6
Solomon blesses Israel; Solomon's temple dedication prayer: Solomon asks the Lord to fill the temple, have mercy and forgive – very similar to 1 Kings 8.
7
Fire comes from heaven and consumes the burnt offerings. Israel worships the Lord, and sacrifices and feasts for seven days.By night, God assures Solomon that He will answer prayers made in the temple; there is also a warning about the dangers of disobedience.
8
Solomon expands and fortifies Israel. The conquered people in his lands are set to slave labour. Solomon sets rulers over Israel, and makes his Egyptian wife her own house, because the ark had come to David’s house, and is therefore holy. Solomon appoints gatekeepers and Levites to their temple duties, institutes sacrifices on feast days, and regularly acquires gold from sea trading.
9
Queen of Sheba visits and questions Solomon. She speaks admiringly of Solomon’s Israel, and gufts are exchanged. Solomon becomes very rich through trade and gifts. He makes two hundred shields of gold. Silver was very abundant, and not even considered valuable. Solomon dies after a forty year reign.
10
Rehoboam is made king at Shechem. Jeroboam (who, we learn only now, had fled to Egypt in the reign of Solomon) leads complaints against heavy taxation. Rehoboam reacts provocatively, ignoring the advice of his elder counsellors to be conciliatory. Jeroboam leads Israel in rebellion against Judah – Israel has remained in a state of rebellion to this day.
11
Rehoboam plans to take Israel but God advises him via Shemaiah to allow secession. Rehoboam builds defences. Levites flee from Israel to Judah. Reheboam has eighteen wives and sixteen concubines, and many children.
Commentary by http://biblesummarybychapter.blogspot.com/2011/02/2-chronicles.html
view more