Baasha, the king of Israel, fortified the city of Ramah to restrict the movement of the people of Judah. Asa, the king of Judah, took money from the Temple and hired the Syrians to attack Israel. Asa’s plan worked but God was displeased with the king because he trusted in Syria instead of the Lord. The end of 2 Chronicles 16 documents the death of Asa at the end of his 41-year reign.

In 2 Chronicles 15, Azariah, the prophet of God, is sent to King Asa of Judah to remind him to seek the Lord and obey His commands. Asa takes the prophet’s words seriously and begins an immediate purge of idolatry from his country. In the 15th year of his 41-year reign, he gathered the citizens of his kingdom together and had them swear an oath to follow God’s law.

In 2 Chronicles 14, Asa became king over Judah after his father’s death. He reigned for 41 years and did righteously in the eyes of God. God gave him victory over Zerah, an Ethiopian who brought 1 million men and 300 chariots to fight against Judah.

In 2 Chronicles 13, Abijah becomes king in Judah after Rehoboam’s death. He waged war with Jeroboam of Israel and defeated his superior army by calling out to God for help. Israel was severely weakened after this defeat, and Jeroboam died not long after. Rehoboam reigned in Judah for 3 years, but he was not always faithful to the Lord. He repeated many of the sins of his father, Rehoboam.

In 2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam abandoned the Lord and His precepts. Consequently, God allowed Shishak, king of Egypt, to bring a massive military force against Judah and conquer much of Rehoboam’s territory. Rehoboam was able to save Jerusalem, but only by surrendering his autonomy and all the treasures in the Temple. Rehoboam died after reigning 17 years over Judah.

In 2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam becomes king of the southern Kingdom of Judah, while Jeroboam is appointed king in the northern kingdom of Israel. From this point on, God’s people will be divided and often at odds with one another. Chapter 11 documents the family of Rehoboam, his attempts to fortify the cities under his control, and the migration of the faithful from Jeroboam’s kingdom to Rehoboam’s lands.

Rehoboam’s first move as Israel and Judah’s new king severed the nation. He heeded the advice of his peers rather than the sage advisors of his father. This resulted in the nation of Israel breaking away and appointing Jeroboam as their king. But Jeroboam was not the king Israel needed. He disobeyed the Lord by creating two golden calves in Bethel and Dan to divert the people from worshipping in Jerusalem.

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon and admires his wisdom and wealth in the first half of 2 Chronicles 9. The second half of the chapter describes Solomon’s incredible prosperity, his ivory throne, his annual gold income, and his expeditions to foreign lands to bring back treasures.

2 Chronicles 8 is a record of Solomon’s accomplishments and the riches of his kingdom. Solomon had fleets of ships travelling all around the world, collecting gold and other exotic items. He undertook building projects and renovations in the cities he controlled. His kingdom expanded south to the Red Sea and north to the Euphrates River.

After Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the Temple, God’s glory filled the Temple and fire fell from heaven to consume the sacrifices on the altar. Years later, God appeared to Solomon during the night, promising to bless the people if they kept His divine law. God sternly warned Solomon against the temptation of idolatry.

2 Chronicles 6 contains Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. He prayed that God’s blessings would fall on Israel so long as they were faithful to the Lord. He also prayed for future mercy in the event that his people fell into sin.

The Temple of the Lord is completed in Jerusalem. Solomon gathered all the people of Israel to celebrate its completion and to worship God during the momentous occasion of the Ark of the Covenant being placed within the Temple. Songs of praise and sacrifices were offered to God, and the cloud of God’s glory filled the sacred place. 

In 2 Chronicles 4, Solomon commissions the construction of the furniture which was to sit within the Temple grounds. The chapter briefly describes the altar of burnt offerings, the altar of incense, the bronze sea, the washing basins, the golden lampstands, and other furniture Solomon’s craftsmen designed for the magnificent temple in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 3 documents the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The building project took 7.5 years to complete, and the final design is described in chapter 6. The length, height, width, interior, and exterior of the Temple are detailed by the writer. It was a magnificent structure which was meant to honor God.

In 2 Chronicles 2, Solomon prepared for the construction of the Temple and his palace in Jerusalem by sending a message to Hiram, king of Tyre. Solomon agreed to send Hiram barley, wine, and oil, in exchange for timber and skilled workers. Hiram agreed to help, telling him he would send him all the timber he needed. He also sent Solomon a skilled craftsman named Huram-abi to assist with the project.

Solomon becomes king of Israel after the death of his father, David. While Solomon was offering sacrifices at the Tabernacle in Gibeon, God appeared to him and told him He would grant him a request. Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom to lead the nation. God granted Solomon wisdom superior to any man on earth.