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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
8:1-16 Solomon's Other Accomplishments. Solomon's further conquests and building projects are revealed, as well as his attention to matters of worship, both for himself and for the people. The success of Solomon's various building projects are seen as blessings that follow his obedience in building the temple (which, along with his palace, took twenty years to complete).
8:2 According to 1 Kings 9:11-14, Solomon had actually given these cities to Hiram, perhaps as collateral for a loan (1 Kings 9:14; cf. notes on 1 Kings 9:10-13; 9:10; 9:11). The Chronicler would then be describing their subsequent reversion to Israelite control.
8:3-4 Hamath-zobah lay about
8:5 Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon were located on a ridge above the Valley of Aijalon northwest of Jerusalem. They were crucial to the security of the city and provided access to the international coastal highway (see also note on 1 Kings 9:17-19).
8:7-10 In keeping with an ancient practice of controlling enemies, Solomon drafted the descendants of the Canaanites into forced labor for his construction projects throughout the nation. According to 1 Kings 5:13-18, Solomon imposed a less rigorous demand on the Israelites.
8:11 Solomon's Egyptian wife, Pharaoh's daughter, was kept in a separate house and away from the ark, probably on account of her paganism (see 1 Kings 11:7-8). See Solomon's Temple and Palace Complex.
8:12-15 The Chronicler expands the brief note in 1 Kings 9:25, detailing the pattern of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices and feasts instituted in the temple by Solomon, along with his organization of the temple personnel. Solomon's fidelity to the instructions of Moses (2 Chron. 8:13) and David (vv. 14-15) is emphasized.
8:16 So the house of the Lord was completed. The completion of the temple did not come with its building or dedication but with the institution of its regular services. Solomon proved himself faithful in his commission, and the subsequent details of his reign (8:17-9:28) represent God's blessing on his obedience (see 1:12).
