SUMMARY
Solomon’s greatest achievement was the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, which is meticulously related in 1 Kings 5-7. The account of the preparations for the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More is very different from that in 2 Chronicles.
ANALYSIS
The construction of the Temple dominates the presentation of Solomon in both Kings and Chronicles. Chronicles has altered the presentation in Kings in order to present SolomonThird king of Israel who was known for wisdom and building the first Temple. More, the chosen Temple-builder, in complete control of the Temple’s construction (1 Chronicles 28:6, 10; 29:1). In Kings, Hiram is depicted as a wise negotiator, equal to Solomon. While the comparison with Chronicles is instructive for both traditions, important differences exist:
- In Kings, King HiramKing of Tyre who provided materials for Solomon's Temple. More of Tyre contacts Solomon after hearing of his anointing, out of deference to Solomon’s father, David, with whom Hiram had a treaty; “a friend to David” is literally “loved David” and is treaty nomenclature (1 Kings 5:1). In 2 Chronicles 2, Solomon immediately contacts King Huram (same person, alternate spelling) following worship at Gibeon and the recruitment of the Temple workers to depict Solomon as totally committed. Nothing is more important than building the Temple.
- In Kings, Hiram sets the terms in an arrangement that is completely businesslike (1 Kings 5:8-9). In Chronicles, Solomon dictates the terms (2 Chronicles 2:7-10) to a religiously motivated (though Gentile) Huram (vv. 11-12).
- In Kings, Solomon repays on the installment plan “year by year” (1 Kings 5:11). In Chronicles, Solomon pays a lump sum (2 Chronicles 2:10).
- In Kings, Solomon’s description of the Temple is terse (1 Kings 5:5). In Chronicles, it resonates with glory and grandeur, and incorporates the cultic functions of the priests (2 Chronicles 2:3-5).
- In Kings, the correspondence is a businesslike affair between equals (compare the “treaty” in v. 12, omitted in Chronicles). Not so in Chronicles, where Hiram deferentially refers to both DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More and Solomon as “my lord” (2 Chronicles 2:14-15).
- In Kings, the treaty between Hiram and Solomon is the stated reason for God’s bestowal of wisdom upon Solomon (v. 12). In Chronicles, mention of the treaty and bestowal of wisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More are omitted lest they detract from God’s bestowal of wisdom upon Solomon for his dedication to the Temple.