2 Chronicles 1:3

And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon because it was the location of God's Tent of Meeting, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

Study Bible

And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon
Solomon, newly anointed king, leads the assembly, indicating his role as both a political and spiritual leader. The "whole assembly" suggests a united Israel, emphasizing national unity under Solomon's reign. Gibeon, a significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, was known for its high place, a common site for worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem. This location was historically significant as it was where the Gibeonites had deceived Joshua into making a treaty (Joshua 9). The high place at Gibeon was one of the most important worship sites during this period, as the temple had not yet been constructed.

because it was the location of God’s Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence with His people. The Tent of Meeting being at Gibeon highlights the continuity of worship practices from the time of Moses to Solomon. This location served as a temporary center of worship until the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon would later build.

which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness
Moses, referred to as the "servant of the LORD," underscores his role as a faithful leader and mediator between God and Israel. The construction of the Tent of Meeting in the wilderness was a direct command from God (Exodus 25-31), and it was meticulously crafted according to divine specifications. This phrase connects Solomon's actions to the foundational period of Israel's history, linking the past covenantal relationship with God to the present. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle, as He "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14), providing a permanent means of access to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity.

2. The Whole Assembly
This refers to the leaders and representatives of Israel who accompanied Solomon. It signifies the unity and collective worship of the nation.

3. The High Place at Gibeon
Gibeon was a significant location for worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem. It was known for housing the Tent of Meeting.

4. God’s Tent of Meeting
Originally constructed by Moses in the wilderness, this was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites before the temple's construction.

5. Moses, the LORD’s Servant
Moses is the revered prophet and leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, establishing the covenant with God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Worship
Solomon's journey to Gibeon underscores the priority of worship in leadership and personal life. Worship is foundational to seeking God's guidance and blessing.

Unity in Worship
The assembly's collective journey to Gibeon highlights the power of communal worship. Believers are encouraged to gather together in unity to seek God.

Reverence for Sacred Spaces
The Tent of Meeting, though temporary, was treated with reverence. This teaches us to honor the places and practices that facilitate our connection with God.

Continuity of God's Presence
From the wilderness to Gibeon, God's presence remained with His people. This continuity assures us of God's unchanging nature and faithfulness.

Seeking Wisdom from God
Solomon's actions at Gibeon set the stage for his request for wisdom. Believers are reminded to seek divine wisdom in all aspects of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Solomon's decision to go to Gibeon reveal about his priorities as a new king, and how can we apply this to our own leadership roles?

2. How does the concept of communal worship in this passage challenge or affirm your current practice of worship within your community?

3. In what ways can we show reverence for the sacred spaces and practices in our own lives, and why is this important?

4. How does the continuity of God's presence from the Tent of Meeting to the temple in Jerusalem encourage us in our faith journey today?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought wisdom from God. How did that experience shape your understanding of His guidance and provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 33:7-11
Describes the original establishment of the Tent of Meeting by Moses, highlighting its significance as a place where God communicated with His people.

1 Kings 3:4-5
Provides a parallel account of Solomon's visit to Gibeon, where he offered sacrifices and received wisdom from God in a dream.

Hebrews 9:1-5
Discusses the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, connecting the Tent of Meeting to the broader account of God's dwelling among His people.