The Queen of Sheba 1Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. 2And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. 3When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, 4the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presenteda at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 5She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your wordsb and wisdom is true. 6But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not half of the greatness of your wisdom was told to me. You have far exceeded the report I heard. 7How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 8Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel enough to establish them forever, He has made you king over them to carry out justice and righteousness.” 9Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold,c a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 10(The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algumd wood and precious stones. 11The king made the algum wood into stepse for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had anything like them been seen in the land of Judah.) 12King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—far more than she had brought the king. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor 13The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,f 14not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon. 15King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered goldg went into each shield. 16He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of goldh went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 17Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 18The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. 19Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom. 20All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 21For the king had the ships of Tarshishi that went with Hiram’sj servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.k 22So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 24Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. 25Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horses,l which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 26He reigned over all the kings from the Euphratesm to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. 27The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.n 28Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from all the lands. The Death of Solomon 29As for the rest of the acts of Solomon, from beginning to end, are they not written in the Records of Nathan the Prophet, in the Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the Visions of Iddo the Seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat? 30Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place. Footnotes: 4 a LXX and Syriac (see also 1 Kings 10:5); Hebrew and his stairway by which he went up 5 b Or your achievements 9 c 120 talents is approximately 4.52 tons or 4.1 metric tons of gold. 10 d Algum is probably a variant of almug; also in verse 11; see 1 Kings 10:11. 11 e Or gateways 13 f 666 talents is approximately 25.1 tons or 22.8 metric tons of gold. 15 g 600 shekels is approximately 15.1 pounds or 6.8 kilograms of gold. 16 h 300 shekels is approximately 7.5 pounds or 3.4 kilograms of gold. 21 i Or a fleet of trading ships; twice in this verse 21 j Hebrew Huram’s, a variant of Hiram’s 21 k Or baboons 25 l Or horsemen or charioteers 26 m Hebrew the River 27 n Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Chronicles 9 Summary The Queen of ShebaVerses 1–4 – The Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon Verses 5–9 – Her Praise, Blessing, and Lavish Gifts Verses 10–12 – Phoenician Trade and Solomon’s Generosity Verses 13–21 – Annual Tribute and the Display of Royal Splendor Verses 22–28 – Solomon’s Supremacy Over the Nations Verses 29–31 – Final Records and Solomon’s Death 2 Chronicles 9 introduces us to the pinnacle of King Solomon's reign. The chapter recounts the influential visit of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon's immense wealth, his grandeur, his international alliances, and, finally, his death. It serves as a testament to Solomon's wisdom, power, and influence but also underscores the transient nature of worldly splendor. Historical and Geographical Background The Chronicler writes to post-exilic Judah, reminding them of God-given potential when a king rules in faithfulness. By spotlighting Solomon’s golden age, he calls readers to renewed covenant loyalty and hope for a future Davidic king. The Queen of Sheba: Identity and Route • Most scholars locate Sheba in the Sabaean kingdom of southwest Arabia (modern Yemen), though Ethiopian tradition places her in ancient Aksum. • The “Spice Route” ran up the Arabian Peninsula, matching the text’s emphasis on spices and precious stones. • Camels in long caravans carried frankincense and myrrh—commodities later linked to Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:11), hinting at Gentile homage to the true Son of David. Solomon’s Economic Network: Ophir, Tarshish, Arabia • Ophir: An elusive source of high-grade gold, possibly on the east African coast or in India. The joint Judean-Phoenician fleet (1 Kings 9:26–28) underscores Solomon’s international reach. • Tarshish: Likely Tartessos in Spain, famous for metals. Three-year round trips suggest long-distance maritime trade. • Arabian kingdoms supply tribute (v. 14), fulfilling God’s promise that blessing would overflow to surrounding nations (Genesis 12:3). Archaeological Notes and Material Culture • Ivory inlays, recovered from Samaria, Nineveh, and