II Chronicles 9: The Zenith of Solomon's Reign
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.
And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.
And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:
Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the Lord, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.
And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 9 recounts the glorious culmination of Solomon's reign, marked by international recognition, unparalleled wealth, and divine wisdom. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to the blessings bestowed upon Israel during a time of faithfulness and obedience, while also subtly foreshadowing the seeds of future division.
The Queen of Sheba's Visit (II Chronicles 9:1-12)
The chapter opens with the arrival of the Queen of Sheba, likely representing the Sabean people of southwestern Arabia (II Chronicles 9:1). News of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity had reached her ears, prompting a journey to witness firsthand the reality behind the rumors. Her visit underscores Solomon's widespread influence and the international acclaim he garnered. The Queen didn't come empty-handed; she brought with her a substantial amount of wealth to present to Solomon (II Chronicles 9:9).
The Queen's experience highlights the impact of encountering true wisdom and wealth. She posed challenging questions to Solomon, which he answered thoughtfully and completely. Witnessing Solomon's palace, his servants, and the order of his court left her breathless (II Chronicles 9:4). It was more than just material grandeur; it was the manifestation of God's blessing on a nation that honored Him. The Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed, declaring that the reality far exceeded what she had heard.
Solomon, in turn, reciprocated her generosity, giving her even more than she had brought (II Chronicles 9:12). This exchange demonstrated Solomon's magnanimity and further solidified his reputation as a wise and generous ruler. This reciprocal generosity highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the potential for mutual benefit when guided by wisdom and righteousness.
Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom (II Chronicles 9:13-28)
Following the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, the chronicler provides a detailed catalog of Solomon's immense wealth. His annual income of twenty-five tons of gold (II Chronicles 9:13), excluding revenue from trade and tribute from vassal states (II Chronicles 9:14), paints a picture of unparalleled prosperity.
The description of Solomon's golden shields (II Chronicles 9:15-16) and ivory throne overlaid with gold (II Chronicles 9:17-19) further emphasizes the opulence of his reign. While the shields were likely ornamental rather than military, they served as a powerful symbol of Solomon's power and prestige. The throne itself was unique, unlike anything seen before, reflecting Solomon's innovative spirit and artistic flair.
The chronicler aptly summarizes Solomon's reign: "He surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and wisdom" (II Chronicles 9:22). Kings from around the world sought audiences with Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had placed in his heart (II Chronicles 9:23). This influx of visitors not only contributed to Solomon's wealth but also spread his fame and influence even further.
The End of Solomon's Reign (II Chronicles 9:29-31)
The chapter concludes with a brief summary of Solomon's reign, noting that the remaining events were recorded in other sources (II Chronicles 9:29), primarily in I Kings. While the chronicler focuses on the positive aspects of Solomon's reign, other accounts acknowledge his later failings and the seeds of discord sown during his rule. While the glory of Solomon's reign is undeniable, it's important to remember that even the wisest and most prosperous are not immune to temptation and the potential for spiritual decline.
Even during this golden age, rumblings of discontent existed. Many of Solomon's subjects chafed under the weight of his heavy taxation and forced labor. While no one could have foreseen the catastrophic division that would follow Solomon's death, these underlying tensions foreshadowed the challenges to come. The division of the kingdom, the rise of idolatry, and the subsequent decline of Israel serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in times of prosperity.
Solomon did not live to witness the full consequences of his actions, but his descendants certainly did. The seeds of idolatry and division, sown during his reign, ultimately led to the downfall of the united kingdom and the exile of its people.
The Shadow of Division: A Glimpse into the Future
The narrative subtly hints at the impending division of the kingdom. While II Chronicles 9 focuses on Solomon's glory, the subsequent chapters detail the tragic split between Israel and Judah. This division would lead to centuries of conflict and ultimately result in the destruction of both kingdoms. The northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by a succession of evil kings, would fall to the Assyrians in 722 BC. The southern kingdom of Judah, despite periods of revival, would eventually succumb to the Babylonians in 587-586 BC.
The contrast between the united, prosperous kingdom under Solomon and the divided, struggling kingdoms that followed serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of unity in faith.
