2 Chronicles

Solomon goes to Gibeon to worship and God appears to him in a dream, offering anything he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people. Pleased, God grants him unparalleled wisdom along with wealth and honor.

Solomon enlists King Hiram of Tyre to provide craftsmen and materials for the temple. He organizes a massive labor force of aliens living in Israel. The preparations emphasize the grandeur of the temple project.

Solomon begins building the temple on Mount Moriah, the site where David bought the threshing floor. The dimensions, the Most Holy Place, the two cherubim, and the elaborate decorations of gold are described in detail.

The temple furnishings are created: the bronze altar, the bronze sea on twelve oxen, ten basins, ten golden lampstands, ten tables, and the courtyard. Huram the craftsman completes the bronze work.

The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the completed temple by the priests and Levites. As the musicians and singers praise God in unison, the glory of the Lord fills the temple as a cloud so thick that the priests cannot continue ministering.

Solomon kneels before the entire assembly and prays an extensive dedication prayer. He asks God to hear prayers directed toward the temple — in times of sin, drought, famine, plague, war, and exile — and to forgive those who repent.

Fire falls from heaven and consumes the sacrifices, and God's glory fills the temple. God appears to Solomon at night with the famous promise: if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, I will heal their land.

Solomon's building projects, trade routes, and administrative organization are described. He establishes the regular pattern of sacrifices and the rotation of priests and Levites for temple service as David had ordained.

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon and is overwhelmed by his wisdom and splendor. Solomon's immense wealth, trading empire, and international renown are described. Solomon dies after reigning 40 years.

Rehoboam rejects the wise counsel of the elders and follows young advisors who urge harsh treatment. The ten northern tribes rebel under Jeroboam, splitting the kingdom. The Chronicler notes this was from God to fulfill Ahijah's prophecy.

God prevents Rehoboam from attacking the northern tribes through the prophet Shemaiah. Rehoboam fortifies Judah's cities, and faithful priests and Levites from the north relocate to Judah, strengthening the southern kingdom for three years.

Rehoboam and Judah abandon God's law, and Shishak of Egypt invades with a massive army. When the leaders humble themselves, God grants partial deliverance but allows Egypt to plunder the temple treasures. Rehoboam's 17-year reign is summarized as one that did evil.

Abijah of Judah confronts Jeroboam of Israel in battle. Standing on Mount Zemaraim, Abijah declares that Judah fights with God because they have kept the true priesthood and worship. God gives Judah a decisive victory over Israel's larger army.

Asa enjoys peace and prosperity because he seeks God. When a million-man Ethiopian army attacks, Asa prays: Lord, there is no one besides You to help. God defeats the Ethiopians, and Asa plunders their cities.

The prophet Azariah encourages Asa: The Lord is with you while you are with Him. Asa removes idols, repairs the altar, and leads a national covenant renewal ceremony. People from the northern tribes join Judah because they see God is with them.

In his later years, Asa makes a treaty with Aram against Israel instead of trusting God. The seer Hanani rebukes him, saying God's eyes search for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Asa imprisons the prophet and becomes diseased, dying without seeking God.

Jehoshaphat strengthens Judah and seeks God. He sends officials and Levites throughout the land to teach the Book of the Law. The fear of the Lord falls on surrounding nations, and Jehoshaphat receives tribute. His army numbers over a million men.

Jehoshaphat unwisely allies with wicked King Ahab to attack Ramoth-gilead. The prophet Micaiah warns of defeat, but Ahab goes anyway. Ahab is killed by a random arrow in battle, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy.

Jehoshaphat is rebuked by the seer Jehu for his alliance with Ahab but commended for seeking God. He appoints judges throughout the land, charging them to judge fairly because they judge for the Lord, not for man.

A vast enemy coalition attacks Judah. Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and prays: We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You. God says the battle is His. Judah sends singers ahead of the army, and God sets ambushes against the enemies, who destroy each other.

Jehoram kills his brothers and follows the wicked ways of Ahab's family through his wife Athaliah. Elijah sends a letter predicting judgment. Edom and Libnah revolt. Jehoram is struck with an incurable disease and dies unmourned.

Ahaziah reigns briefly as a wicked king under his mother Athaliah's influence. He is killed alongside Ahab's family by Jehu. Athaliah then seizes the throne and massacres the royal family, but baby Joash is hidden by the priest's wife.

After six years, the priest Jehoiada organizes a coup against Athaliah. He crowns the boy Joash king, and Athaliah is executed when she cries treason. Jehoiada establishes a covenant between God, the king, and the people. The temple of Baal is destroyed.

Joash faithfully repairs the temple under Jehoiada's guidance using a collection chest at the gate. After Jehoiada dies at 130 years old, Joash turns to idolatry. Zechariah the priest rebukes him and is stoned to death in the temple courtyard. Joash is assassinated by his own officials.

Amaziah begins well, obeying God and dismissing hired Israelite troops before defeating Edom. But he brings back Edomite gods and worships them. He foolishly challenges Israel to battle and is humiliated. He is eventually assassinated.

Uzziah reigns 52 years and is hugely successful — in war, agriculture, and building. God makes him prosper as long as he seeks Him. But when Uzziah becomes proud and tries to burn incense in the temple (a priestly duty), God strikes him with leprosy for the rest of his life.

Jotham is a faithful king who builds and conquers but does not enter the temple as his father did. He grows powerful because he orders his ways before the Lord. His reign is brief but positive.

Ahaz is one of Judah's worst kings, practicing child sacrifice and worshiping at every high place. God allows defeats by Aram, Israel, Edom, and Philistia. Ahaz appeals to Assyria instead of God and even closes the temple doors.

Hezekiah reopens and consecrates the temple in his very first month as king. The Levites cleanse the temple, and Hezekiah restores sacrifices and worship with music. The whole assembly rejoices at how quickly God has restored worship.

Hezekiah invites all Israel and Judah to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem — even sending messengers to the northern tribes. Though many mock the invitation, some humble themselves and come. God graciously accepts worshipers who are not ceremonially clean because their hearts are right.

The people destroy idolatrous sites throughout Judah and even into the northern territory. Hezekiah organizes the priestly and Levitical divisions and establishes generous provision for temple workers through tithes and offerings.

Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah. Hezekiah strengthens Jerusalem's defenses and encourages the people: With us is the Lord our God. After Sennacherib's mocking letters, Hezekiah and Isaiah pray, and God sends an angel who destroys the Assyrian army. Hezekiah's illness, recovery, and pride are briefly mentioned.

Manasseh reigns as the most wicked king of Judah, filling Jerusalem with idolatry and bloodshed. But when captured by Assyria and humbled, he repents and God restores him. Manasseh removes the foreign gods and restores proper worship. His son Amon reverses the reforms and is assassinated.

At age 16, Josiah begins seeking God. At 20 he purges idolatry from Judah. During temple repairs, the Book of the Law is found. When it is read to Josiah, he tears his robes and leads the nation in covenant renewal. The prophetess Huldah confirms coming judgment but promises it will not come in Josiah's lifetime.

Josiah celebrates the greatest Passover since Samuel's time, with meticulous organization of priests, Levites, and offerings. Tragically, Josiah disregards a warning from Pharaoh Necho (who claims to speak for God) and is killed in battle at Megiddo. All Judah mourns, including Jeremiah.

Judah's final four kings are quickly summarized — all do evil. Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the temple, deporting the people to Babylon. The land lies desolate for 70 years until Cyrus of Persia decrees the return, ending the book with hope.