2 Chronicles 1:1–12

Introduction

2 Chronicles 1:1–12: Today’s reading is the opening of the book of 2 Chronicles, which begins with a description of the rule of King Solomon, David’s son. When God appears to Solomon in a dream, the young king asks God for the wisdom and knowledge to rule his people. God replies with a promise to give him wisdom and knowledge, and also wealth and fame.

Today’s Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 1:9a, 10a GNT

“O LORD God, fulfill the promise you made to my father.… so give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule.”

Read

1 Solomon, the son of King David, took firm control of the kingdom of Israel, and the Lord his God blessed him and made him very powerful.

² King Solomon gave an order to all the officers in charge of units of a thousand men and of a hundred men, all the government officials, all the heads of families, and all the rest of the people, ³ commanding them to go with him to the place of worship at Gibeon. They went there because that was where the Tent of the Lord’s presence was located, which Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness. (⁴ The Covenant Box, however, was in Jerusalem, kept in a tent which King David had set up when he brought the Box from Kiriath Jearim.) ⁵ The bronze altar which had been made by Bezalel, the son of Uri and grandson of Hur, was also in Gibeon in front of the Tent of the Lord’s presence. King Solomon and all the people worshiped the Lord there. ⁶ In front of the Tent the king worshiped the Lord by offering sacrifices on the bronze altar; he had a thousand animals killed and burned whole on it.

⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and asked, “What would you like me to give you?”

⁸ Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, and now you have let me succeed him as king. ⁹ O Lord God, fulfill the promise you made to my father. You have made me king over a people who are so many that they cannot be counted, ¹⁰ so give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule over them. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?”

¹¹ God replied to Solomon, “You have made the right choice. Instead of asking for wealth or treasure or fame or the death of your enemies or even for long life for yourself, you have asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule my people, over whom I have made you king. ¹² I will give you wisdom and knowledge. And in addition, I will give you more wealth, treasure, and fame than any king has ever had before or will ever have again.”

Reflect

Reread verses 7–10. What specifically does Solomon ask for? How does God respond (verses 11–12)? What would you have asked for if you were chosen to be a ruler of a great country? What is your prayer today for the leaders of your nation and the other nations of the world?

Pray

Almighty God, bless the leaders of all the nations with the wisdom and knowledge they need to rule people with justice. Grant them strength and courage to lead your people. Amen.

And now, join us in praising God that the first Lambadi full Bible was released this year in India. Gracious God, thanks to the loving support from Bible-A-Month Partners, Bible Society members and church leaders were able to gather recently in Hyderabad to celebrate the release of the Lambadi full Bible, a milestone Bible translation project. The Lambadi people are expressing their joy and gratitude for the first Bible in their heart language. In this primarily Hindu community of over 110 million people, the completion of this Bible translation will introduce many to your life-changing Word. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 19: God’s glory in creation