2 Chronicles — Chapter 1

Synopsis: Solomon goes to Gibeon where the bronze altar of holocausts stands, to offer a thousand victims. Lapide notes the altar was of brass; for the altar of incense was of gold. Solomon sought the Lord there before Jerusalem became the sole place of worship.

Lapide: \"REQUISIVIT — going to Gibeon where the brass altar stood, that he might offer thereon a thousand victims.\" Solomon's going up to Gibeon is interpreted as a solemn act of homage to God before undertaking the great work of the Temple.

Solomon's prayer: \"That I may go out and come in before this people\" — Lapide explains: \"as a king I may lead the people and bring them back wherever need requires, as a shepherd leads sheep to pasture and returns them to the fold at evening.\" The king as shepherd of souls.

Lapide notes that God granted Solomon wisdom because he sought not riches or power but the wisdom to govern: a lesson to all rulers that piety draws down divine gifts.