2 Chronicles 9:14

KJV

Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside that which chapmen {H582}{H8446} and merchants {H5503} brought {H935}. And all the kings {H4428} of Arabia {H6152} and governors {H6346} of the country {H776} brought {H935} gold {H2091} and silver {H3701} to Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

besides that which came from customs duties and sales taxes; also all the Arab kings and regional governors brought gold and silver to Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

not 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.

American Standard Version

besides that which the traders and merchants brought: and all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:14 offers a glimpse into the extraordinary sources of King Solomon's immense wealth, detailing the contributions from both international trade networks and tributary payments from surrounding nations. This verse, nestled within a broader account of Solomon's unparalleled prosperity and wisdom, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to grant him riches and honor, establishing his reign as a golden age of divine blessing and global influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the detailed account of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on his immense wealth and international prestige in 2 Chronicles 9, which largely parallels 1 Kings 10. It immediately follows the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit, where she brought vast quantities of gold, spices, and precious stones, showcasing Solomon's magnetic wisdom and the tribute it attracted. Verse 14 then transitions to itemize other significant and regular sources of his annual income, such as the revenue from merchants and the tribute from Arabian kings, before continuing to describe his vast gold reserves, elaborate ivory throne, and extensive fleet, all testifying to the unprecedented opulence of his kingdom. This section serves to highlight the material manifestation of God's blessing upon Solomon, fulfilling promises made earlier in the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked the zenith of Israel's power, influence, and prosperity in the ancient Near East. During this period, tribute was a common practice, where lesser rulers or those seeking favorable trade relations would present gifts or annual payments to a dominant king. The "kings of Arabia" refers to the various tribal leaders and sheikhs of the Arabian Peninsula, a region strategically important for its trade routes that facilitated the movement of valuable commodities like frankincense, myrrh, spices, and gold from the south. The mention of "chapmen and merchants" points to a highly active and regulated commercial economy, where trade duties, tariffs, and direct commerce significantly enriched the royal treasury. Solomon's wisdom and stable rule created an environment conducive to such widespread trade and diplomatic relations, making Jerusalem a hub of international activity.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the accounts of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, showcasing God's faithfulness in granting Solomon not only wisdom but also unparalleled riches and honor, as promised in [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom, Riches, and Honor to Solomon"). Secondly, it highlights **International Influence and Recognition**, demonstrating how Solomon's fame and God-given wisdom attracted leaders from across the known world, leading to a geopolitical dominance where nations willingly brought him tribute, acknowledging his superior standing and the power of his kingdom. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of a **Thriving Economy and Trade**, revealing the robust commercial networks that flourished under Solomon's rule, contributing significantly to the national wealth and solidifying Israel's position as a prosperous and central player in regional commerce. These themes collectively paint a picture of a divinely favored kingdom, unparalleled in its earthly glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chapmen (Hebrew, _'anashim'_):** While the KJV translates this as "chapmen," an archaic term for traveling merchants or peddlers, the underlying Hebrew word אֲנָשִׁים (`'anashim`) literally means "men" or "people." In this specific context, combined with "merchants" (סֹחֲרִים, `socharim`), it refers to the general class of traders, dealers, and commercial agents who engaged in itinerant trade, bringing goods and, by extension, revenue, to the royal treasury through taxes, tariffs, or direct transactions. It signifies a broad commercial activity beyond formal state-to-state tribute.
* **Arabia (Hebrew, _'Arav'_):** This term refers to the Arabian Peninsula, a vast region to the east and south of Israel. In ancient times, this area was crucial for trade routes, particularly for valuable commodities like frankincense, myrrh, and gold, which originated in or passed through its territories. The "kings of Arabia" (מַלְכֵי עֲרָב, `malkhei 'Arav`) were the various rulers, chieftains, or sheikhs of the independent Arab tribes and kingdoms that controlled these routes and resources. Their bringing of "gold and silver" to Solomon signifies either formal tribute, a recognition of his suzerainty, or lucrative trade agreements that enriched his kingdom.
* **Gold and Silver (Hebrew, _zahav vakesef'_):** These precious metals were the primary forms of wealth and currency in the ancient world. Their repeated mention throughout the accounts of Solomon's reign emphasizes the sheer scale of his riches. Beyond their intrinsic value, gold and silver also served as symbols of power, prestige, and divine favor. The accumulation of such vast quantities of these metals by Solomon underscores the unparalleled prosperity of his kingdom and the tangible manifestation of God's blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought."**: This opening clause indicates that the wealth about to be mentioned from the kings of Arabia was *in addition* to the regular income derived from commercial trade. It highlights the diverse and multiple streams of revenue flowing into Solomon's treasury, emphasizing the robust and extensive economic activity during his reign, facilitated by a network of traveling traders and established merchants who contributed through duties, taxes, or direct exchange.
* **"And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon."**: This second clause specifies another significant source of Solomon's wealth: tribute or gifts from foreign rulers. The phrase "all the kings of Arabia" suggests a comprehensive and widespread acknowledgment of Solomon's power and influence among the various independent states and tribal entities in the Arabian Peninsula. "Governors of the country" (פַּחוֹת הָאָרֶץ, `pachot ha'aretz`) could refer to regional administrators or lesser rulers within the broader sphere of Solomon's influence, or even within his own extended territory. Their bringing of "gold and silver" was a clear act of submission, alliance, or a means of securing favorable trade relations, further cementing Solomon's status as the preeminent monarch of his time.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the magnitude of Solomon's wealth and influence. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the kings of Arabia," which, while perhaps not literally every single king, serves to emphasize the vast geographical reach and universal recognition of Solomon's power. This exaggeration underscores the unprecedented nature of his reign. **Enumeration** is used by listing distinct sources of income—first "chapmen and merchants," then "kings of Arabia and governors of the country"—to build a comprehensive picture of his diverse revenue streams. The repeated mention of "gold and silver" throughout this chapter, and indeed the broader narrative of Solomon's reign, functions as **Repetition** to reinforce the central theme of his unparalleled material prosperity. Finally, the very presence of such vast quantities of these precious metals serves as **Symbolism**, representing not merely earthly wealth but also the tangible manifestation of God's divine blessing and favor upon Solomon, a sign of the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:14 vividly illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the pledge to bless Solomon with riches and honor because he sought wisdom above all else ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "God's Promise of Wisdom, Riches, and Honor to Solomon")). This verse demonstrates that Solomon's prosperity was not merely a result of shrewd economic policy or military conquest, but a direct manifestation of divine favor, attracting wealth from both established trade routes and tributary nations. It underscores the principle that when a king (or indeed, a people) walks in obedience and seeks God's kingdom, material blessings can follow, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty over all earthly resources and rulers. However, it also implicitly sets the stage for the potential dangers of such wealth, a theme explored later in Solomon's life, reminding us that earthly riches, while a blessing, can also be a snare if not stewarded wisely and with a continued focus on God.

