| 2 CHRONICLES |
| Explanatory Footnotes |
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| 2:2 Solomon's Forced Labor King Solomon drafted laborers for his construction projects much like an army drafts soldiers. His policy of forced labor sowed dissension in the kingdom, especially among resentful northern tribes. In keeping with its morale-building purpose, 2 Chronicles has little bad to say about Solomon. The author mentions Solomon's wealth (1:14; 9:22-25) without comment, although such excess defied the rules for kings (Deuteronomy 17:15-17). Chronicles also omits reference to Solomon's palace, which Kings had pointedly described as exceeding even the temple in its splendor. 3:14 A Temporary Separation Just as it had in the tabernacle, a curtain in the temple separated the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. The curtain symbolized the distance between God and people. Even priests were forbidden to go beyond that curtain into the presence of God, except on the Day of Atonement. When Jesus died on the cross, this temple curtain miraculously ripped in two. That event also had symbolic meaning: Christ had opened up the way to God (Hebrews 9:7-12). 5:10 Proof of the Covenant Until the invasion by Babylon, the Israelites possesed a visible reminder of God's treaty, or "covenant," with them. It sayed in the most sacred piece of furniture in Israel, the ark. But the ark was lost during the Babylonian captivity - and has never been found. 7:3 High-Water Mark Solomon's prayer in chapter 6 and God's response in chapter 7 marked a high point in Israel's existence as a nation. United, the Israelites gathered before the gleaming new temple. They saw fire come down from heaven and the glory of the Lord fill the temple. Later, when this building was destroyed, Ezra led a drive to build a newtemple. But the dramatic scene of God's glory coming down was never duplicated. |