ruins do not predate the ninth century BC, so references to Ezion Geber in the itinerary of the wilderness wandering (Num. 33:35–36) and Solomon’s naval activities there are problematic. Jezirat al-Faraun offers a small natural harbor and contains evidence of Midianite pottery as early as the thirteenth century BC. Whatever the precise location, Ezion Geber represents the southernmost extent of Judean political and economic control, for it served as the gateway to Red Sea trade and stood near land routes to Arabia. From David to the end of the monarchy, control over Ezion Geber oscillated between Judah and Edom. David may have first captured it when he subdued Edom (2 Sam. 8:13–14). With the help of the Phoenicians, Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion Geber that brought immense wealth into Israel (1 Kings 9:26–28). After Solomon’s death, it may have been destroyed during Pharaoh Shishak’s invasion (1 Kings 14:25–26). Edom reasserted control over it until Jehoshaphat, in alliance with Ahaziah, built at Ezion Geber a fleet of merchant vessels, which God destroyed because of Ahaziah’s wickedness (2 Chron. 20:36–37). This is the last time Ezion Geber is mentioned by name. From this point onward, nearby Elath is the focus of events in the area. Uzziah’s father defeated the Edomites, allowing Uzziah to build up Elath (2 Kings 14:22; 2 Chron. 26:1–2). The Syrians briefly controlled the area, but the Edomites reclaimed control until the Babylonian period (2 Kings 16:6). Elath was abandoned in the fourth century BC, and a Nabatean site developed farther east near Aqabah. (BORROW The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary) ELATH; ELOTH [ISBE] - e'-lath, or e'-loth ('eloth, 'elath; Ailon (Dt 2:8), Ailath (2 Ki 16:6)): A seaport on the Red Sea in the territory of Edom. It is named along with Ezion-geber in the account of Israel's journey round the land of Edom (Dt 2:8). It appears as Ailath, and Alion in the Septuagint, and in Josephus as Ilanis (Ant., VIII, vi, 4), while Eusebius (Onomasticon) has Aila. From this we may gather that the Aramaic Ilan or Ilana was in use as well as the Hebrew 'elath or 'eloth. The name, "grove," was doubtless derived from the presence of certain sacred trees. It may be identical with El-paran of Gen 14:6, and Elah of Gen 36:41. When David conquered Edom, Elath passed into the hands of Israel (2 Sam 8:14). It was a position of great importance in connection with the trade with South Arabia. Here the merchant fleets of Solomon and Jehoshaphat were fitted out, and hence, they sailed (1 Ki 9:26; 2 Ch 8:17; 1 Ki 22:48). In the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, Edom shook off the hand of Judah (2 Ki 8:20), but under Amaziah and Uzziah it was again subdued (2 Ki 14:7,10,22). Finally it was taken from Ahaz by Rezin, king of Syria. The Jews were driven out and the Syrians (Edomites?) took permanent possession (2 Ki 16:6). It is identical with the modern `Aqaba, at the head of the gulf of that name. W. Ewing 2 Chronicles 8:18 And Huram by his servants sent him ships and servants who knew the sea; and they went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir, and took from there four hundred and fifty talents of gold and brought them to King Solomon. 1Ki 9:27,28 10:22, Hiram Huram (KJV): 2Ch 9:10,13 Ophir (KJV): Conjectures respecting the situation of Ophir are endless. Grotius conjectures it to be a part of Arabia called Aphar by Arrian; while Bochart and others have placed it in the island of Ceylon. Calmet supposes it to have been situated in Armenia; but his late editor places it at the head of the Indus. Josephus says that Ophir is the Indies, called the Gold country; by which he is supposed to mean Chersonesus Aurea, now Malacca, opposite Sumatra; and Lev Poivre observes that the inhabitants of these places call their gold mines {ophirs.} took thence (KJV): Ec 2:8 And Huram by his servants sent him ships and servants who knew the sea; and they went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir, and took from there four hundred and fifty talents of gold and brought them to King Solomon. Wikipedia - Ophir (/ˈoʊfər/;[1] Hebrew: אוֹפִיר, Modern: ʼŌfīr, Tiberian: ʼŌp̄īr) is a port or region mentioned in the Bible, famous for its wealth. Its existence is attested to by an inscribed pottery shard found at Tell Qasile (in modern-day Tel Aviv) in 1946, dating to the eighth century BC,[2][3] which reads "gold of Ophir to/for Beth-Horon [...] 30 shekels"[a][4] The location of Ophir is unknown, though the find confirms it as a real place from which gold was imported.[5] J.A. Thompson: Solomon and Hiram engaged in a joint maritime venture. Hiram provided ships and personnel although Solomon was the initiator of the venture. Even though Solomon had mastery over the land routes to the north, he apparently was able also to tap into the trade with Africa. The ships referred to in v. 18 sailed to Ophir and brought back four hundred and fifty talents of gold for Solomon's use. The location of Ophir is a subject of debate. It has been identified variously with India (Josephus, Ant. 8.164), Punt (Somaliland on the coast of Africa), and West or South Arabia. According to 2Ch 9:21 and 1 Kgs 10:22, the voyages took three years. Albert