(c) REGULATION OF THE TEMPLE WORSHIP

(2Chronicles 8:12-16).

This whole section corresponds to the single verse, 1Kings 9:25, which the chronicler has paraphrased in 2Chronicles 8:12-13, and extended by the addition of further details in 2Chronicles 8:14-15.

(12) Then.--After the consecration of the Temple.

Offered.--Not once, but habitually; according to the prescriptions of the Mosaic Law (2Chronicles 8:13).

On the altar . . . which he had built.--And apparently no longer at Gibeon (2Chronicles 1:3).

Before the porch.--Not in Kings.

Verses 12, 13. - Parallel in compressed form 1 Kings 9:25. After a certain rate every day; Hebrew, וּבִדְבַר־יום; the probable meaning is, according to the fixed appointment of day after day (Exodus 23:14; Exodus 29:23, 38; Numbers 28:3; Deuteronomy 16:16).

8:1 - 18 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.Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to the Lord,.... Meaning not barely at the time he rebuilt the above cities, for it was his constant practice:

on the altar of the Lord, which he had built before the porch; the brasen altar, which was at the entrance into the temple, within the court; of which see 2 Chronicles 4:1.