1 Kings 10:21

KJV

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [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 nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all king {H4428} Solomon's {H8010} drinking {H4945} vessels {H3627} were of gold {H2091}, and all the vessels {H3627} of the house {H1004} of the forest {H3293} of Lebanon {H3844} were of pure {H5462} gold {H2091}; none were of silver {H3701}: it was nothing {H3972} accounted {H2803} of in the days {H3117} of Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All King Shlomo's drinking vessels were of gold; and all the utensils in the House of the L'vanon Forest were of pure gold; none was of silver, for in Shlomo's time it was regarded as having little value.

Berean Standard Bible

All 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.

American Standard Version

And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels 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 nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:21 presents a vivid snapshot of the unparalleled opulence and immense wealth that defined King Solomon's reign, particularly within his royal court and the impressive House of the Forest of Lebanon. This verse highlights the pervasive abundance of gold, which was so extraordinary that silver, typically a highly valued commodity in the ancient world, was considered to be of little or no account in the daily affairs and possessions of his kingdom, thereby underscoring a level of material prosperity unmatched in the history of ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Unrivaled Wealth and Wisdom"), a chapter dedicated to detailing the astounding wealth, wisdom, and international prestige of King Solomon. It immediately follows the climactic account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, where she personally witnessed and was overwhelmed by the reality of Solomon's kingdom, confirming that the reports of his wisdom and prosperity were indeed true, and even surpassed what she had heard ([1 Kings 10:6-7](/1_kings/10-6 "1 Kings 10:6-7 - Queen of Sheba's Amazement")). The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Kings 10:14-17](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14-17 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income and Golden Shields")) meticulously enumerate Solomon's staggering annual gold income, his extensive collection of golden shields, and his magnificent ivory throne overlaid with gold. [1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Solomon's Golden Vessels") serves as a powerful summary statement, reinforcing the pervasive nature of this wealth by illustrating that gold was not merely abundant but ubiquitous, reaching a point where even silver, a precious metal, was rendered inconsequential by comparison in the royal sphere.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BCE) is widely considered the "Golden Age" of ancient Israel, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and territorial expansion following the unified kingdom established by David. Israel's strategic geographical location enabled Solomon to forge extensive trade alliances and networks, notably with Hiram of Tyre and through control of key trade routes, which funneled immense riches, particularly gold, into Jerusalem. The "house of the forest of Lebanon" was a monumental structure, likely a grand armory and possibly a secondary royal residence or reception hall, named for the vast quantities of cedar wood imported from Lebanon used in its construction. Its sheer scale and the quality of its furnishings, including the gold vessels mentioned here, were a testament to Solomon's immense resources and prestige. In the ancient Near East, both gold and silver were primary measures of wealth, used for currency, trade, and luxury items. The declaration that silver was "nothing accounted of" is a hyperbolic but culturally significant statement, conveying the extraordinary abundance of gold and the unique economic environment where the relative value of a typically precious metal was dramatically diminished due to the overwhelming presence of an even more valuable one.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme underscored by [1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - The Pervasive Wealth of Solomon") is the **Unprecedented Wealth and Opulence** of King Solomon's reign. This verse, along with the entire chapter, vividly portrays a kingdom overflowing with material riches to an extent unmatched in Israel's history, where even traditionally valuable silver was deemed insignificant in comparison to the pervasive gold. This immense prosperity is directly linked to the theme of **Divine Blessing and Wisdom**, as Solomon's riches were a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him not only wisdom but also wealth and honor, because he sought understanding to govern God's people justly ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). This period represents the pinnacle of Israel's earthly glory, symbolizing God's favor and the flourishing of the nation under a wise and blessed king. However, implicitly, the narrative also introduces the subtle theme of the **Potential Dangers of Earthly Riches**. While a celebration of God's blessing, the sheer scale of material possessions foreshadows the temptations of idolatry and spiritual compromise that would later characterize Solomon's reign, as reflected in his own later reflections on the vanity of worldly pursuits in [Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - Solomon's Reflection on the Vanity of Toil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_):** This term (H3627) refers to any kind of apparatus, implement, utensil, or container. In the context of "drinking vessels" and "vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon," it denotes a wide array of functional and decorative items used for holding liquids, serving food, or adorning royal spaces. Their construction from gold, rather than more common materials, signifies the unparalleled luxury, status, and extravagance that permeated even the utilitarian objects within Solomon's court and royal establishments.
