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Chronicler's Chiastic Solomon

Chronicler's Chiastic Solomon

By Peter Leithart

I n a 1981 article on “The Chronicler's Solomon” in the Westminster Theological Journal (43:2), Ray Dillard lays out the following chiastic structure for the reign of Solomon (pp. 299-300):

A. Solomon's wealth and wisdom (1:1-17) (Trade in horses, 1:14-17)

B. Recognition by gentiles/dealings with Hiram (2:1-16) ( Yahweh's love for Israel, 2:11)

C. Construction of temple/gentile labor (2:17-5:1) (Gentile labor, 2:17-18; Completion of temple, 5:1)

D. Inauguration of temple worship (5:2-6:11) a. Assembly (5:2-3) b. Sacrifice and song (5:4-13) c. Glory cloud (5:13-14) d. Solomon speaks to the people (6:1-11 )

E. Prayer of dedication (6:12-42)

D'. Inauguration of temple worship (7:1-22) c. Glory cloud (7:1-2) b. Sacrifice and song (7:3-7) a. Assembly (7:8-10) d. God speaks to Solomon (7:11-22)

C'. Other construction/gentile labor/temple completed (8:1-16) (Gentile labor, 8:7-10; Completion of temple, 8:16)

B'. Recognition by gentiles/dealings with Hiram (8:17-9:12) (Yahweh's love for Israel, 9:8)

A'. Solomon's wealth and wisdom (9:13-28) (Trade in horses, 9:25-28)

Peter Leithart

Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.

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