2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
1When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to test Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great caravan, including camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. When she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart.
2Solomon answered all her questions. There wasn’t anything hidden from Solomon which he didn’t tell her.
3When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
4the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his ministers, their clothing, his cup bearers and their clothing, and his ascent by which he went up to the LORD’s house, there was no more spirit in her.
5She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom.
6However I didn’t believe their words until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and behold half of the greatness of your wisdom wasn’t told me. You exceed the fame that I heard!
7Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom.
8Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you and set you on his throne to be king for the LORD your God, because your God loved Israel, to establish them forever. Therefore he made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.”
9She gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in great abundance, and precious stones. There was never before such spice as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
10The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones.
11The king used algum tree wood to make terraces for the LORD’s house and for the king’s house, and harps and stringed instruments for the singers. There were none like these seen before in the land of Judah.
12King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, more than that which she had brought to the king. So she turned and went to her own land, she and her servants.
Solomon's Wealth and Splendor
13Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred sixty-six talents of gold,
14in addition to that which the traders and merchants brought. All the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15King Solomon made two hundred large shields of beaten gold. Six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one large shield.
16He made three hundred shields of beaten gold. Three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
17Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18There were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and armrests on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.
19Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. There was nothing like it made in any other kingdom.
20All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. Silver was not considered valuable in the days of Solomon.
21For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with Huram’s servants. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
24They each brought tribute: vessels of silver, vessels of gold, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and mules every year.
25Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen that he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem.
26He ruled over all the kings from the River even to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
27The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars to be as abundant as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland.
28They brought horses for Solomon out of Egypt and out of all lands.
Solomon's Death
29Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, aren’t they written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
30Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in his father David’s city; and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his renowned wisdom, bringing lavish gifts and leaving amazed by his knowledge and the splendor of his kingdom. The chapter details Solomon's extraordinary wealth, including his annual gold income, magnificent shields, and elaborate ivory throne. Solomon's reign concludes with his death after forty years of rule, marking the end of Israel's golden age of prosperity and international recognition.
Context
This chapter concludes the Chronicler's account of Solomon's glorious reign before the kingdom's division under Rehoboam in the following chapters.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4The Queen of Sheba's VisitThe queen travels from afar to test Solomon's wisdom and is overwhelmed by his knowledge and royal splendor.
- 5-9The Queen's Praise and GiftsShe acknowledges Solomon's wisdom exceeds his reputation and presents him with gold, spices, and precious stones.
- 10-12Exchange of GiftsTrade goods arrive from Ophir while Solomon generously reciprocates the queen's gifts before her departure.
- 13-21Solomon's Vast WealthDetails of Solomon's annual gold income and his creation of golden shields and an ornate ivory throne.
- 22-28Solomon's International FameKings from all nations seek Solomon's wisdom and bring tribute, making him the wealthiest ruler of his time.
- 29-31Solomon's DeathAfter forty years of reign, Solomon dies and is succeeded by his son Rehoboam.
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
9:1–9:12The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his wisdom, is amazed by his knowledge and wealth, blesses God for establishing Solomon as king, and exchanges gifts with him.
person_contrast
Solomon's wisdom transforms from intellectual prowess to divine justice when the Queen of Sheba declares God established him "to execute justice and righteousness"—linking wisdom directly to moral governance.
Solomon's Wealth and Splendor
9:13–9:28A detailed account of Solomon's immense wealth, including his gold income, shields, ivory throne, ships, and his dominion over kings from the Euphrates to Egypt.
person_contrast
Solomon's annual gold income of 666 talents creates an ominous numerical echo that later biblical writers would associate with ultimate earthly power and its spiritual dangers.
Solomon's Death
9:29–9:31Solomon's death after forty years of reign in Jerusalem, with references to historical records of his acts, and the succession of his son Rehoboam.
person_contrast
Solomon's forty-year reign concludes with references to three prophetic sources—Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo—whose writings preserved both his glory and the seeds of Israel's coming division.
