A KING BUILDS A HOUSE TO JEHOVAH

(2 Chronicles 1:1–9:31)

Jehovah gives King Solomon the request of his heart​—wisdom and knowledge—​along with riches and honor. The king builds a magnificent house to Jehovah in Jerusalem, and the people are “joyful and feeling good at heart.” (2 Chronicles 7:10) Solomon comes to be “greater than all the other kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.”​—2 Chronicles 9:22.

After ruling over Israel for 40 years, Solomon ‘lies down with his forefathers, and Rehoboam his son begins to rule in his place.’ (2 Chronicles 9:31) Ezra does not record Solomon’s deviation from true worship. The only negative points mentioned about the king are his unwise acquisition of many horses from Egypt and his marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh. The chronicler thus presents the account from a positive standpoint.

SUCCESSION OF KINGS IN THE LINE OF DAVID

(2 Chronicles 10:1–36:23)

The united kingdom of Israel is divided in two​—the northern ten-tribe kingdom and the southern two-tribe kingdom of Judah and Benjamin. The priests and the Levites in all Israel place loyalty to the Kingdom covenant above nationalism and take their stand with Solomon’s son Rehoboam. In a little over 30 years after its completion, the temple is robbed of its treasures.

Of the 19 kings who follow Rehoboam, 5 are faithful, 3 start out well but become unfaithful, and one turns around from his wrong course. The rest of the rulers do what is bad in Jehovah’s eyes.b The activities of the five kings who place their confidence in Jehovah are emphasized. The accounts of Hezekiah reviving temple services and Josiah arranging for a great Passover must have been of great encouragement to the Jews interested in reestablishing Jehovah’s worship in Jerusalem.