other Near-Eastern sites, match the Bible’s description of luxury furniture. • Gold-covered wooden shields have not survived archaeologically but fit Egyptian and Mesopotamian parade-gear described in reliefs. • The “House of the Forest of Lebanon” (v. 16) likely took its name from its cedar pillars; comparable cedar-roofed halls have been excavated at Syrian sites dating to the first millennium BC. The Throne of Ivory and Gold Solomon’s six-stepped throne echoes Eastern iconography where the ruler sits between guardian beasts. The twelve lions reinforce Israel’s tribal structure, yet all bow to one king. Revelation 5:5 will later present Christ as the true Lion of Judah who sits on heaven’s ultimate throne. Wisdom and Wealth as Gifts from God • 1 Kings 3:13 records God’s promise to give Solomon riches along with wisdom. • Proverbs 3:13–16—traditionally Solomon’s collection—pairs wisdom with length of days, riches, and honor, themes that play out visibly in 2 Chronicles 9. • James 1:5 echoes the principle: God “gives generously to all without finding fault.” Covenant Blessings and Warnings • Deuteronomy 28 promised prosperity for obedience; the Chronicler depicts those blessings in living color. • Yet Deuteronomy 17:16–17 warns kings not to multiply horses, silver, or foreign alliances. The mention of 666 talents of gold and vast cavalry subtly foreshadows Solomon’s later decline (1 Kings 11). God’s gifts become snares when held without humility. Gentile Testimony and Messianic Foreshadowing • The queen hails Yahweh as the true source of Solomon’s greatness (v. 8), prefiguring global worship (Psalm 72:10–15; Isaiah 60:6). • Jesus cites her visit as a rebuke to unbelief: “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment … for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). • The Chronicler’s portrait therefore becomes a type of the coming King whose wisdom and glory outstrip Solomon’s. Key Cross-References • Parallel narrative: 1 Kings 10:1-29 • Psalm 72 (royal glory and worldwide tribute) • Proverbs 8:15-16 (wisdom as the source of just rule) • Isaiah 39:2 (Hezekiah’s display of treasures—warning about misplaced pride) • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (command to the wealthy to be generous and ready to share) Spiritual Insights and Lessons 1. Genuine wisdom attracts seekers (v. 23); believers who walk in God’s insight become magnets for honest questions. 2. Overflowing blessings should trigger worship, not self-glory (v. 8). 3. Generosity is the proper response to God’s abundance; Solomon returns more than he receives (v. 12), mirroring God’s own heart (Luke 6:38). 4. Wealth without obedience eventually crumbles. The Chronicler’s readers know that Jerusalem’s ruins testify against prideful misuse of God’s gifts. Timeline and Sources • Reign: ca. 970–930 BC (40 years, v. 30). • Extra-biblical notice: Pharaoh Shoshenq I’s Karnak inscription (c. 925 BC) lists a campaign into Judah shortly after Solomon’s death, dovetailing with 1 Kings 14:25–26. • Records cited (v. 29) show that prophets (Nathan, Ahijah, Iddo) were keeping official annals, grounding the narrative in eye-witness history. Takeaways for Today • Seek wisdom above all; riches may follow, but only wisdom endures (Proverbs 16:16). • Let every blessing become a platform for pointing others to the Lord, as the queen’s visit illustrates. • Guard the heart: the same gold that testifies to God’s faithfulness can enslave if prized more than the Giver. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Kings 10:1-13This parallel account of the Queen of Sheba's visit provides additional insights into Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. This verse highlights the source of true wisdom. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God. Teaching Points The Visit of the Queen of ShebaThe chapter begins with the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon to test his wisdom with difficult questions. Her visit underscores the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom and the influence of God's blessings on Israel. (2 Chronicles 9:1-2) Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth Solomon's ability to answer all the Queen's questions and the display of his wealth left her breathless. This illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding wisdom and prosperity. (2 Chronicles 9:3-4) Recognition of God's Blessing The Queen of Sheba acknowledges that Solomon's wisdom and wealth are a result of God's love for Israel and His desire to establish them forever. (2 Chronicles 9:8) Solomon's Wealth and Trade The chapter details Solomon's extensive wealth, including gold, spices, and precious stones, and his successful trade ventures, which further emphasize the prosperity of his reign. (2 Chronicles 9:13-14, 21) The Extent of Solomon's Reign Solomon's influence extended far beyond Israel, as he was sought after by kings from all over the earth who desired to hear his wisdom. (2 Chronicles 9:23-24) Practical Applications Seek Godly WisdomJust as Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, we should seek wisdom from God in our daily lives, trusting that He will provide guidance and understanding. Acknowledge God's Blessings Recognize and give thanks for the blessings in your life, understanding that they are a testament to God's love and faithfulness. Influence for God's Glory Use the influence and resources God has given you to impact others positively and bring glory to His name. Pursue Excellence Strive for excellence in all areas of life, knowing that our actions and achievements can reflect God's glory to those around us. People 1. SolomonSolomon is the central figure in this chapter, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the grandeur of his kingdom. He is the son of King David and Bathsheba and the builder of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The chapter highlights his interactions with the Queen of Sheba and his vast wealth and wisdom. 