1 Kings 10:14

KJV

¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the weight {H4948} of gold {H2091} that came {H935} to Solomon {H8010} in one {H259} year {H8141} was six {H8337} hundred {H3967} threescore {H8346} and six {H8337} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091},

Complete Jewish Bible

The weight of the gold Shlomo received annually came to twenty-two tons of gold,

Berean Standard Bible

The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,

American Standard Version

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse records the astonishing annual income of King Solomon, specifically detailing that "six hundred threescore and six talents of gold" flowed into his treasury in a single year. This astronomical figure underscores the unprecedented wealth and unparalleled prosperity of Solomon's reign, marking the zenith of Israel's earthly kingdom and reflecting the divine blessing bestowed upon him, yet simultaneously foreshadowing the potential pitfalls of immense material accumulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem, a narrative that vividly portrays Solomon's immense wisdom, wealth, and international renown ([1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit")). Her astonishment at his splendor sets the stage for the detailed quantification of his wealth that follows in [1 Kings 10:14-29](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14-29 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Splendor")). The specific mention of 666 talents of gold serves as a concrete example of the vast resources at Solomon's disposal, leading into descriptions of his opulent palace, golden shields, ivory throne, and extensive trade networks, all of which highlight the unparalleled glory of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents a golden age for ancient Israel, a period of peace, prosperity, and significant international influence. Geographically, Israel controlled key trade routes between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia, enabling Solomon to levy taxes and tributes from passing merchants and vassal states. His strategic alliances, particularly with Hiram of Tyre, facilitated extensive maritime trade, bringing in exotic goods and vast quantities of precious metals. The accumulation of gold was a primary indicator of national power and royal prestige in the ancient Near East, and Solomon's wealth far surpassed that of contemporary monarchs, solidifying Israel's position as a dominant regional power.
* **Key Themes:** The immense wealth described in this verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. First, it highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Solomon for riches and honor, alongside wisdom, as recorded in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). Second, it underscores the glory and splendor of the Davidic kingdom at its peak, a tangible manifestation of God's blessing on His chosen people. However, this wealth also introduces a subtle, yet critical, theme of potential danger. The Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Law Concerning Kings") specifically warned future kings against accumulating excessive gold, silver, horses, and wives, lest their hearts be turned away from God. Solomon's later spiritual decline, marked by his many foreign wives and the adoption of their idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")), stands in stark contrast to the initial blessing, suggesting that even divine gifts, if not stewarded properly, can become instruments of spiritual compromise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talent (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** This term refers to a significant unit of weight, not a coin, in the ancient Near East. While its exact modern equivalent varied regionally and over time, a talent of gold is generally estimated to be approximately 75 pounds (or about 34 kilograms). The sheer scale of "six hundred threescore and six talents" (666 talents) thus represents an astronomical quantity, roughly 49,950 pounds (or over 22,600 kilograms) of gold annually. This figure vividly communicates the unprecedented economic power and material prosperity of Solomon's kingdom.
* **Threescore (Archaic English):** An archaic term meaning "three scores," or three times twenty, which equals sixty. Thus, "six hundred threescore and six" translates directly to 600 + 60 + 6, totaling 666. This precise numerical detail emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping of Solomon's administration and the literal, factual nature of the reported income.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year":** This introductory phrase establishes the specific subject of the verse: the annual income of gold to King Solomon. It highlights the regularity and immense scale of this influx, indicating a sustained period of extraordinary prosperity rather than a one-off event. This gold would have come from various sources, including tribute from vassal states, taxes on trade, and profits from Solomon's own extensive commercial ventures.
* **"was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,"**: This is the core quantification of the verse, stating the exact amount of gold received. The number 666 talents is presented as a factual, literal sum. In the context of 1 Kings, it simply denotes an immense, tangible quantity of wealth, signifying the zenith of Solomon's earthly glory and the fulfillment of God's promise of riches. It is crucial to distinguish this literal use from the highly symbolic "number of the beast" found in the apocalyptic literature of Revelation ([Revelation 13:18](/revelation/13-18 "Revelation 13:18 - The Number of the Beast")), which carries an entirely different theological and literary meaning.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 10:14 is **Hyperbole**, though it is presented as a factual statement to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Solomon's wealth. While the number 666 talents is given as a precise figure, its sheer magnitude serves to impress upon the reader the unparalleled opulence and prosperity of Solomon's reign, almost to the point of being unbelievable. This **Exaggeration for Effect** underscores the peak of Israel's earthly glory under Solomon, setting a benchmark against which future kings would be measured. Furthermore, the precise numerical detail functions as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the account, even as the scale of the wealth borders on the legendary. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** when read in the broader context of Solomon's life, as this description of immense prosperity stands in implicit contrast to the warnings against excessive wealth in the Mosaic Law and Solomon's eventual spiritual decline, subtly hinting at the potential dangers inherent in such material abundance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The staggering wealth of Solomon, as quantified in 1 Kings 10:14, serves as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His capacity to bless His people beyond measure. It demonstrates the tangible manifestation of God's promise to Solomon for riches and honor, given in response to his humble request for wisdom. However, this verse also subtly introduces a critical theological tension: the inherent danger of earthly prosperity. While a divine blessing, immense wealth can become a snare, diverting the heart from God and leading to self-reliance and spiritual compromise. Solomon's trajectory, from unparalleled wisdom and wealth to idolatry and division of the kingdom, serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that true security and lasting treasure are not found in material accumulation but in unwavering devotion to God.

