Chapter Summary

The energy and fame of Solomon.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 8

1. What kind of leader is King Solomon presented as in verses 1-6? What does his military presence and strength represent “in the land of his dominion,” (CSB)? Does the author attribute any characteristic to Solomon that would befit a military leader? How does this differ from other kings and rulers of Solomon's time? What do you think the author is teaching his audience to understand about what sets Israel apart from other nations?
2. What kind of leader is King Solomon presented as in verses 12-16? What is it that makes Solomon such a successful leader? How did he perform the role given to him by God?
3. How can seeing King Solomon's leadership example help you understand the relationship and responsibility that leaders have to God? If someone is responsible and faithful in their leadership role, will God always bless them the way he did Solomon? How is Christian leadership different from a kingly role? How can we apply this biblical example to our own leadership roles?
4. In verses 7-10, what do you notice about the way King Solomon treats foreigners and his own people? How do his actions compare to other kings and rulers throughout the Israelites’ history? What kind of king is Solomon compared to Samuel’s warning in 1 Samuel 8:9-18?
5. How do King Solomon's actions in verse 11 show dedication to his covenant with God? Why would the author of Chronicles choose to only include this small story about King Solomon's Egyptian wife, and not mention any other personal relationships in Solomon's life? How does it connect to the greater themes of the passage regarding Solomon's actions as king? How can proper distancing between God's holiness and the world's unholiness be applied to your own life and relationships?
6. What is significant about King Solomon maintaining the “daily requirement for offerings,” (CSB)? How do you maintain your relationship with God on a daily basis? What habits do you see Solomon having that helped him maintain his relationship? What habits could you apply in order to be more consistent? What do you think are some of the benefits of a daily habit of communing with God?
7. Why is it important that the gatekeepers "did not turn aside," (CSB) in their responsibilities, even concerning "the treasuries,"(CSB)? What opportunities for self-gain could they have had when they were given the responsibility of standing guard? What do you think inspired or motivated them to be trustworthy guards? What happens when trustworthy people are given responsibility? How do their actions correspond to King Solomon's leadership at that time?
8. Why is it significant that all of the instructions for the temple were ordained by David? What was David’s relationship with God like? What kind of leader was he for Israel?
9. In verses 17-18, why is there a continuance of the relationship between King Hiram and King Solomon? What does a strong political relationship with other nations and rulers show, and what does it tell the reader about the state of Israel under King Solomon's reign?
10. What is the significance of King Solomon carrying out the building plans according to what God had given to King David, rather than according to what he believed was his ability? How much reliance did Solomon have to place in God in order for the temple to be completed? In what areas is God asking you to trust him, and move according to his plan, regardless of your abilities or resources?

Key Words/Phrase

Solomon's work, v. 16.

Characters

God, Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon, King of Tyre.

Strong Verse(s)