2. Queen of Sheba The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. She is impressed by his answers, his wealth, and the splendor of his court. Her visit underscores Solomon's fame and the far-reaching influence of his reign. 3. Hiram Although not directly mentioned in 2 Chronicles 9, Hiram, the king of Tyre, is referenced indirectly through the mention of the ships that brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks to Solomon. Hiram had a longstanding alliance with Solomon, providing materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple. Places 1. JerusalemDescription: The city where King Solomon reigned and where the Queen of Sheba visited him. Jerusalem is central to the narrative as the location of Solomon's temple and palace. In Hebrew, Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), often considered the spiritual and political center of Israel. 2. Sheba Description: The kingdom from which the Queen of Sheba traveled to visit Solomon. Sheba is traditionally associated with the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. The Hebrew term "שְׁבָא" (Sheba) indicates a wealthy and distant land known for its trade and riches. 3. Ophir Description: A region famous for its fine gold, from which Solomon imported gold. The exact location of Ophir is uncertain, but it is often thought to be in the Arabian Peninsula or possibly in Africa or India. The Hebrew "אוֹפִיר" (Ophir) signifies a place of great wealth and resources. Events 1. Visit of the Queen of Sheba (2 Chronicles 9:1-2)The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon in Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. She arrives with a large entourage and gifts. Solomon answers all her questions, demonstrating his God-given wisdom. The Hebrew term "חִידוֹת" (ḥîdôt) refers to "riddles" or "enigmas," indicating the challenging nature of her inquiries. 2. The Queen's Amazement (2 Chronicles 9:3-4) The Queen of Sheba is overwhelmed by Solomon's wisdom, the splendor of his palace, the food on his table, the organization of his officials, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD. Her reaction underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding wisdom and wealth. 3. The Queen's Praise and Gifts (2 Chronicles 9:5-9) She acknowledges the truth of the reports she had heard about Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, praising the LORD for placing Solomon on the throne. She gives Solomon 120 talents of gold, spices, and precious stones. The Hebrew word "בָּרוּךְ" (bārûḵ) is used for "blessed," highlighting her recognition of God's role in Solomon's success. 4. Solomon's Gifts to the Queen (2 Chronicles 9:12) Solomon gives the Queen of Sheba all she desired and more, in addition to what she had brought to him. This exchange of gifts signifies mutual respect and the establishment of diplomatic relations. 5. Solomon's Wealth and Trade (2 Chronicles 9:13-14) Solomon's annual gold revenue is recorded as 666 talents, excluding income from traders and merchants. This passage highlights the extensive trade networks and economic prosperity during Solomon's reign. 6. Solomon's Golden Shields and Throne (2 Chronicles 9:15-19) Solomon crafts 200 large shields and 300 small shields of hammered gold, and constructs a great ivory throne overlaid with pure gold. The throne's grandeur, with its six steps and twelve lions, symbolizes Solomon's unmatched wealth and royal authority. 7. Solomon's Abundance of Wealth (2 Chronicles 9:20-21) All of Solomon's drinking vessels and household items are made of gold, as silver is considered of little value. His fleet of ships, in partnership with Hiram, brings gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years, further emphasizing his wealth. 8. Solomon's Fame and Wisdom (2 Chronicles 9:22-24) Solomon surpasses all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. People from all nations come to hear his wisdom, bringing gifts of silver, gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules annually. 9. Solomon's Chariots and Horses (2 Chronicles 9:25-28) Solomon has 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots and 12,000 horses stationed in chariot cities and with him in Jerusalem. He imports horses from Egypt and other lands, showcasing his military strength and strategic alliances. 10. Death of Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:29-31) The chapter concludes with the death of Solomon. His acts are recorded in the writings of Nathan the prophet, Ahijah the Shilonite, and Iddo the seer. Solomon is succeeded by his son Rehoboam, marking the end of his prosperous reign. Topics 1. The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (2 Chronicles 9:1-12)The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to test him with difficult questions. She is impressed by his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. The Hebrew term "חִידוֹת" (ḥidot) refers to "riddles" or "enigmas," highlighting the challenging nature of her questions. The passage emphasizes Solomon's God-given wisdom and the fulfillment of God's promises. 