TRV
Translation
King James Version
Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Besides that which chapmen and marchants brought: and all the Kings of Arabia, and the princes of the countrey brought golde and siluer to Salomon.
Young's Literal Translation
apart from what the tourists, and the merchants, are bringing in; and all the kings of Arabia, and the governors of the land, are bringing in gold and silver to Solomon.
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In the KJVVerse 11,379 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9 verses 13–31
13 ¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
19 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
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.
21 For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
22 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
24 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
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.
28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
We have here Solomon in his throne, and Solomon in his grave; for the throne would not secure him from the grave. Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat - Death wrenches from the hand the sceptre as well as the spade.
I. Here is Solomon reigning in wealth and power, in ease and fulness, such as, for aught I know, could never since be paralleled by any king whatsoever. In cannot pretend to be critical in comparing the grandeur of Solomon with that of some of the great princes of the earth. But I may observe that the most illustrious of them were famed for their wars, whereas Solomon reigned forty years in profound peace. Some of those that might be thought to vie with Solomon affected retirement, kept people in awe by keeping them at a great distance; nobody must see them, or come near him, upon pain of death: but Solomon went much abroad, and appeared in public business. So that, all things considered, the promise was fulfilled, that God would give him riches, and wealth, and honour, such as no kings have had, or shall have, Ch2 1:12. 1. Never any prince appeared in public with great splendour than Solomon did, which to those that judge by the sight of the eye, as most people do, would very much recommend him. He had 200 targets and 300 shields, all of beaten gold, carried before him (Ch2 9:15, Ch2 9:16), and sat upon a most stately throne, Ch2 9:17-19. There was not the like in any kingdom. The lustre wherein he appeared was typical of the spiritual glory of the kingdom of the Messiah and but a faint representation of his throne, which is above every throne. Solomon's pomp was all artificial; and therefore our Saviour prefers the natural beauty of the lilies of the field before it. Mat 6:29, Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. 2. Never any prince had greater plenty of gold and silver, though there were no gold or silver mines in his own kingdom. Either he made himself master of the mines in other countries, and, having a populous country, sent hands to dig out those rich metals, or, having a fruitful country, he exported the commodities of it and with them fetched home all this gold that is here spoken of, Ch2 9:13, Ch2 9:14-21. 3. Never any prince had such presents brought him by all his neighbours as Solomon had: All the kings of Arabia, and governors of the country, brought him gold and silver (Ch2 9:14), not as tribute which he extorted from them, but as freewill offerings to procure his favour, or in a way of exchange for some of the productions of his husbandry, corn or cattle. All the kings of the earth brought him presents, that is, all in those parts of the world (Ch2 9:24, Ch2 9:28), because they coveted his acquaintance and friendship. Herein he was a type of Christ, to whom, as soon as he was born, the wise men of the east brought presents, gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mat 2:11), and to whom all that are about him must bring presents, Psa 76:11; Rom 12:1. 4. Never any prince was so renowned for wisdom, so courted, so consulted, so admired (Ch2 9:23): The kings of the earth (for it was too great a favour for common persons to pretend to) sought to hear his wisdom - his natural philosophy, or his skill in physic, or his state policy, or his rules of prudence for the conduct of human life, or perhaps the principles of his religion, and the reasons of it. The application which they then made to Solomon to hear his wisdom will aggravate, shame, and condemn, men's general contempt of Christ and his gospel. Though in them are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet none of the princes of this world desire to know them, for they are foolishness to them, Co1 2:8, Co1 2:14.