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb_):** This word (H2091) refers to the precious metal, often associated with shimmering or yellow color. The verse specifies "pure gold" (Hebrew, _zahav sagur_), indicating gold of the highest quality and purity, implying that it was refined and unadulterated. The pervasive use of such high-quality gold for everyday and ceremonial items underscores the extraordinary abundance of this metal in Solomon's kingdom, elevating the standard of royal possessions to an unprecedented level of value and splendor.
* **accounted (Hebrew, _châshab_):** This verb (H2803) means to think, regard, value, or compute. When used with a negative, as in "nothing accounted of" (Hebrew, _lo nechshav_), it signifies that something was considered worthless, insignificant, or of no value in comparison. In this verse, it powerfully conveys the overwhelming abundance of gold in Solomon's kingdom, so much so that silver, typically a valuable commodity and a standard of wealth in ancient economies, was so overshadowed that it lost its relative monetary significance for royal luxury items, becoming practically disregarded for its worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold":** This initial clause establishes the baseline of luxury within Solomon's immediate royal court. It highlights that even common items used for daily refreshment by the king and his retinue were crafted from gold. This signifies an extraordinary level of wealth where precious metals were not reserved only for ceremonial or rare occasions but were an integral part of the everyday royal experience, indicating pervasive opulence.
* **"and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold":** The focus expands to encompass a specific, grand royal edifice—the House of the Forest of Lebanon. This massive structure, likely serving as an armory and potentially a secondary palace, was also furnished with vessels of "pure gold." This detail extends the narrative of opulence beyond the immediate royal residence, signifying that even ancillary royal establishments were equipped with the highest quality and most valuable materials, reinforcing the pervasive nature of this wealth throughout the kingdom's infrastructure.
* **"none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon":** This is the most striking and hyperbolic statement in the verse. It asserts that silver, a highly valued metal throughout the ancient world, was so utterly eclipsed by the sheer quantity of gold in Solomon's kingdom that it was essentially disregarded or considered worthless for the types of vessels described. This does not imply silver had no practical use or value elsewhere, but rather that its significance as a precious commodity for royal furnishings was completely overshadowed, serving as a powerful testament to the truly unparalleled abundance of gold during Solomon's reign.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Solomon's Golden Age") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the extraordinary wealth of Solomon's reign. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the declaration that "none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon." This is an intentional exaggeration, as silver undoubtedly still had practical uses and monetary value in the broader economy, but the statement powerfully conveys that its significance as a precious metal for royal display was utterly eclipsed by the overwhelming abundance of gold. This creates a striking **Juxtaposition** between gold and silver, highlighting the unprecedented availability of the former by dramatically diminishing the perceived value of the latter. Furthermore, the specific mention of "drinking vessels" and "vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these particular, luxurious items represent the broader, pervasive opulence that characterized Solomon's entire kingdom, indicating that such lavishness was not confined to a single treasury but permeated his royal establishments and daily life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immense wealth described in [1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - The Riches of Solomon") serves as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant blessings upon Israel during Solomon's reign. This period of unparalleled prosperity and peace was a direct fulfillment of promises made to the nation for their obedience, as outlined in the Mosaic Law, where material abundance was a sign of divine favor and blessing for those who walked in God's ways ([Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings of Abundance")). Solomon's riches were not merely accumulated through human ingenuity but were a divine gift, a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to bless His people when they sought His wisdom and walked in His ways. However, the narrative of Solomon's life also subtly introduces a theological tension: while wealth can be a blessing, it also carries inherent spiritual dangers, potentially leading to self-reliance, pride, and a departure from God's commands. The very abundance that marked his reign would later contribute to his spiritual decline, reminding us that earthly riches, no matter how great, are ultimately temporary and can become a snare if not held in proper perspective and submitted to God's sovereignty.

* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's extraordinary wealth in [1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Reflecting on Solomon's Wealth") offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging our perception of value and abundance in a consumer-driven world. While we may not experience wealth on Solomon's scale, the passage prompts us to consider what we truly "account of" in our own lives. Is our pursuit of material possessions diminishing our appreciation for spiritual riches and eternal values? Solomon's story, particularly his later life of spiritual compromise despite his immense prosperity, serves as a poignant cautionary tale: even divinely bestowed abundance can become a distraction if not managed with unwavering faithfulness and dependence on God. True security and lasting fulfillment are not found in the accumulation of gold or silver, but in a vibrant, dependent relationship with the Giver of all good things. This verse calls us to examine our hearts for any subtle idolatry of wealth, to practice generous stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other necessary things will be provided. Our ultimate treasure should be in Christ, not in fleeting earthly possessions, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "silver" in your life (things you once valued or pursued) has been overshadowed by a greater "gold" (something you now prioritize)? Is that "gold" truly eternal and of God?**
* **How does the unprecedented abundance of Solomon's reign challenge or affirm your understanding of God's blessing and prosperity in the lives of believers today?**
* **In what specific ways might the pursuit or possession of wealth subtly diminish one's spiritual focus, dependence on God, or commitment to eternal priorities?**

### FAQ
**Was silver truly worthless in Solomon's time, or is this an exaggeration?**

Answer: The statement that silver was "nothing accounted of" in the days of Solomon ([1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Silver's Value in Solomon's Reign")) is best understood as a hyperbole, a literary exaggeration used to emphasize the extraordinary abundance of gold. While silver certainly retained its practical value for various uses and as a medium of exchange in the broader economy, its significance as a precious metal for royal display, luxury items, and as a primary measure of wealth was dramatically diminished in comparison to the overwhelming quantity of gold that flowed into Solomon's kingdom. It suggests that for the elite and within the context of royal furnishings, gold was so common that silver was no longer considered a rare or highly valuable commodity for their personal possessions or the furnishing of royal buildings, though it still functioned as currency for the general populace.

**What was the "house of the forest of Lebanon"?**

Answer: The "house of the forest of Lebanon" ([1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - The House of the Forest of Lebanon")) was a magnificent royal building constructed by King Solomon in Jerusalem, likely part of his larger palace complex. Its name derives from the vast quantities of cedar wood imported from Lebanon that were used in its construction, giving it the appearance of a dense forest of pillars. While its exact function is debated among scholars, it served primarily as a royal armory, housing shields and other military equipment ([1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Golden Shields in the House of the Forest of Lebanon")), and possibly also as a grand reception hall or a secondary palace. Its immense scale, the quality of its materials, and the precious furnishings, as highlighted by the gold vessels, were a testament to Solomon's immense wealth, architectural prowess, and the unparalleled splendor of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Solomon's Earthly Glory") describes the pinnacle of earthly glory and material wealth under King Solomon, it ultimately points beyond itself to the far greater, enduring splendor of Christ's eternal kingdom. Solomon's reign, marked by peace and unparalleled riches, serves as a type or shadow of the messianic age, where a greater King would establish a kingdom of true and eternal prosperity. Unlike Solomon's gold, which was temporary and ultimately could not prevent his kingdom's division or his own spiritual decline, the riches of Christ's kingdom are spiritual, incorruptible, and eternal. Jesus Himself is the ultimate treasure, the [true wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God"), whose spiritual riches surpass all earthly gold and silver. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, offering a [kingdom that cannot be shaken](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken") and treasures laid up in heaven ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). In Christ, believers are made [heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), inheriting an eternal glory that makes all earthly opulence "nothing accounted of" in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Him ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")). His reign is not merely one of material abundance but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")), a kingdom that will never end.

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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 10:17

And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 7:2

He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof [was] an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

2 Chronicles 9:20

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.

2 Chronicles 9:22

And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.