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.
And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.
And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:
Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the Lord, and to the king’s palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.
And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 9 recounts the glorious culmination of Solomon's reign, marked by international recognition, unparalleled wealth, and divine wisdom. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to the blessings bestowed upon Israel during a time of faithfulness and obedience, while also subtly foreshadowing the seeds of future division.
The Queen of Sheba's Visit (II Chronicles 9:1-12)
The chapter opens with the arrival of the Queen of Sheba, likely representing the Sabean people of southwestern Arabia (II Chronicles 9:1). News of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity had reached her ears, prompting a journey to witness firsthand the reality behind the rumors. Her visit underscores Solomon's widespread influence and the international acclaim he garnered. The Queen didn't come empty-handed; she brought with her a substantial amount of wealth to present to Solomon (II Chronicles 9:9).
The Queen's experience highlights the impact of encountering true wisdom and wealth. She posed challenging questions to Solomon, which he answered thoughtfully and completely. Witnessing Solomon's palace, his servants, and the order of his court left her breathless (II Chronicles 9:4). It was more than just material grandeur; it was the manifestation of God's blessing on a nation that honored Him. The Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed, declaring that the reality far exceeded what she had heard.
Solomon, in turn, reciprocated her generosity, giving her even more than she had brought (II Chronicles 9:12). This exchange demonstrated Solomon's magnanimity and further solidified his reputation as a wise and generous ruler. This reciprocal generosity highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the potential for mutual benefit when guided by wisdom and righteousness.
Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom (II Chronicles 9:13-28)
Following the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, the chronicler provides a detailed catalog of Solomon's immense wealth. His annual income of twenty-five tons of gold (II Chronicles 9:13), excluding revenue from trade and tribute from vassal states (II Chronicles 9:14), paints a picture of unparalleled prosperity.
The description of Solomon's golden shields (II Chronicles 9:15-16) and ivory throne overlaid with gold (II Chronicles 9:17-19) further emphasizes the opulence of his reign. While the shields were likely ornamental rather than military, they served as a powerful symbol of Solomon's power and prestige. The throne itself was unique, unlike anything seen before, reflecting Solomon's innovative spirit and artistic flair.
The chronicler aptly summarizes Solomon's reign: "He surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and wisdom" (II Chronicles 9:22). Kings from around the world sought audiences with Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had placed in his heart (II Chronicles 9:23). This influx of visitors not only contributed to Solomon's wealth but also spread his fame and influence even further.
The End of Solomon's Reign (II Chronicles 9:29-31)
The chapter concludes with a brief summary of Solomon's reign, noting that the remaining events were recorded in other sources (II Chronicles 9:29), primarily in I Kings. While the chronicler focuses on the positive aspects of Solomon's reign, other accounts acknowledge his later failings and the seeds of discord sown during his rule. While the glory of Solomon's reign is undeniable, it's important to remember that even the wisest and most prosperous are not immune to temptation and the potential for spiritual decline.
Even during this golden age, rumblings of discontent existed. Many of Solomon's subjects chafed under the weight of his heavy taxation and forced labor. While no one could have foreseen the catastrophic division that would follow Solomon's death, these underlying tensions foreshadowed the challenges to come. The division of the kingdom, the rise of idolatry, and the subsequent decline of Israel serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in times of prosperity.
Solomon did not live to witness the full consequences of his actions, but his descendants certainly did. The seeds of idolatry and division, sown during his reign, ultimately led to the downfall of the united kingdom and the exile of its people.
The Shadow of Division: A Glimpse into the Future
The narrative subtly hints at the impending division of the kingdom. While II Chronicles 9 focuses on Solomon's glory, the subsequent chapters detail the tragic split between Israel and Judah. This division would lead to centuries of conflict and ultimately result in the destruction of both kingdoms. The northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by a succession of evil kings, would fall to the Assyrians in 722 BC. The southern kingdom of Judah, despite periods of revival, would eventually succumb to the Babylonians in 587-586 BC.
The contrast between the united, prosperous kingdom under Solomon and the divided, struggling kingdoms that followed serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of unity in faith.