II. Here is Solomon dying, stripped of his pomp, and leaving all his wealth and power, not to one concerning whom he knew not whether he would be a wise man or a fool (Ecc 2:19), but who he knew would be a fool. This was not only vanity but vexation of spirit, Ch2 9:29-31. It is very observable that no mention is here made of Solomon's departure from God in his latter days, not the least hint given of it, 1. Because the Holy Ghost would teach us not to take delight in repeating the faults and follies of others. If those that have been in reputation for wisdom and honour misbehave, though it may be of use to take notice of their misconduct for warning to ourselves and others, yet we must not be forward to mention it, once the speaking of it is enough; why should that unpleasing string be again struck upon? Why can we not do as the sacred historian here does, speak largely of that in others which is praise-worthy, without saying any thing of their blemishes, yea, though they have been gross and obvious? This is but doing as we would be done by. 2. Because, though he fell, yet he was not utterly cast down. His sin is not again recorded, because it was repented of, and pardoned, and became as if it had never been. Scripture-silence sometimes speaks. I am willing to believe that its silence here concerning the sin of Solomon is an intimation that none of the sins he committed were mentioned against him, Eze 33:16. When God pardons sin he casts it behind his back and remembers it no more.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–31. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:14 offers a vivid snapshot of King Solomon's unparalleled wealth, meticulously detailing the diverse streams of income that flowed into his kingdom. This verse, situated within a broader description of Solomon's exceptional prosperity and divinely-granted wisdom, highlights the substantial contributions from both extensive international trade networks and regular tributary payments from surrounding nations. It powerfully underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to bestow upon Solomon immense riches and honor, firmly establishing his reign as a golden age of divine blessing, economic flourishing, and widespread global influence.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to effectively 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 and the widespread awe he commanded. 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 and impressive picture of his diverse revenue streams, highlighting the multifaceted economic engine of his kingdom. The repeated mention of "gold and silver" throughout this chapter, and indeed the broader narrative of Solomon's reign, functions as Repetition to powerfully 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 to His chosen king.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:14 vividly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the pledge to bless Solomon with riches and honor because he sought wisdom above all else, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:12. 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 profound theological principle that when a king (or indeed, a people) walks in obedience and prioritizes God's kingdom and wisdom, material blessings can follow, serving as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over all earthly resources and rulers. However, it also implicitly sets the stage for the potential dangers inherent in such immense wealth, a theme tragically explored later in Solomon's life, reminding us that earthly riches, while a potential blessing, can also become a profound snare if not stewarded wisely and with a continued, unwavering focus on God.
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 individuals will ever experience prosperity on the scale of King Solomon, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: God is the ultimate source of all resources, and He can bless and provide in ways that exceed our expectations and human comprehension. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own relationship with material wealth. Are we, like Solomon initially, seeking God's wisdom and kingdom first, trusting that He will add what is necessary for His purposes? Or are we primarily pursuing riches for their own sake, allowing them to become an idol? It calls us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly power and wealth, understanding that even the most powerful rulers and thriving economies are ultimately under His divine control. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect deeply on our role as faithful stewards of whatever resources—be they financial, intellectual, relational, or spiritual—God has graciously entrusted to us, urging us to use them wisely, generously, and always for His glory, rather than allowing them to become a source of pride, distraction, or spiritual compromise from our ultimate purpose in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "chapmen" mean in this context, and why is it significant?
Answer: In 2 Chronicles 9:14, "chapmen" is an archaic English term referring to traveling merchants, peddlers, or itinerant traders. The underlying Hebrew words (H582 ʼĕnôwsh and H8446 tûwr) denote men who "go about" or "travel round" specifically for 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 widespread 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 numerous tribal entities and kingdoms within the Arabian Peninsula during Solomon's era. 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.
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 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 elaborate 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 profoundly understood as a direct fulfillment of God's promise to him, making his reign a unique and divinely orchestrated period of material abundance and blessing 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 initial splendor and divine favor, 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 tragic 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 perishable earthly gold, Christ possesses infinite spiritual riches—the unsearchable riches of His grace and glory that transform lives (Ephesians 3:8). His wisdom far surpasses Solomon's, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), a wisdom that leads to eternal life. 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), and to whom all nations will one day bring their spiritual tribute of worship and obedience, walking by the light of His glory (Revelation 21:24). 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). He is the true and everlasting source of all blessing, offering spiritual wealth that never fades and a kingdom that will never be divided, destroyed, or come to an end.