* [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom")
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - The Lord Will Open His Good Treasury")
* [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8-9 - Agur's Prayer for Neither Poverty Nor Riches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The immense wealth described in 2 Chronicles 9:14, flowing into Solomon's kingdom from diverse international sources, serves as a powerful reminder of God's boundless capacity for provision and blessing. While few will experience prosperity on the scale of King Solomon, the underlying principle remains: God is the ultimate source of all resources, and He can bless and provide in ways that exceed our expectations. This verse challenges us to consider our own relationship with material wealth. Are we seeking God's wisdom and kingdom first, trusting that He will add what is necessary, as Solomon did? Or are we primarily pursuing riches for their own sake? It calls us to recognize God's sovereignty over all earthly power and wealth, understanding that even the most powerful rulers and thriving economies are ultimately under His control. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on our role as stewards of whatever resources—be they financial, intellectual, or relational—God has entrusted to us, urging us to use them wisely, generously, and for His glory, rather than allowing them to become a source of pride or distraction from our ultimate purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's wealth, as described here, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's blessing in material terms?**
* **In what ways might the "chapmen and merchants" or "kings of Arabia" of today contribute to or influence the resources available to God's people or His work?**
* **What responsibilities come with receiving significant blessings or resources, whether personal or communal, and how can we ensure we steward them faithfully?**

