2 Chronicles 8:10
They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.
They were also King Solomon’s chief officers
The phrase "chief officers" refers to the high-ranking officials in King Solomon's administration. In Hebrew, the term used is "שָׂרִים" (sarim), which denotes leaders or princes. These individuals were entrusted with significant responsibilities, reflecting the organized and hierarchical nature of Solomon's kingdom. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by extensive building projects and international trade, necessitating a structured bureaucracy. The mention of "chief officers" underscores the importance of leadership and governance in maintaining order and prosperity in the kingdom.

250 supervisors over the people
The number "250" indicates a substantial administrative body, suggesting the vast scope of Solomon's projects and the need for effective oversight. The Hebrew word for "supervisors" is "נִצָּבִים" (nitzavim), which implies those who stand over or oversee. This reflects a system of accountability and management, essential for the successful execution of Solomon's ambitious endeavors, such as the construction of the Temple and his palaces. The phrase "over the people" highlights the role of these supervisors in managing the workforce, ensuring that the king's directives were carried out efficiently. This structure not only facilitated the completion of monumental tasks but also maintained social order, illustrating the wisdom and foresight attributed to Solomon in biblical narratives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity in Israel.

2. Chief Officers
These were high-ranking officials appointed by Solomon to oversee various aspects of his kingdom. The number 250 indicates a structured and organized administration.

3. The People
Refers to the Israelites, the chosen people of God, over whom Solomon reigned. The administration of these people was crucial for maintaining order and prosperity in the kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Delegation
Solomon's appointment of 250 chief officers underscores the necessity of delegation in leadership. Effective leaders recognize their limitations and empower others to share responsibilities.

Structured Leadership
The organized administration under Solomon reflects the biblical principle of orderliness. God is a God of order, and this is mirrored in how Solomon structured his kingdom.

Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's wisdom is evident not only in his personal decisions but also in how he structured his government. Leaders today can learn from his example by seeking wisdom in their administrative duties.

Accountability in Governance
The presence of chief officers suggests a system of accountability. In any organization, having checks and balances is crucial for maintaining integrity and efficiency.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's delegation of authority to 250 chief officers reflect the biblical principle of shared leadership, and how can this be applied in modern church or organizational settings?

2. In what ways does the structured leadership under Solomon's reign demonstrate the importance of order and organization in our personal and communal lives?

3. Considering the role of the chief officers, what can we learn about the importance of accountability in leadership positions?

4. How does the concept of wise counsel, as seen in Solomon's administration, relate to the advice given in Proverbs 11:14, and how can we apply this in our decision-making processes?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to delegate responsibilities. What challenges did you face, and how can Solomon's example guide you in future situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 9:23
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 8:10, providing additional context about Solomon's officials and their roles in his administration.

Exodus 18:21-22
Jethro's advice to Moses about appointing capable men to help govern the people is a precursor to the structured leadership seen in Solomon's reign.

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of wise counsel and leadership, which is exemplified by Solomon's appointment of chief officers.
The Subjects of SolomonT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 8:7-10
People
Amorites, David, Geber, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Huram, Israelites, Jebusites, Levites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Baalath, Beth-horon, Edom, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Hamath, Hamath-zobah, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Ophir, Tadmor, Upper Beth-horon
Topics
Authority, Bare, Bore, Chief, Exercised, Fifty, Heads, Hundred, Officers, Officials, Rule, Ruled, Rulers, Solomon, Solomon's, Superintendents, Supervising, Two-hundred
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 8:9

     5245   captain
     5261   commander

Library
The Duty of Every Day
'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord ... Even after a certain rate every day.'--(A.V.) 'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, even as the duty of every day required it.'--2 Chron. viii. 12-13 (R. V.). This is a description of the elaborate provision, in accordance with the commandment of Moses, which Solomon made for the worship in his new Temple. The writer is enlarging on the precise accordance of the ritual with the regulations laid down in the law. He expresses,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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