Solomon offered sacrifices there before the LORDSolomon, the son of David, is depicted as a king who begins his reign by seeking divine favor. Offering sacrifices was a central act of worship in ancient Israel, symbolizing devotion and seeking atonement. The act of offering sacrifices "before the LORD" indicates a direct engagement with God, emphasizing the importance of divine approval and guidance in Solomon's rule. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where sacrifices were a means of maintaining that relationship.
on the bronze altar
The bronze altar was a significant fixture in the worship practices of Israel, originally constructed under the guidance of Moses (Exodus 27:1-8). It was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and used for burnt offerings. The use of bronze, a durable metal, signifies strength and endurance, suitable for the altar's purpose. The altar's presence underscores the continuity of worship practices from the time of the Exodus to Solomon's reign, highlighting the importance of tradition and obedience to God's commands.
at the 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 served as the central place of worship and the location where God communicated with Moses (Exodus 33:7-11). By offering sacrifices here, Solomon aligns himself with the historical faith of Israel, acknowledging the sacredness of this site as a place where God’s presence was manifest.
where he offered a thousand burnt offerings
The offering of a thousand burnt offerings signifies an extraordinary act of devotion and generosity. Burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The large number indicates Solomon's desire to express profound reverence and seek divine favor at the outset of his reign. This act of worship is reminiscent of other significant biblical figures who offered sacrifices to God, such as Noah (Genesis 8:20) and Abraham (Genesis 22:13), and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. At this point in the account, he has just become king of Israel.
2.
Bronze AltarA significant altar used for sacrifices, located in the Tent of Meeting. It symbolizes the place where offerings are made to God, representing worship and atonement.
3.
The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in Israel's worship and the one to whom Solomon offers sacrifices.
4.
Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites before the construction of the Temple.
5.
Burnt OfferingsThese are sacrifices made to God, completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God.
Teaching Points
Wholehearted WorshipSolomon's offering of a thousand burnt offerings signifies his wholehearted devotion to God. Believers are encouraged to worship God with their entire being, not holding back any part of their lives.
Seeking God's GuidanceSolomon's actions precede his request for wisdom. This teaches the importance of seeking God's guidance and favor through prayer and worship before making significant decisions.
Obedience to God's CommandsBy following the prescribed method of offering sacrifices, Solomon demonstrates obedience. Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word, trusting in His ways.
Symbolism of SacrificeThe burnt offerings symbolize total surrender to God. Believers are reminded to surrender their desires and plans to God's will, trusting in His perfect plan.
The Role of Leadership in WorshipAs a leader, Solomon sets an example of prioritizing worship. Christian leaders are encouraged to lead by example, prioritizing worship and devotion in their lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 1:6?
2.How does Solomon's offering in 2 Chronicles 1:6 demonstrate his devotion to God?
3.What can we learn from Solomon's worship about prioritizing God in our lives?
4.How does Solomon's sacrifice connect to Romans 12:1's call for living sacrifices?
5.What role does sacrificial giving play in our relationship with God today?
6.How can Solomon's example inspire our personal worship and dedication to God?
7.Why did Solomon offer 1,000 burnt offerings at the bronze altar in 2 Chronicles 1:6?
8.What is the significance of the bronze altar in 2 Chronicles 1:6?
9.How does Solomon's offering in 2 Chronicles 1:6 reflect his relationship with God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 1?
11.2 Chronicles 1 – Why does this passage emphasize Solomon’s grandeur when other records of his reign mention serious moral and political failures?
12.Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings?
13.2 Chronicles 1:7 – How could God physically appear to Solomon and speak to him, and what evidence supports this event?
14.In 2 Chronicles 31:1, is there any archaeological evidence confirming the wholesale destruction of pagan altars and high places across Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh?What Does 2 Chronicles 1:6 Mean
Solomon offered sacrifices there• Solomon’s first recorded public act as king is worship, not politics (see1 Kings 3:4).
• His choice to sacrifice underscores his recognition that national stability rests on obedience to God (cf.Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
• By personally leading in worship, Solomon models the truth of1 Chronicles 16:29: “Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness”.
• The text’s literal statement shows that real animals, real fire, and real worship took place—no symbolism replaces the historic event.
before the LORD• The location is significant: sacrifices are presented “before the LORD,” not merely before people (compareExodus 29:42).
