2 Chronicles – Chapter 8

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:" — so begins 2 Chronicles 8. The chapter centers on Solomon, David and Pharaoh. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:

2He built the cities which Hiram had given to Solomon, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

3He went also into Emath Suba, and possessed it.

4And he built Palmira in the desert, and he built other strong cities in Emath.

5And he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether, walled cities with gates and bars and locks.

6Balaath also and all the strong cities that were Solomon's, and all the cities of the chariots, and the cities of the horsemen. All that Solomon had a mind, and designed, he built in Jerusalem and in Libanus, and in all the land of his dominion.

7All the people that were left of the Hethites, and the Amorrhites, and the Pherezites, and the Hevites, and the Jebusites, that were not of the stock of Israel:

8Of their children, and of the posterity, whom the children of Israel had not slain, Solomon made to be the tributaries, unto this day.

9But of the children of Israel he set none to serve in the king's works: for they were men of war, and chief captains, and rulers of his chariots and horsemen.

10And all the chief captains of king Solomon's army were two hundred and fifty, who taught the people.

11And he removed the daughter of Pharao from the city of David, to the house which he had built for her. For the king said: My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, for it is sanctified: because the ark of the Lord came into it.

12Then Solomon offered holocausts to the Lord upon the altar of the Lord which he had built before the porch,

13That every day an offering might be made on it according to the ordinance of Moses, in the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the festival days three times a year, that is to say, in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

14And he appointed according to the order of David his father the offices of the priests in their ministries: and the Levites in their order to give praise, and minister before the priests according to the duty of every day: and the porters in their divisions by gate and gate: for so David the man of God had commanded.

15And the priests and Levites departed not from the king's commandments, as to any thing that he had commanded, and as to the keeping of the treasures.

16Solomon had all charges prepared, from the day that he founded the house of the Lord, until the day wherein he finished it.

17Then Solomon went to Asiongaber, and to Ailath, on the coast of the Red Sea, which is in the land of Edom.

18And Hiram sent him ships by the hands of his servants, and skilful mariners, and they went with Solomon's servants to Ophir, and they took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought it to king Solomon.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 8

And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:

2 Chronicles 8:1

And he built Palmira in the desert, and he built other strong cities in Emath.

2 Chronicles 8:4

Then Solomon offered holocausts to the Lord upon the altar of the Lord which he had built before the porch,

2 Chronicles 8:12

Solomon had all charges prepared, from the day that he founded the house of the Lord, until the day wherein he finished it.

2 Chronicles 8:16

Historical Context

2 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble. Chapter 8 of 36 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Solomon, David, Pharaoh and Moses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:" The chapter ends with: "And Hiram sent him ships by the hands of his servants, and skilful mariners, and they went with Solomon's servants to…" The wider setting of 2 Chronicles is this: Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Chronicles around After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Temple worship and Judah's kings. the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1431).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that True worship requires a pure heart. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Chronicles 8 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Solomon11 mentionsDavid4 mentionsPharaoh1 mentionMoses1 mention

Reflection for Today

In 2 Chronicles Chapter 8, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of Temple worship and Judah's kings.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). 2 Chronicles Chapter 8 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that True worship requires a pure heart.

As you continue through 2 Chronicles, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 8 about?

2 Chronicles 8 contains 18 verses. It opens with "And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:" and closes with "And Hiram sent him ships by the hands of his servants, and skilful mariners, and they went with Solomon's servants to…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And at the end of twenty years after Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 8?

This chapter mentions Solomon, David, Pharaoh, Moses.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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