2 Chronicles 9:2

KJV

And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} told {H5046} her all her questions {H1697}: and there was nothing hid {H5956} from Solomon {H8010} which he told {H5046} her not.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Shlomo answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

Berean Standard Bible

And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain.

American Standard Version

And Solomon told her all her questions; and there was not anything hid from Solomon which he told her not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:2 captures the climax of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem, emphasizing King Solomon's extraordinary, divinely-endowed wisdom. This verse specifically highlights the comprehensive nature of his insight, affirming that he fully and clearly answered every challenging question and enigma posed by the Queen, leaving no query unresolved or hidden from his understanding. It serves as powerful testimony to the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding his unparalleled discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Chronicles 9:1](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - Queen of Sheba Arrives"), which introduces the Queen of Sheba's arrival in Jerusalem with a large retinue and valuable gifts, specifically "to test Solomon with hard questions." The narrative in [2 Chronicles 9](/2_chronicles/9 "2 Chronicles 9 - Solomon's Riches and Wisdom") (and its parallel in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Queen of Sheba's Visit")) is dedicated to showcasing the zenith of Solomon's reign, particularly his immense wealth and, more significantly, his profound wisdom. Verse 2 functions as the conclusive statement regarding the success of the Queen's "test," affirming that Solomon's wisdom was indeed as great, if not greater, than its widespread renown. It sets the stage for the Queen's astonished reaction and lavish praise in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's wisdom was not merely a personal attribute but a crucial aspect of his divine legitimation and his ability to rule justly and effectively. Rulers were expected to be dispensers of wisdom, resolving disputes, understanding complex matters, and guiding their kingdoms. The Queen of Sheba, likely from the prosperous kingdom of Saba (modern-day Yemen), would have traveled a significant distance, underscoring the extraordinary reputation of Solomon's wisdom, which had reached far beyond Israel's borders. Her "hard questions" (Hebrew: *chidot*) were not simple inquiries but often referred to riddles, enigmas, or perplexing problems, a common intellectual challenge among ancient royalty designed to test a ruler's sagacity and discernment. Solomon's ability to unravel all of these *chidot* without exception further solidified his reputation as a divinely favored monarch.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by [2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon's Wisdom Revealed") is **Solomon's Unparalleled Wisdom**, which is presented as a direct, supernatural gift from God, fulfilling the divine promise given to him in [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon"). This wisdom is not just intellectual acumen but a comprehensive understanding that encompasses all knowledge and discernment, distinguishing him above all other kings of his time, as noted in [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Preeminence"). Another key theme is the **Global Recognition of God's Glory through Israel's King**. The Queen's journey and her subsequent awe serve as a testament to how God's blessing upon Solomon brought international acclaim, drawing distant nations to witness the manifest presence of God's wisdom and prosperity in Jerusalem. This verse also highlights the theme of **Completeness and Clarity of Divine Revelation**, as Solomon's answers leave "nothing hid," signifying a full and transparent unveiling of truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Questions (Hebrew, _chidot'_):** This term is significant. It does not merely mean "inquiries" but refers to riddles, enigmas, or perplexing problems. The Queen's visit was a deliberate test, a challenge to Solomon's famed wisdom. Her *chidot* were designed to be difficult, requiring profound insight and discernment to solve. Solomon's ability to answer all of them demonstrates a wisdom that transcends mere human intellect, suggesting a divinely-inspired understanding that could unravel even the most complex mysteries.
* **Told (Hebrew, _vayyagged'_):** Derived from the root NGD, meaning "to tell, declare, make known." The repetition of this verb ("Solomon told her... which he told her not") emphasizes the active and complete nature of Solomon's communication. He didn't just know the answers; he articulated them clearly and fully to the Queen, ensuring her understanding and leaving no ambiguity. This highlights not only his knowledge but also his ability to convey it effectively.
* **Hid (Hebrew, _ne'lam'_):** From the root 'LM, meaning "to hide, conceal, be secret." The passive form here ("nothing hid from Solomon") signifies that no question, no matter how obscure or challenging, remained concealed or beyond his grasp. This phrase acts as a powerful hyperbole, underscoring the absolute comprehensiveness of Solomon's wisdom. It implies a divine omniscience that operated through Solomon, allowing him to perceive and understand all things presented to him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon told her all her questions:"** This clause immediately establishes the successful outcome of the Queen's test. Solomon did not merely answer some of her questions or the easy ones; he addressed "all" of them. This indicates a complete and thorough engagement with her challenges, demonstrating a breadth of knowledge and understanding that was truly exceptional. The act of "telling" implies not just knowing the answers but articulating them clearly and comprehensively.
* **"and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not."** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the first, using a double negative to emphasize the absolute nature of Solomon's wisdom. "Nothing hid from Solomon" means no enigma, no riddle, no profound inquiry was beyond his grasp or comprehension. Furthermore, "which he told her not" confirms that he withheld no answer; every solution, every insight, was fully revealed to the Queen. This highlights both the depth of his understanding and his willingness to share it without reservation, leaving no room for doubt about his unparalleled wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore the profound nature of Solomon's wisdom. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "there was nothing hid from Solomon," which dramatically emphasizes the absolute completeness of his knowledge, suggesting an almost divine level of insight. This is further strengthened by the **Repetition** and **Negation** in "which he told her not," creating a strong rhetorical flourish that leaves no doubt about the exhaustive nature of his replies. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Parallelism**, with the second clause reinforcing and expanding upon the first, building a crescendo of affirmation regarding Solomon's unparalleled understanding. These devices collectively serve to elevate Solomon's wisdom to a legendary status, preparing the reader for the Queen's awe-struck response in the verses that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Solomon's wisdom, as epitomized in [2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon's Wisdom Revealed"), is a profound theological statement about the nature of divine wisdom and God's faithfulness to His promises. Solomon's ability to answer every question, leaving "nothing hid," is not merely a testament to human intellect but a direct manifestation of God's supernatural endowment. This wisdom was granted by God in response to Solomon's humble request for a discerning heart to govern His people ([2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")), demonstrating that true wisdom originates from and is sustained by God. It underscores the biblical principle that God delights in revealing truth to those who seek it and that His wisdom is comprehensive, capable of illuminating every mystery and solving every enigma.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom") - "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom") - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
* [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for a Discerning Heart") - God's response to Solomon's prayer, granting him a "wise and discerning heart" unlike any before or after him.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, particularly [2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon's Wisdom Revealed"), offers a powerful model for seeking and applying wisdom in our lives. In a world saturated with information yet often starved for true understanding, Solomon's example reminds us that genuine wisdom comes from a divine source. His ability to answer "all her questions" without anything being "hid" speaks to a comprehensive and discerning insight that is deeply needed today. For believers, this account encourages us to diligently seek God's wisdom through His Word and prayer, trusting that He will illuminate our paths and equip us to navigate complex situations. Furthermore, it challenges us to be people of understanding and clarity, able to articulate truth and offer guidance to those who seek answers, reflecting the light of Christ in a confused world. Our lives should be a testimony to the transformative power of God's wisdom, enabling us to respond to life's "hard questions" with discernment and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hard questions" or enigmas are you currently facing in your life, and how are you seeking wisdom to address them?**
* **How does Solomon's comprehensive wisdom encourage you to trust God with areas of your life that feel "hidden" or unresolved?**
* **In what ways can you better articulate and share the wisdom God has given you with others, leaving "nothing hid" that might bless them?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "questions" did the Queen of Sheba ask Solomon?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used, *chidot* (חִידוֹת), refers to riddles, enigmas, or perplexing problems, not just simple inquiries. This suggests the Queen posed profound intellectual challenges and complex dilemmas designed to truly test the limits of Solomon's famed wisdom. Her goal was to ascertain if his reputation for extraordinary insight was indeed accurate. Solomon's ability to unravel all these *chidot* without exception further solidified his reputation for profound and divinely-inspired insight, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon's Wisdom Revealed").