2 Chronicles 9:1
1 Kings 10:2lexicalShe came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and…
1 Kings 10:10lexicalShe gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never ag…
1 Kings 10:1lexicalWhen the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the LORD’s name, she came to test him with hard question…
Ezekiel 27:22lexical“‘“The traders of Sheba and Raamah were your traders. They traded for your wares with the best of all spices, all precio…
2 Chronicles 32:27lexicalHezekiah had exceedingly great riches and honor. He provided himself with treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious…
2 Chronicles 9:2
1 Kings 10:3lexicalSolomon answered all her questions. There wasn’t anything hidden from the king which he didn’t tell her.
2 Chronicles 9:3
1 Kings 10:4lexicalWhen the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
1 Kings 10:1lexicalWhen the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the LORD’s name, she came to test him with hard question…
1 Kings 10:10lexicalShe gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never ag…
1 Kings 10:13lexicalKing Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, in addition to that which Solomon gave her o…
2 Chronicles 9:4
1 Kings 10:5lexicalthe food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, an…
2 Chronicles 9:6
1 Kings 10:7lexicalHowever, I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom…
2 Chronicles 9:7
1 Kings 10:8lexicalHappy are your men, happy are these your servants who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom.
2 Chronicles 9:8
1 Kings 10:9lexicalBlessed is the LORD your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because the LORD loved Israel fo…
Isaiah 58:2lexicalYet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways. As a nation that did righteousness, and didn’t forsake the ordinanc…
2 Chronicles 9:9
1 Kings 10:10lexicalShe gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never ag…
1 Kings 10:2lexicalShe came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and…
Ezekiel 27:22lexical“‘“The traders of Sheba and Raamah were your traders. They traded for your wares with the best of all spices, all precio…
2 Chronicles 32:27lexicalHezekiah had exceedingly great riches and honor. He provided himself with treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious…
1 Chronicles 20:2lexicalDavid took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious st…
2 Chronicles 9:10
1 Kings 10:11lexicalThe fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious…
1 Kings 10:10lexicalShe gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never ag…
1 Kings 10:2lexicalShe came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and…
1 Chronicles 29:2lexicalNow I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things…
1 Kings 9:28lexicalThey came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to King Solomon.
2 Chronicles 9:11
1 Kings 10:12lexicalThe king made of the almug trees pillars for the LORD’s house and for the king’s house, harps also and stringed instrume…
1 Chronicles 15:16lexicalDavid spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instrum…
2 Chronicles 5:12lexicalalso the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arra…
2 Samuel 6:5lexicalDavid and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps,…
2 Chronicles 9:12
1 Kings 10:13lexicalKing Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, in addition to that which Solomon gave her o…
1 Kings 10:4lexicalWhen the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
1 Kings 10:1lexicalWhen the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the LORD’s name, she came to test him with hard question…
1 Kings 10:10lexicalShe gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never ag…
2 Chronicles 9:13
1 Kings 10:14lexicalNow the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred sixty-six talents of gold,
1 Chronicles 20:2lexicalDavid took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious st…
1 Chronicles 22:14lexicalNow, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the LORD’s house one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million tal…
2 Samuel 12:30lexicalHe took the crown of their king from off his head; and its weight was a talent of gold, and in it were precious stones;…
1 Chronicles 21:25lexicalSo David gave to Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place.
2 Chronicles 9:14
1 Kings 10:15lexicalin addition to that which the traders brought, and the traffic of the merchants, and of all the kings of the mixed peopl…
Ezekiel 38:13lexicalSheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, will ask you, ‘Have you come to take the plunder?…
Ezekiel 27:21lexical“‘“Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your favorite dealers in lambs, rams, and goats. In these, they were your me…
2 Chronicles 9:15
1 Kings 10:16lexicalKing Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to one buckler.
2 Chronicles 9:16
1 Kings 10:17lexicalHe made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went to one shield; and the king put them in the House…
1 Kings 10:21lexicalAll King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure…
2 Chronicles 9:17
1 Kings 10:18lexicalMoreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold.
Exodus 37:26lexicalHe overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.
