1 Kings 10:27

KJV

And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale, for abundance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} made {H5414} silver {H3701} to be in Jerusalem {H3389} as stones {H68}, and cedars {H730} made {H5414} he to be as the sycomore trees {H8256} that are in the vale {H8219}, for abundance {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king made silver in Yerushalayim as common as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as sycamore-fig trees are in the Sh'felah.

Berean Standard Bible

The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.

American Standard Version

And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore-trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:27 presents a striking, hyperbolic depiction of the unparalleled wealth and material prosperity that characterized King Solomon's reign in Jerusalem. This verse vividly illustrates a period of immense national affluence, portraying a kingdom so rich that silver became as common as stones and highly prized cedars as ubiquitous as sycamore trees in the lowlands, serving as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of divine blessing and the zenith of Israel's earthly glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Greatness and Wealth"), which meticulously chronicles the apex of King Solomon's opulence and wisdom. It immediately follows the awe-struck visit of the Queen of Sheba, whose departure underscores the reality of Solomon's unparalleled grandeur. Verses preceding [1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth") detail the vast quantities of gold, ivory, and precious stones that continuously flowed into Jerusalem, along with the construction of magnificent structures and the splendor of Solomon's court. This specific verse functions as a climactic summary statement, emphasizing the sheer scale of wealth by comparing valuable commodities to common natural elements. It sets the stage for subsequent verses that detail Solomon's extensive trade networks, particularly in horses and chariots, as seen in [1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28-29 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Solomon's Trade in Horses and Chariots"), further cementing the picture of an economically dominant kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, silver (`keçeph`) was a primary medium of exchange and a significant indicator of wealth, often weighed rather than counted, making its described abundance truly astonishing. This signaled an economic boom unprecedented in Israel's history. Cedars, specifically the Cedars of Lebanon (`ʼerez`), were highly prized for their durability, fragrance, and resistance to decay, making them ideal for grand construction projects like the Temple and Solomon's palace, as detailed in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Construction of Solomon's Palace"). Sycamore trees (`shiqmâh`), distinct from Western sycamores, were common fig-mulberry trees typically found in the low-lying plains ("the vale," `shᵉphêlâh`) of Israel. They provided softer wood often used for more utilitarian purposes. The stark comparison highlights the extraordinary availability of even the most valuable resources during Solomon's reign, reflecting a period of peace, extensive trade, and strategic alliances that facilitated such immense prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme conveyed by [1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unprecedented Wealth") is **Unprecedented Abundance and Prosperity**, showcasing the material zenith of the Solomonic kingdom. This wealth is not merely a testament to Solomon's shrewd economic policies but is deeply intertwined with the theme of **Divine Blessing and Fulfillment of Promise**. God had promised Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and honor because he sought wisdom first (see [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). Thus, the lavish descriptions of wealth serve as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant people through their king. Furthermore, this abundance contributes to the theme of **Israel's Golden Age**, portraying a period when the nation enjoyed unparalleled glory and influence among surrounding nations, a direct result of God's favor and Solomon's wise, albeit eventually flawed, leadership. This pinnacle of earthly glory is often contrasted with the kingdom's subsequent decline, foreshadowing the need for a more enduring, spiritual kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** In the ancient world, silver was a precious metal, a primary form of currency, and a tangible symbol of wealth and economic power. Its description here as being "as stones" signifies an extraordinary surplus, indicating that it had lost its rarity and thus its perceived value due to sheer quantity. This hyperbole underscores the immense economic power and unprecedented prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, where a commodity typically hoarded was now treated with casual disregard due to its overwhelming abundance.
* **Cedars (Hebrew, _ʼerez'_):** These refer specifically to the Cedars of Lebanon, renowned for their majestic size, exceptional durability, aromatic wood, and natural resistance to decay. They were highly valued building materials, particularly for grand structures like temples and palaces, and were often imported at great expense. Their comparison to common sycamore trees emphasizes the vast, almost limitless, supply of even the most premium and sought-after resources available to Solomon, highlighting the extent of his dominion and trade networks.
* **Sycomore trees (Hebrew, _shiqmâh'_):** Distinct from the Western sycamore (a type of maple), the biblical sycomore was a fig-mulberry tree common in the lowlands ("vale") of Israel. It produced edible figs and soft, easily worked timber, often used for common construction or utilitarian furniture. The comparison of valuable cedars to these ubiquitous and less valuable trees highlights the extraordinary, almost casual, availability of high-quality timber during Solomon's reign, reinforcing the theme of superabundant resources and the kingdom's unparalleled affluence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones":** This clause vividly portrays the unprecedented abundance of silver within the capital city of Jerusalem. The comparison to "stones" (Hebrew, `ʼeben`), common pebbles or rocks, is a powerful hyperbole, suggesting that silver, typically a precious and rare commodity, was so plentiful that it was practically devalued due to its sheer quantity. It implies a level of wealth that transcended normal economic valuation, making the extraordinary seem ordinary.
* **"and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale":** This second comparison mirrors the first, emphasizing the extraordinary availability of valuable timber. Cedars, highly prized and often imported from Lebanon, are likened to sycamore trees, which were common and grew abundantly in the low-lying valleys (the "vale," Hebrew, `shᵉphêlâh`) of Israel. This highlights not only the vast supply of premium building materials but also the king's immense capacity to procure, transport, and utilize them on an immense scale, indicating extensive trade, resources, and organized labor.
* **"for abundance":** This concluding phrase serves as a concise summary and explicit explanation for the preceding hyperbolic comparisons. It unequivocally states the reason for silver being like stones and cedars like sycamores: it was due to the sheer, overwhelming "abundance" (Hebrew, `rôb`) of these materials. This reinforces the central theme of unparalleled prosperity and God's lavish blessing upon Solomon's kingdom, underscoring that this wealth was not merely incidental but a defining characteristic of his reign.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth") masterfully employs **Hyperbole** and **Simile** to convey the extraordinary wealth of Solomon's reign. **Hyperbole** is evident in the deliberate exaggeration of the comparisons: silver is not merely plentiful, but "as stones," implying it was so common it had lost its preciousness and rarity. Similarly, cedars are not just abundant, but "as the sycomore trees," which were ubiquitous and far less valuable. These exaggerations are not intended to be taken literally but serve to impress upon the reader the astonishing and almost unbelievable scale of prosperity. The repeated use of **Simile**, marked by the word "as" (Hebrew, `kə`), directly links the valuable commodities (silver, cedars) to common, less valuable elements (stones, sycamore trees). This direct comparison effectively communicates the overwhelming quantity of resources, making the abstract concept of immense wealth tangible and strikingly vivid. The combined effect of these devices is to paint a picture of unparalleled opulence, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise of riches to Solomon and the peak of Israel's material glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth") stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His capacity to bless His people abundantly, particularly within the framework of His covenant promises. Solomon's unprecedented wealth was not merely a result of his wisdom or trade acumen but a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him "riches and honor" in addition to wisdom (see [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor")). This verse illustrates the peak of Israel's earthly glory, a magnificent reflection of divine favor upon a nation that, for a time, walked in obedience under a king chosen by God. It underscores the principle that when a nation or an individual prioritizes God's wisdom and kingdom, material blessings can flow, demonstrating God's desire to bless His people in every sphere of life. However, it also subtly foreshadows the dangers of such wealth, as Solomon's later deviation from God's commands (detailed in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy")) would ultimately lead to the kingdom's decline, reminding us that true and lasting prosperity is ultimately spiritual and found in continued faithfulness to the Giver, not merely the gifts.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Honoring God with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of Solomon's boundless wealth in [1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth") serves as a profound reminder of God's ability to provide beyond measure and to fulfill His promises in spectacular fashion. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of "abundance" and where we place our trust. While Solomon's reign was indeed a golden age of material prosperity, the subsequent narrative reveals the inherent danger of earthly riches if they lead to a turning away from God. This verse therefore calls us to reflect deeply on stewardship: how do we handle the blessings God bestows upon us? Do we recognize them as gifts from His hand, intended for His glory and the good of others, or do we allow them to become idols that subtly shift our focus from the Giver to the gifts themselves? True, lasting prosperity is not measured by the abundance of possessions, but by the depth of our relationship with God and our faithfulness in His service. This passage encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added to us, and to use whatever resources we have been given for eternal purposes, understanding that earthly treasures are fleeting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Solomon's wealth challenge or confirm your understanding of God's provision and blessing?**
* **In what ways might material abundance, even when divinely given, become a spiritual snare or distraction?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude and faithful stewardship in an age that often equates success and well-being with material possessions?**
* **What enduring lessons can we draw from Solomon's eventual decline, despite his initial wisdom and immense wealth, regarding the true source of lasting prosperity and spiritual security?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's wealth a sign of God's approval, or did it eventually lead to his downfall?**

