Chapters 1 to 9 form a chiasm, a Hebrew literary device which often works to emphasize the importance of the middle section.

A: God responds to Solomon’s prayer in a night vision (1:2-13)

          B: Solomon’s splendour described (1:14-18)

                   C: A Gentile gives glory to God and his chosen king (2)

                              D: Solomon builds the temple components, (3-4).

                                      X: God’s glory fills the temple at its dedication ceremony. (5:1-7:10)

                               A:  God responds to Solomon’s prayer in a night vision (7:11-7:22)

                    D: Solomon’s builds a temple staff and a society to serve the temple. (8:1-14)

           C: A Gentile gives glory to God and his chosen king  (9:1-12)

B: Solomon’s splendour described (9:13-28)

The blazing centre of the Chronicler’s account (X): The story of the glory of God coming to Solomon’s temple inspires hope that all God’s promises carried forward by the Davidic covenant will be fulfilled. It lies at the heart of God’s redemptive purpose in the world as it provides a way for sinners to be forgiven and foreshadows a new Eden. Ultimately, it must be seen as an act of God’s grace.

The radiating implications:

D) We must pay attention to detail in our worship of the Lord. (3-4; 8:1-14)

A) God answers prayers for wisdom… and of repentance. (1: 2-13; 7:11-7:28)

B) The new Eden is worth striving for. (1:14-18; 9:13-28)

C) God’s is bringing all nations into his temple and under his King. (2:1-14; 9:1-12)