Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobahSolomon's expansion into Hamath-zobah reflects his strategic efforts to secure and extend Israel's borders. Hamath-zobah was a region in Syria, north of Israel, known for its fertile land and strategic location. This move aligns with Solomon's broader efforts to establish peace and prosperity through strong political and military alliances. The mention of Hamath-zobah highlights the geopolitical landscape of the time, where control over key territories was crucial for maintaining power and influence. This action can be seen as part of Solomon's fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, where God promised to establish David's kingdom and give his descendants dominion over the land.
and captured it
The capture of Hamath-zobah signifies Solomon's military prowess and the strength of his kingdom. This conquest would have involved significant planning and resources, showcasing Solomon's ability to lead and expand his territory. The capture also indicates the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies, as seen in the broader narrative of the Old Testament. This victory can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, where Jesus, the greater Son of David, secures eternal peace and dominion. Solomon's actions here foreshadow the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom through Christ, where all nations will be brought under His rule.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.
2.
Hamath-zobahA region or city-state located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near modern-day Syria. It was a strategic location that Solomon captured to expand his kingdom and secure trade routes.
3.
Capture of Hamath-zobahThis event signifies Solomon's military and political strength, as he expanded his influence and secured his kingdom's borders.
Teaching Points
Strategic LeadershipSolomon's capture of Hamath-zobah demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and leadership. In our lives, we should seek God's wisdom to make decisions that align with His purposes.
Securing PeaceBy expanding his territory, Solomon aimed to secure peace and prosperity for his kingdom. Similarly, we should strive to create environments of peace in our communities and relationships, seeking God's guidance in doing so.
Continuing a LegacySolomon's actions were a continuation of David's legacy. We are called to build upon the spiritual foundations laid by those who came before us, honoring their contributions while seeking God's direction for our own paths.
Relying on GodWhile Solomon's military success is notable, it is crucial to remember that true victory comes from God. In our endeavors, we must rely on His strength and guidance rather than solely on our abilities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 8:3?
2.How does Solomon's expansion in 2 Chronicles 8:3 demonstrate God's blessing on leadership?
3.What can we learn about God's promises from Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 8:3?
4.How does Solomon's conquest relate to God's covenant with Israel in the Old Testament?
5.What modern-day applications can we draw from Solomon's strategic actions in 2 Chronicles 8:3?
6.How can we apply Solomon's example of leadership to our personal spiritual growth?
7.What historical evidence supports Solomon's conquest of Hamath-Zobah in 2 Chronicles 8:3?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 8:3 align with archaeological findings in the region?
9.Why did Solomon choose to attack Hamath-Zobah according to 2 Chronicles 8:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 8?
11.If 2 Chronicles 8:3 states Solomon conquered Hamath-Zobah, why is there little to no archaeological evidence supporting this campaign?
12.In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11–13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate?
13.2 Chronicles 3:8 - How did Solomon acquire and transport enough gold to overlay the inner sanctuary entirely?
14.Does the scale of Solomon's building program described in 2 Chronicles 8:1-6 align with known timelines and resources from that era?What Does 2 Chronicles 8:3 Mean
Then Solomon• The word “Then” places the event after Solomon completed the twenty-year building program of the temple and palace (2 Chronicles 8:1–2;1 Kings 9:10).
• Scripture presents Solomon as an active, God-blessed king whose reign extended the stability David had secured (2 Chronicles 1:1;1 Kings 3:14).
• By naming Solomon again, the Chronicler reminds readers that this success flows from God’s covenant promise to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16;1 Chronicles 17:11-14).
went to Hamath-zobah• Hamath-zobah lay on Israel’s northern frontier, near the Orontes River. It combined two earlier Aramean districts—Hamath and Zobah—that David had already subdued (2 Samuel 8:3–6;1 Chronicles 18:3–6).
• Traveling there shows Solomon personally led or at least authorized the campaign, demonstrating responsible leadership rather than distant rule.
• Expanding this far north aligns with the land boundaries God promised from “the Euphrates to the Sea” (Genesis 15:18;1 Kings 4:21), underscoring that divine promises are literally fulfilled in history.
and captured it• The straightforward statement, “and captured it,” credits God-given victory without embellishment, just as earlier texts matter-of-factly report David’s triumphs (2 Samuel 8:6;1 Chronicles 18:6).
• Capturing Hamath-zobah secured:
– Control of a vital trade corridor linking Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean (1 Kings 10:28-29).
– A buffer zone protecting Israel from northern aggression, resulting in the “peace on every side” later noted (1 Kings 4:24).
• The success testifies to covenant faithfulness: when the king walks in the statutes, God grants security (1 Kings 9:4-5;Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
summary2 Chronicles 8:3 records a literal historical conquest in which Solomon, after finishing his great building projects, personally moved north, took strategic Hamath-zobah, and thereby extended Israel’s God-promised borders. The verse showcases God’s unwavering faithfulness, Solomon’s responsible leadership, and the tangible blessings that flow when the king and nation walk in obedience.
(3)
And Solomon went.--
Marched (
2Samuel 12:29).
Hamath-zobah.--That is, Hamath bordering on Zobah. (Comp.1Chronicles 18:3.) Solomon's conquest of the kingdom of Hamath, which had been on terms of amity with David, is not mentioned in 1 Kings 9; nor indeed anywhere else in the Old Testament. Thenius (on2Kings 14:25) supposes that the text describes not a conquest of Hamath itself, but only the annexation of part of its territory; viz., a part of the highly fruitful plain of C?le-Syria, called by the ArabsArd-el-Beqaa. This appears to be correct.
Against it.--Or,over it (a late construction,2Chronicles 27:5;Daniel 11:5). . . .
Verse 3. -
Hamath-zobah. Hamath (when the name occurs separately) was a place both of great geographical note (occupying, whether regarded as a larger region or a town, an important position in the northern end of that broad valley of Coele-Syria which separates Lebanon and Antilebanon, and through which passed the river Orontes) and of great historical note from the time of the Exodus to that of Amos. The town, or city, is to be understood to be the Great Hamath (
Amos 6:2). But the kingdom, or district, or county, was almost conterminous with Coele-Syria. Zobah, also a portion of Syria, amounted to a small kingdom, and is read of alike in Saul's and in David's times, as in Solomon's time. It probably lay to the north-east of Hamath (
1 Samuel 14:47;
2 Samuel 8:8, 7, 8, 10;
2 Samuel 10:9, 16, 19;
1 Chronicles 18:4;
1 Chronicles 19:16). But Hamath-zobah of this verse was probably a place called Hamath, in the region of Zobah, in which also two other cities are mentioned, Berothai and Tibhath, or Betah (
2 Samuel 8:8;
1 Chronicles 18:8). These two kingdoms of Hamath and Zobah, contiguous as they were, seem as though they purposed to compliment one another - Zobah by naming one of its towns Hamath, and
vice versa It is said that the Assyrian inscriptions show that they remained, after Solomon, distinct kingdoms.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then Solomonשְׁלֹמֹה֙(šə·lō·mōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his thronewentוַיֵּ֤לֶךְ(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkto Hamath-zobahצוֹבָ֔ה(ṣō·w·ḇāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2578:Hamath-zobah -- a place North of Damascusand capturedוַיֶּחֱזַ֖ק(way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerit.עָלֶֽיהָ׃(‘ā·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
Links
2 Chronicles 8:3 NIV2 Chronicles 8:3 NLT2 Chronicles 8:3 ESV2 Chronicles 8:3 NASB2 Chronicles 8:3 KJV
2 Chronicles 8:3 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 8:3 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 8:3 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 8:3 French Bible2 Chronicles 8:3 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 8:3 Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and prevailed (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