• Worship is relational; it is an audience with the covenant-keeping God (Psalm 95:2,Hebrews 10:22).
• Standing “before the LORD” reminds us that leadership answers directly to God (2 Samuel 6:14-16).
• The phrasing stresses reverence—an attitude expected in every generation of believers.
on the bronze altar• This altar, originally built under Moses (Exodus 27:1-3) and later enlarged by Solomon’s artisans (2 Chronicles 4:1), is where atonement is made through blood.
• Bronze speaks of judgment absorbed on behalf of the worshiper, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:12-14).
• Using the designated altar shows Solomon’s commitment to worship “according to the rule” (2 Chronicles 24:19)—he does not innovate but obeys.
at the Tent of Meeting• The tent, first erected in the wilderness (Exodus 33:7), now rests at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39).
• Even though Jerusalem houses the ark, the sacrificial system continues at the tent until the temple is built (2 Chronicles 1:3-4).
• Solomon honors God’s appointed place, affirming that worship is governed by divine instruction, not convenience (Deuteronomy 12:5-6).
where he offered a thousand burnt offerings• A “thousand” indicates lavish devotion—extravagant yet regulated by God’s law (Leviticus 1:3-9).
• Burnt offerings are wholly consumed, symbolizing total surrender (Romans 12:1).
• The large number foreshadows the limitless grace Solomon soon requests and receives (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).
• Comparison: David’s great sacrifices at the ark’s arrival (1 Chronicles 15:26) and Elijah’s single sacrifice on Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39) both affirm that God responds to heartfelt, obedient worship, whether in abundance or simplicity.
summarySolomon’s thousand burnt offerings at the bronze altar in the Tent of Meeting demonstrate eager, wholehearted obedience. The young king approaches God in the prescribed way, before the Lord, affirming that leadership begins with submission. His extravagant sacrifice highlights the priority of worship, the seriousness of atonement, and the call to give God everything.
(6)
And Solomon went up thither to the "brasen altar.--So Vulg. incorrectly. Rather,
And Solomon offered there on the brasen altar; so LXX. and Syriac.
Before the Lord.--The altar stood before the entry of the Lord's dwellingplace (Exodus 40:6). (Comp.Judges 20:23;Judges 20:26.)
Which was at the tabernacle of the congregation.--Which altar belonged to the tent of tryst. In1Kings 6:22 the golden altar is said in like manner to belong to the Holy of holies, before which it stood. (The Vulg. seems to have read "the brasen altar, before the Lord's tent of meeting"; comp.2Chronicles 1:3.) . . .
Verse 6. -
A thousand burnt offerings. The first instance of the burnt offering is
Genesis 8:20, and thereafter in the same book
Genesis 15:9, 17;
Genesis 22:2, 7, 13. It was manifestly the chiefest of the eucharistic kind of sacrifices, and for manifest reasons also was preceded by a "sin" offering (
Exodus 29:36-38;
Leviticus 8:14, etc.). (For full details of the ceremonial, sac
Leviticus 1, 6, 7, 8,
passim) The extraordinary number of the burnt offerings on this and some similar occasions may well excite our wonder (
Numbers 7:3, 17;
1 Kings 8:64;
2 Chronicles 4:1 compared with
2 Chronicles 7:7. See also Herod., 'Hist.,' 7:43). The priests, of course, performed the sacrifices at the command of Solomon.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Solomonשְׁלֹמֹ֨ה(šə·lō·mōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throneoffered sacrificesוַיַּעַל֩(way·ya·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelythereשָׁ֜ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherbeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe bronzeהַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙(han·nə·ḥō·šeṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178:Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, basealtarמִזְבַּ֤ח(miz·baḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196:An altarat the Tentלְאֹ֣הֶל(lə·’ō·hel)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meeting;מוֹעֵ֑ד(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingon itעָלָ֛יו(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthe offeredוַיַּ֧עַל(way·ya·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelya thousandאָֽלֶף׃(’ā·lep̄)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505:A thousandburnt offerings.עֹל֖וֹת(‘ō·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offering
Links
2 Chronicles 1:6 NIV2 Chronicles 1:6 NLT2 Chronicles 1:6 ESV2 Chronicles 1:6 NASB2 Chronicles 1:6 KJV
2 Chronicles 1:6 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 1:6 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 1:6 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 1:6 French Bible2 Chronicles 1:6 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 1:6 Solomon went up there to the bronze (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)