Answer: Solomon's immense wealth, as described in [1 Kings 10:27](/1_kings/10-27 "1 Kings 10:27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth"), was initially a direct sign of God's approval and a fulfillment of His promise. In [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon"), God explicitly promised Solomon "both riches and honor" because he chose wisdom over wealth. This period represents the pinnacle of Israel's earthly glory and a tangible demonstration of God's blessing on a king who initially sought His wisdom. However, the Mosaic Law had warned kings against accumulating excessive wealth, horses, and wives, lest their hearts be turned away from God (see [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16-17 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings for Kings")). While the wealth itself was a blessing, Solomon's later actions—amassing an excessive number of foreign wives who turned his heart to other gods (as detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry"))—demonstrate that the *mismanagement* of blessing and a shift in focus from the Giver to the gifts ultimately contributed to his spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom. So, the wealth was a blessing, but its handling revealed a spiritual vulnerability that led to his downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled earthly abundance of Solomon's kingdom, where silver was as common as stones and cedars as sycamore trees, serves as a rich foreshadowing of the far greater, spiritual abundance found in Christ. While Solomon's reign represented the pinnacle of an earthly kingdom's glory and material prosperity, it was ultimately temporary and flawed, ending in apostasy and division. Jesus, the true Son of David, establishes a kingdom that is not of this world, yet offers immeasurable and eternal riches that never fade. In Christ, we find not merely an abundance of precious metals or timber, but an inexhaustible supply of divine wisdom (as highlighted in [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")), boundless grace (as seen in [Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Riches of God's Grace")), and spiritual blessings beyond measure (as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The glory of Solomon's Temple, built with cedars and gold, pales in comparison to the spiritual temple of God's people, built on Christ the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone and God's Dwelling")). Solomon's earthly reign, though magnificent, was but a shadow of the eternal, perfect reign of Jesus, who offers a kingdom 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")). The true "abundance" is found in Him, where spiritual riches are freely given and never diminish, leading to an eternal inheritance that can never fade, spoil, or perish ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")).

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

2 Chronicles 1:15

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as plenteous] as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale for abundance.

2 Chronicles 1:17

And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out [horses] for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

2 Chronicles 9:27

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.

Job 22:24

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the [gold] of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

Job 22:25

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

Deuteronomy 17:17

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.