2. Solomon's Wealth and Splendor (2 Chronicles 9:13-28) This section details the immense wealth and splendor of Solomon's reign, including the gold he received annually, his large fleet of ships, and the luxurious items in his possession. The Hebrew word "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), meaning "glory" or "honor," is reflected in the description of Solomon's grandeur, showcasing the blessings bestowed upon him by God. 3. The Death of Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:29-31) The chapter concludes with a brief account of Solomon's death and the succession of his son Rehoboam. The narrative underscores the end of an era marked by divine wisdom and prosperity. The Hebrew root "שָׁלַם" (shalom), meaning "peace" or "completeness," is significant in understanding the legacy of Solomon's reign as a period of peace and fulfillment of God's covenant. Themes 1. The Visit of the Queen of ShebaThe chapter begins with the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon to test his wisdom with difficult questions. This theme highlights the international recognition of Solomon's God-given wisdom. The Hebrew word for "test" (נָסָה, nasah) implies a thorough examination of Solomon's understanding. ^"When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions."^ (2 Chronicles 9:1) 2. Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth Solomon's wisdom and wealth are displayed as unparalleled, fulfilling God's promise to him. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) signifies not just knowledge but skillful living. ^"And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain."^ (2 Chronicles 9:2) 3. The Magnificence of Solomon's Kingdom The chapter describes the grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, including his wealth, the splendor of his palace, and the abundance of his resources. This reflects God's blessing and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. ^"The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents."^ (2 Chronicles 9:13) 4. The Gifts of the Queen of Sheba The Queen of Sheba's gifts to Solomon signify international alliances and the acknowledgment of Israel's God. The Hebrew term for "gifts" (מַשָּׂא, massa) can also mean tribute, indicating respect and honor. ^"Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones."^ (2 Chronicles 9:9) 5. Solomon's Trade and Commerce Solomon's extensive trade network is detailed, showcasing his economic acumen and the prosperity of Israel under his reign. The Hebrew root for "trade" (סָחַר, sachar) implies a bustling exchange of goods. ^"The king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram."^ (2 Chronicles 9:21) 6. The Splendor of Solomon's Throne The description of Solomon's throne emphasizes the glory and majesty of his reign, symbolizing divine favor and authority. The Hebrew word for "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kise) is often associated with royal power. ^"The king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold."^ (2 Chronicles 9:17) 7. The Conclusion of Solomon's Reign The chapter concludes with a summary of Solomon's reign, his death, and the succession of his son Rehoboam. This theme underscores the continuity of Davidic kingship and God's ongoing covenant with David's line. ^"Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years."^ (2 Chronicles 9:30) Answering Tough Questions 1. How can we reconcile the extravagant wealth of Solomon described in 2 Chronicles 9 (especially verses 13–28) with the lack of corresponding archaeological evidence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the visit of the Queen of Sheba illustrate the influence of wisdom? 2. How does Solomon's wisdom serve as a tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange? 3. Reflect on the impact of wealth and prosperity on Solomon's reign. In today's world, how should we balance the pursuit of wealth and spiritual growth? 4. Compare the Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon's wisdom to your reaction when you encounter wisdom in unexpected places. 5. How does the interaction between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba highlight the importance of humility? 6. What does Solomon's wealth tell us about the blessings of God? How should these blessings be used according to biblical teachings? 7. In what ways did Solomon utilize his wealth and resources? What can this teach us about stewardship in our lives today? 8. How did Solomon's alliances with other nations benefit his kingdom? What are the potential dangers of such alliances? 9. Reflect on the impermanence of Solomon's life despite his grandeur. How does this speak to our own lives and the legacy we want to leave? 10. What can we learn from the account of Solomon's life written in the books of the prophets? 11. What does Solomon's reign teach us about leadership, wisdom, and influence? 12. How does Solomon's life inspire you to use your own talents and resources for the greater good? 13. If you were in the position of the Queen of Sheba, what challenging questions would you ask Solomon? 14. In our present day, what can we learn from Solomon's approach to building alliances? 15. What role did faith play in Solomon's prosperity? How does this apply to your life? 16. How can we, as modern readers, interpret the vast wealth and grandeur depicted in Solomon's court? 17. What lessons does Solomon's life offer about the use and potential misuse of power? 18. Reflect on Solomon's death. What legacy did he leave behind? 19. How do you interpret the transfer of power from Solomon to his son Rehoboam? 20. Considering Solomon's wisdom and wealth, how can you apply these lessons to make positive changes in your own life and community? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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