**Why was it important for Solomon to answer all of the Queen's questions?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a king's wisdom was seen as a direct reflection of divine favor and a crucial aspect of his ability to rule justly and prosperously. For Solomon, answering all of the Queen's challenging questions, leaving "nothing hid," was paramount. It validated God's promise to him of unparalleled wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), confirmed his divine mandate, and solidified his international reputation. His comprehensive answers demonstrated that his wisdom was not merely human intellect but a supernatural gift from God, bringing glory to God and enhancing Israel's standing among nations.

**Does this account of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon have any New Testament significance?**

Answer: Yes, this account is referenced by Jesus Himself in the New Testament. In [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Queen of the South and Jesus"), Jesus states, "The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." This reference highlights the Queen's diligent pursuit of truth and wisdom, contrasting it with the spiritual blindness of those who rejected Jesus, who is the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom. Her journey serves as a powerful indictment against those who had the very Son of God among them, yet refused to listen.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled wisdom of Solomon, so strikingly demonstrated in his ability to answer all the Queen of Sheba's questions with nothing "hid" from his understanding ([2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon's Wisdom Revealed")), serves as a rich foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely given, was finite and ultimately imperfect, yet it pointed to the One who is the very embodiment of God's perfect wisdom. In Christ, "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Unlike Solomon, who received wisdom as a gift, Jesus *is* Wisdom incarnate, the "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). He is the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest questions, the one who fully reveals the Father, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Christ Reveals God")). Where Solomon's wisdom brought the Queen of Sheba to awe, Christ's wisdom brings salvation and eternal life, for He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The Queen sought answers from a king; we find ultimate answers and perfect revelation in our King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

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

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Mark 4:11

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

1 Kings 4:29

¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore.