Bible Commentaries

2 Chronicles 5:2 to 2 Chronicles 7:10. The Dedication of the Temple (see notes on 1 Kings 8).—The chief points of difference between the Chronicler's account and 1 Kings 8 are: (a) that in 2 Chronicles 5:4 the Levites are the bearers of the Ark (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 15:26 f.) instead of the priests as in 1 Kings 8:3; (b) that in 2 Chronicles 5:5 "and" is omitted between "the priests the Levites," the two being thus identified; the omission may, however, be merely a textual error; (c) further, the words "for all the priests . . . for his mercy endureth for ever" (2 Chronicles 7:11 b- 2 Chronicles 7:13 a) are not found in 1 K.; they are from the Chronicler, or possibly the addition of a later editor. These three variations illustrate the ecclesiastical standpoint of the Chronicler and the school of thought to which he belonged, (d) In 2 Chronicles 6:41 f. there is a prayer, made up of Psalms 130:2; Psalms 132:1; Psalms 132:8-10, in place of the conclusion to Solomon's prayer given in 1 Kings 8:53. (e) In 2 Chronicles 7:1 the mention of fire coming down from heaven (cf. 1 Chronicles 21:26) is not found in 1 Kings 8:54. (ƒ) A comparison between 2 Chronicles 7:8 f. and 1 Kings 8:65 f. well illustrates the way in which the later usage of the Chronicler's times was read into that of earlier days.

2 Chronicles 7:11-22. A Second Divine Appearance to Solomon (see notes on 1 Kings 9:1-9).—With the exception of 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 this section is substantially identical with the corresponding passage in 1 K.; there are some variations, but none of importance.