Exodus 37:2lexicalHe overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it.
Exodus 37:11lexicalHe overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.
Exodus 25:24lexicalYou shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it.
2 Chronicles 9:18
1 Kings 10:19lexicalThere were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were armrests on either side b…
1 Kings 10:20lexicalTwelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. Nothing like it was made in any kingdom.
2 Chronicles 9:19
1 Kings 10:20lexicalTwelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. Nothing like it was made in any kingdom.
1 Kings 10:19lexicalThere were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were armrests on either side b…
2 Chronicles 9:20
1 Kings 10:21lexicalAll King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure…
1 Kings 7:51lexicalThus all the work that King Solomon did in the LORD’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things which David his…
2 Chronicles 5:1lexicalThus all the work that Solomon did for the LORD’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his fathe…
Isaiah 29:17lexicalIsn’t it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regar…
1 Kings 10:17lexicalHe made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went to one shield; and the king put them in the House…
2 Chronicles 9:21
1 Kings 10:22lexicalFor the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet. Once every three years the fleet of Tarshish ca…
Isaiah 60:9lexicalSurely the islands will wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far away, their silver and…
Ezekiel 38:13lexicalSheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, will ask you, ‘Have you come to take the plunder?…
Jeremiah 10:9lexicalThere is silver beaten into plates, which is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the engraver and of…
2 Chronicles 9:22
1 Kings 10:23lexicalSo King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
2 Chronicles 1:11lexicalGod said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, honor, or the life of those…
2 Chronicles 9:23
1 Kings 10:24lexicalAll the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:24
1 Kings 10:25lexicalYear after year, every man brought his tribute, vessels of silver, vessels of gold, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and…
Isaiah 66:20lexicalThey shall bring all your brothers out of all the nations for an offering to the LORD, on horses, in chariots, in litter…
Isaiah 39:2lexicalHezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, the gold, the spices, and…
2 Kings 20:13lexicalHezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the storehouse of his precious things—the silver, the gold, the spices, a…
2 Chronicles 32:27lexicalHezekiah had exceedingly great riches and honor. He provided himself with treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious…
2 Chronicles 9:25
2 Chronicles 1:14lexicalSolomon gathered chariots and horsemen. He had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen that he p…
1 Kings 10:26lexicalSolomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen.…
Ezekiel 26:10lexicalBy reason of the abundance of his horses, their dust will cover you. Your walls will shake at the noise of the horsemen,…
Exodus 14:23lexicalThe Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the middle of the sea: all of Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his…
Exodus 14:9lexicalThe Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping b…
2 Chronicles 9:26
Exodus 23:31lexicalI will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I…
2 Chronicles 9:27
1 Kings 10:27lexicalThe king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and cedars as common as the sycamore trees that are in the lowlan…
2 Chronicles 1:15lexicalThe king made silver and gold to be as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars to be as common as the sycamore…
1 Chronicles 27:28lexicalOver the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal Hanan the Gederite. Over the cellars of oi…
2 Chronicles 9:29
1 Chronicles 29:29lexicalNow the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the h…
2 Chronicles 12:15lexicalNow the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, aren’t they written in the histories of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the s…
1 Kings 12:15lexicalSo the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about from the LORD, that he might establish his wor…
2 Chronicles 10:15lexicalSo the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was brought about by God, that the LORD might establish his word, which…
1 Kings 11:29lexicalAt that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the way. Now Ahijah had…
2 Chronicles 9:30
1 Kings 11:42lexicalThe time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
1 Kings 14:21lexicalRehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned se…
2 Chronicles 9:31
1 Kings 11:43lexicalSolomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in his father David’s city; and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
1 Kings 14:31lexicalRehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in David’s city. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammon…
2 Chronicles 12:16lexicalRehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in David’s city; and Abijah his son reigned in his place.
1 Kings 14:21lexicalRehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned se…
1 Kings 15:24lexicalAsa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in his father David’s city; and Jehoshaphat his son reigned…
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