That nightThis phrase refers to the specific time when God chose to reveal Himself to Solomon. It was the night following Solomon's significant act of worship, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings at the high place in Gibeon. This timing underscores the importance of worship and dedication in seeking divine guidance and favor.
God appeared to Solomon
The appearance of God to Solomon is a theophany, a direct encounter with the divine. This is significant as it shows God's personal involvement in the lives of His chosen leaders. Solomon, as the newly anointed king, receives divine confirmation and guidance, similar to other biblical figures like Abraham and Moses who also experienced God's direct communication.
and said,
God's communication with Solomon is direct and personal, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His chosen servant. This direct speech is a hallmark of God's interactions with key biblical figures, indicating the importance of the message being delivered.
“Ask,
This invitation to ask is a test of Solomon's heart and priorities. It reflects God's willingness to grant requests that align with His will and purposes. The open-ended nature of this invitation highlights the freedom and responsibility given to Solomon in his role as king.
and I will give it to you!”
God's promise to grant Solomon's request demonstrates His generosity and desire to bless those who seek Him. This offer is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in the New Testament, where He encourages believers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will respond to their needs. Solomon's subsequent request for wisdom aligns with God's purposes, setting a precedent for seeking divine wisdom over material wealth or power.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. At this point in the account, he has just been established as king over Israel.
2.
GodThe sovereign deity of Israel, who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him a unique opportunity to request anything he desires.
3.
GibeonThe location where Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar, which preceded God's appearance to him. Gibeon was a significant high place before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.
4.
The NightThe time when God appeared to Solomon, indicating a divine encounter that was both personal and significant.
5.
The OfferGod's invitation to Solomon to ask for anything he desires, highlighting the divine generosity and the importance of Solomon's response.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking GodSolomon's encounter with God at Gibeon underscores the importance of seeking God through worship and sacrifice. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God.
God's GenerosityGod's offer to Solomon reveals His generous nature. Believers can trust in God's willingness to provide for their needs when they seek Him with a sincere heart.
Wisdom as a PrioritySolomon's request for wisdom highlights the value of wisdom over material wealth or power. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual wisdom in their lives.
Divine EncountersThe personal nature of God's appearance to Solomon reminds believers that God desires a personal relationship with each of His followers.
Responsibility of LeadershipSolomon's request for wisdom to govern well reflects the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance. This principle applies to all areas of leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 1:7?
2.How does Solomon's request in 2 Chronicles 1:7 demonstrate his priorities to God?
3.What does God's offer to Solomon reveal about His character and generosity?
4.How can we seek wisdom from God as Solomon did in 2 Chronicles 1:7?
5.Compare Solomon's request with James 1:5. What similarities do you observe?
6.How can Solomon's example guide our prayers and requests to God today?
7.Why did God appear to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1:7 and offer anything he desired?
8.What does Solomon's request for wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1:7 reveal about his character?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 1:7 demonstrate God's willingness to grant human desires?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 1?
11.2 Chronicles 1:7 – How could God physically appear to Solomon and speak to him, and what evidence supports this event?
12.If God truly appeared to Solomon in a dream (1 Kings 3:5), how do we distinguish this from myth or subjective experience?
13.What does the Bible say about Solomon's wisdom?
14.How does the forced labor mentioned in 2 Chronicles 8:7-8 reconcile with biblical portrayals of Solomon's wisdom and godly leadership?What Does 2 Chronicles 1:7 Mean
That night– The timing is deliberate. Solomon has just offered a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:6); the Lord responds the very same night.
– Scripture often shows God drawing near after a heartfelt act of worship—think of Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-15) or Cornelius inActs 10.
– The night setting underscores intimacy: away from daily distractions, God speaks in a way Solomon cannot miss (Psalm 16:7;Job 33:14-16).
God appeared to Solomon– This is a real, literal appearance, similar to the “dream” encounter recorded in the parallel account,1 Kings 3:5.
– Divine initiative is on display; Solomon did not summon God—God graciously chose to reveal Himself (Exodus 3:4;Isaiah 65:1).
– The appearance confirms God’s covenant faithfulness to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
and said– What follows carries the full authority of God’s spoken word (Numbers 23:19).
– Communication is personal: the King of the universe addresses an individual by name, echoing moments like God’s call to Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10).
– God meets leaders with direct guidance so they may lead His people rightly (Joshua 1:1-9).
“Ask,– A divine invitation: Solomon is told to articulate his desire. This mirrors Jesus’ later words, “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7;John 15:7).
– Prayer is portrayed as conversation, not ritual. God invites honest requests (Psalm 62:8).
– The open-ended offer tests the heart; what Solomon asks will reveal his priorities (James 4:3).
and I will give it to you!”– God pledges to grant what is asked, showcasing His generous character (Ephesians 3:20).
– The unconditional tone (“I will”) reflects covenant grace, not human merit (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
– Though limitless, God’s promise is still within His righteous will, just as Jesus assured the disciples that whatever they asked in His name would be done (John 14:13-14).
– What follows—Solomon’s request for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10)—illustrates the principle of seeking first God’s kingdom and receiving added blessings (Matthew 6:33).
summary2 Chronicles 1:7 portrays a pivotal, literal moment: after Solomon’s wholehearted worship, God personally appears at night, invites him to ask, and guarantees an answer. The verse highlights God’s initiative, intimacy, and generosity, setting the stage for Solomon’s renowned request for wisdom. It encourages us to value heartfelt worship, trust God’s readiness to speak, and align our desires with His gracious purposes.
(7-13) God's revelation to Solomon by night. (Comp.
1Kings 3:5-15.)
(7)In that night did God appear unto Solomon.--Kings, "In Gibeon did Jehovah appear unto Solomon in a dream of the night." Our text fixes the night as that which followed the sacrifices; the parallel passage explicitly states that it was in a dream that God appeared.
Ask what I shall give thee.--Rather,Ash thou! what shall I give thee? So Kings.
Verses 7-12. - The
vision and prayer of Solomon, and God's answer to that prayer. (Comp.
1 Kings 3:5-15;
1 Kings 9:2.)
Verse 7. -
That night. This can mean no other night than that which followed the day (or the days) of sacrifices so multitudinous. The parallel account in
1 Kings 3:5 tells us the way in which "God appeared to Solomon," viz. by dream. The words of God's offer,
Ask what I shall give thee, are identical in the parallel place.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thatהַה֔וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arenightבַּלַּ֣יְלָה(bal·lay·lāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915:A twist, night, adversityGodאֱלֹהִ֖ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeappearedנִרְאָ֥ה(nir·’āh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeto Solomonלִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה(liš·lō·mōh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throneand said,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Ask,שְׁאַ֖ל(šə·’al)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demand[and] I will give itאֶתֶּן־(’et·ten-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setto you!”לָֽךְ׃(lāḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew
Links
2 Chronicles 1:7 NIV2 Chronicles 1:7 NLT2 Chronicles 1:7 ESV2 Chronicles 1:7 NASB2 Chronicles 1:7 KJV
2 Chronicles 1:7 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 1:7 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 1:7 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 1:7 French Bible2 Chronicles 1:7 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 1:7 In that night God appeared to Solomon (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