### FAQ
**What does "chapmen" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 9:14, "chapmen" (an archaic English term) refers to traveling merchants, peddlers, or traders. The Hebrew word underlying it, `anashim`, simply means "men" or "people," but in conjunction with "merchants," it specifically denotes those involved in commercial trade. Its significance lies in highlighting the breadth and diversity of Solomon's income streams. Beyond formal tribute from foreign kings, a substantial portion of his wealth came from the bustling, everyday commercial activity of his kingdom. This indicates a highly developed and active economy, where goods were bought, sold, and transported across regions, contributing taxes, tariffs, or direct revenue to the royal treasury, showcasing the economic stability and prosperity under Solomon's rule.

**Who were the "kings of Arabia," and why were they bringing gifts to Solomon?**

Answer: The "kings of Arabia" refers to the various independent rulers, chieftains, or sheikhs of the Arabian Peninsula during Solomon's time. This region was strategically vital for its control over lucrative trade routes, particularly those dealing in highly valued commodities like frankincense, myrrh, and gold, which originated in or passed through Arabian territories. Their act of bringing "gold and silver" to Solomon was a form of tribute, a diplomatic gift, or a payment for trade agreements. It signified their acknowledgment of Solomon's superior power, wisdom, and influence, or their desire to maintain peaceful and profitable relations with his powerful kingdom. This tribute underscored Solomon's widespread international prestige and the far-reaching extent of his geopolitical influence, as nations sought to align themselves with or benefit from his prosperous reign, as also seen in the visit of the [Queen of Sheba](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon").

**How did Solomon's wealth, as described in this chapter, compare to other rulers of his time?**

Answer: The biblical accounts consistently portray Solomon's wealth as unparalleled among the kings of the earth during his era. [2 Chronicles 9:22](/2_chronicles/9-22 "2 Chronicles 9:22 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom") explicitly states, "King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom." This verse, 2 Chronicles 9:14, contributes to that picture by detailing specific, regular sources of his income—from international trade (chapmen and merchants) and direct tribute from surrounding nations (kings of Arabia). Other passages describe his annual intake of gold, his vast collection of gold shields, his ivory throne overlaid with gold, and his extensive fleet that brought back exotic goods and precious metals. This accumulation of wealth was not merely a sign of his economic prowess but was understood as a direct fulfillment of God's promise to him, making his reign a unique period of divine blessing and material abundance in Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 9:14 vividly portrays the earthly glory and unparalleled material wealth of King Solomon, his reign, despite its splendor, was ultimately temporary and flawed. Solomon's vast riches and international influence, though divinely granted, eventually became a snare, leading to his spiritual decline and the division of his kingdom. This narrative, therefore, points beyond itself to a greater King and a more enduring kingdom. Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, is the ultimate fulfillment of all that Solomon prefigured. Unlike Solomon's earthly gold, Christ possesses infinite spiritual riches—the unsearchable riches of His grace and glory ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). His wisdom far surpasses Solomon's, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The "kings of Arabia" and "merchants" bringing tribute to Solomon foreshadow the ultimate King to whom "every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), and to whom all nations will one day bring their spiritual tribute of worship and obedience ([Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - The Nations Will Walk By Its Light")). Christ's kingdom is not built on perishable gold and silver but on eternal 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")). He is the true source of all blessing, offering spiritual wealth that never fades and a kingdom that will never be divided or destroyed.

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

Psalms 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Psalms 68:29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.