* [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Accumulating Wealth")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's immense wealth in 1 Kings 10:14 invites us to reflect on our own relationship with material possessions and God's blessings. While God certainly has the power to bless abundantly, as evidenced by Solomon's reign, this verse also serves as a potent reminder that earthly prosperity, even divinely given, carries significant spiritual risks. Solomon's later life demonstrates that wealth, if not stewarded with humility and a steadfast focus on God, can lead to pride, self-sufficiency, and a departure from divine commands. True wisdom lies not in accumulating riches, but in recognizing that all we have is from God and is to be used for His glory. Our ultimate treasure should be our relationship with Him, and our hearts should be fixed on eternal rather than temporal gains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's immense wealth challenge or affirm your understanding of God's blessing?**
* **In what ways might material prosperity become a spiritual snare in contemporary society?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your heart remains focused on God, regardless of your material circumstances?**
* **How does the warning in Deuteronomy 17:17 apply to leaders and individuals today regarding the accumulation of wealth and power?**

### FAQ
**Is the 666 talents of gold in 1 Kings 10:14 related to the "number of the beast" in Revelation?**

Answer: No, despite the identical numerical value, the "six hundred threescore and six talents of gold" in 1 Kings 10:14 has no direct symbolic or theological connection to the "number of the beast" (666) mentioned in [Revelation 13:18](/revelation/13-18 "Revelation 13:18 - The Number of the Beast"). In 1 Kings, 666 is a literal, factual quantity of gold, representing the immense, unprecedented wealth of King Solomon's kingdom. It serves to highlight his earthly glory and the peak of Israel's prosperity. In Revelation, 666 is a highly symbolic number, often interpreted through gematria (numerical value of letters) or as representing human imperfection, rebellion, and opposition to God, particularly associated with an antichrist figure. The contexts, genres, and purposes of these two biblical passages are entirely distinct, and conflating them would be a misinterpretation.

**Where did Solomon's vast gold income come from?**

Answer: Solomon's immense annual gold income, as described in [1 Kings 10:14](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income"), originated from a variety of sources, reflecting his strategic alliances, extensive trade networks, and political dominance. Key sources included:
* **Tribute from Vassal States:** Many surrounding nations and conquered territories paid annual tribute to Solomon, acknowledging his suzerainty.
* **Trade and Commerce:** Solomon established a vast and lucrative trade empire. He controlled key land routes, levying taxes on goods passing through his territory. He also engaged in maritime trade, sending ships to distant lands like Ophir to bring back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks ([1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet and Trade")).
* **Profits from Royal Ventures:** Solomon engaged in various state-sponsored enterprises, including horse and chariot trade with Egypt and other nations ([1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Solomon's Chariots and Horses")).
* **Gifts and Offerings:** Dignitaries and rulers, like the Queen of Sheba ([1 Kings 10:10](/1_kings/10-10 "1 Kings 10:10 - Queen of Sheba's Gifts")), brought lavish gifts of gold and other precious items to Solomon, drawn by his wisdom and fame.
These combined sources contributed to the unparalleled accumulation of wealth during his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 10:14 vividly portrays the unparalleled earthly glory and material wealth of King Solomon, it ultimately points beyond itself to a greater King and a more enduring kingdom. Solomon's reign, though magnificent, was temporary and flawed, eventually succumbing to the very temptations that immense wealth and power presented, leading to his spiritual decline and the division of his kingdom ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate King, the "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and whose riches are spiritual and eternal. Unlike Solomon, who accumulated gold and earthly treasures, Christ, though rich, "became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Incarnation and Poverty")). The true "gold" of Christ's reign is not a physical commodity but the immeasurable spiritual wealth of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life that He freely offers. He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")), far surpassing Solomon's wisdom, and His kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Thus, Solomon's earthly splendor serves as a shadow, pointing to the infinitely greater and perfect glory of Christ and His everlasting spiritual dominion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.