Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Chronicles
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 8
Overview:
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.