2 That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
2 Solomon rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him, and settled the people of Israel in them.
2 rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given him and colonized them with Israelites;
2 that the cities which Hiram had given to Solomon, Solomon built them; and he settled the children of Israel there.
2 Solomon turned his attention to rebuilding the towns that King Hiram had given him, and he settled Israelites in them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 8:2
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.