7 All of the people who were left of the Hittites , the Amorites , the Perizzites , the Hivites and the Jebusites , who were not of Israel , 8 namely, from their descendants who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed , them Solomon raised as forced laborers to this day . 9 But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel ; they were men of war , his chief captains and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen . 10 These were the chief officers of King Solomon , two hundred and fifty who ruled over the people . 11 Then Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the city of David to the house which he had built for her, for he said , "My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel , because the places are holy where the ark of the Lord has entered ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 8:7-11
Chapter Contents
Solomon's buildings and trade.
It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hinderance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.