What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 1:5? But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur • The altar referred to here is the very one crafted under Moses’ supervision in the wilderness (Exodus 31:2; 38:1). • Scripture treats this altar as a concrete, historical object—fashioned of bronze, designed for burnt offerings, and intended to be portable with the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1–8). • By mentioning Bezalel, the writer links Solomon’s worship back to the covenant faithfulness displayed during Israel’s exodus. The continuity underscores that true worship must follow God-given patterns, not human innovation (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). was in Gibeon before the tabernacle of the LORD • After the ark moved to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), the tabernacle and its furnishings—including this altar—remained in Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39–40; 21:29). • Gibeon thus served as Israel’s principal place of sacrifice until the temple was built (1 Kings 3:4). • The verse assumes the reader knows the tabernacle’s purpose: a meeting place where God’s presence dwelt and sacrifices atoned for sin (Leviticus 1:1–9; Numbers 7:89). • The physical location matters. Worship happens at the spot God designates, reinforcing obedience and reverence (Deuteronomy 12:5–7). So Solomon and the assembly inquired of Him there • “Inquired” points to seeking divine guidance through sacrificial worship (Psalm 105:4; 1 Samuel 23:2). Solomon brings “the whole assembly”—leaders and people—showing national dependence on the Lord at the outset of his reign (1 Kings 3:5–9; 2 Chronicles 1:2–3). • Solomon’s choice to worship at the old altar before building the temple reflects humility. He honors God’s previous provision before advancing to the next stage (Proverbs 3:5–6). • God responds that very night with the famous offer, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you” (2 Chronicles 1:7; James 1:5). The sequence highlights how earnest worship precedes divine blessing. summary 2 Chronicles 1:5 roots Solomon’s early reign in the established, God-ordained system of worship. The verse ties the new king to the wilderness altar built by Bezalel, locates that altar at Gibeon with the tabernacle, and records Solomon’s corporate seeking of the Lord there. The message is clear: authentic leadership and national blessing flow from honoring God’s prescribed means of worship and earnestly seeking His guidance. |
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