What do you want out of life? Money? Prestige? Significant relationships? God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. Second Chronicles begins with Solomon's answer. You may find it surprising!

Solomon was given the huge responsibility of building the temple that his father, David, had put much of his life into planning. Several chapters of lavish detail are devoted to the construction and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple continues to be prominent throughout the book.

Revolt soon splits Solomon's kingdom in two (Israel and Judah) when Jeroboam rebels against Solomon's son Rehoboam. Though the sins of ungodly kings are briefly mentioned and condemned, most of the book is devoted to spiritual reform and renewal under the Judean kings Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah and Josiah. Perhaps the most dramatic moment comes when among the debris of the unused temple, Hilkiah the priest finds the lost Torah—the Law of Moses (34:14-32). The fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar is explained as the result of sin, but the book ends positively, with Cyrus king of Persia authorizing the rebuilding of the temple.

Throughout 2 Chronicles the Lord's hand is seen blessing obedience with success. This book will be an encouragement to you as you try to stay faithful to the Lord. It was said of King Uzziah, "As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success" (26:5).

What places in your life would you like to rebuild? In 2 Chronicles you'll find courage to begin the process and see it through to completion.