2 Chronicles 9:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the drinking {H4945} vessels {H3627} of king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} 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 not any {H3972} thing 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; for in Shlomo's time, silver 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: silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:20 vividly illustrates the unparalleled opulence of King Solomon's reign, detailing how even common drinking vessels and the magnificent furnishings of his "house of the forest of Lebanon" were crafted from pure gold. This verse underscores the extraordinary abundance of gold in his kingdom, so vast that silver, a precious metal in other societies, was considered valueless, akin to common stones, during his prosperous era. It serves as a powerful testament to the zenith of Solomon's material wealth and the unique divine favor bestowed upon him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (and its parallel in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth")) that meticulously details the immense wealth and unparalleled wisdom of King Solomon. Coming immediately after the awe-struck visit of the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his prosperity and administrative genius (2 Chronicles 9:1-12), the text transitions to an itemized account of the sources and manifestations of Solomon's riches. Verses 13-28 enumerate the vast quantities of gold he received annually, the construction of his golden shields, and the grandeur of his throne, culminating in this verse's striking depiction of gold's pervasive presence in his daily life and royal structures. The "house of the forest of Lebanon" refers to one of Solomon's magnificent palaces, a grand structure built primarily of cedar wood, whose numerous pillars resembled a forest, serving as an armory, a royal residence, and a hall of judgment. The narrative here emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon to grant him riches and honor beyond any king before or after him, in addition to his renowned wisdom (see [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's wealth was a direct reflection of his power, prestige, and divine favor. Gold, being a rare and highly valued metal, symbolized ultimate luxury and status. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, largely due to his strategic alliances, control over vital trade routes, and divinely bestowed wisdom. The gold mentioned in this verse likely came from various sources, including tribute from vassal states, taxes, and extensive trade, particularly with Ophir (mentioned in [2 Chronicles 9:10](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10 - Gold from Ophir")). The cultural norm was to use precious metals for royal and sacred vessels, but the sheer volume and exclusivity of gold, to the point of completely displacing silver, was extraordinary. Silver, typically a standard medium of exchange and a valuable commodity, being "not accounted of" highlights a level of affluence virtually unparalleled in the ancient world, demonstrating Israel's unique standing under Solomon's rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Unprecedented Wealth** as a tangible manifestation of divine blessing. Solomon's riches were not merely accumulated through human effort but were a direct fulfillment of God's promise, signifying His favor upon a king who sought wisdom. Secondly, the explicit statement that "none [were of] silver; it was [not] any thing accounted of" highlights the theme of **Gold's Supremacy and Silver's Demotion**. This dramatic contrast emphasizes the extraordinary abundance of gold, effectively devaluing silver to the status of common stones in Jerusalem, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 9:27](/2_chronicles/9-27 "2 Chronicles 9:27 - Silver as Common as Stones"). This hyperbolic description serves to magnify the extent of God's provision. Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment**. Solomon's prosperity is directly linked to his initial faithfulness and God's covenant promises, serving as a visible sign of God's faithfulness to His people when they walk in obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure Gold (Hebrew, _sāgûr'_):** This term specifically denotes gold that is refined, unalloyed, and of the highest quality. It implies a metal without impurities, emphasizing not just the quantity but also the supreme quality and value of Solomon's possessions. The use of "pure gold" for vessels, rather than merely "gold," further elevates the description of his wealth, indicating a deliberate choice for the finest materials available.
* **Accounted Of (Hebrew, _niḵšāp̱_):** The phrase "it was [not] any thing accounted of" translates the Hebrew verb _niḵšāp̱_ (from the root _kāsap̱_), which literally means "to desire," "to long for," or "to value." In the negative construction here, "not accounted of" or "not esteemed," it powerfully conveys the idea that silver had lost its inherent value or desirability in Solomon's kingdom. It was not merely abundant; it was so plentiful that it ceased to be a precious commodity, effectively becoming worthless in comparison to the overwhelming presence of gold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon [were of] gold":** This clause highlights the pervasive nature of Solomon's wealth, extending even to items used in daily life. Drinking vessels, though perhaps ornate, were functional objects. That they were all made of gold, rather than pottery, bronze, or even silver, speaks to an unprecedented level of luxury and abundance that permeated the royal household. It suggests a standard of living far beyond that of any contemporary monarch.
* **"and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold":** This part specifies the material of the vessels within one of Solomon's most magnificent and well-known structures, the "house of the forest of Lebanon." This palace was a grand, multi-purpose building, likely used for state functions, as an armory, and as a royal residence. The emphasis on "pure gold" for these vessels underscores not only the quantity but also the exceptional quality and refinement of the materials used in his most prestigious architectural projects, reflecting his immense resources and sophisticated taste.
* **"none [were of] silver; it was [not] any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon":** This is the most striking and hyperbolic statement in the verse. It declares the complete absence of silver in these specific categories of vessels, not because silver was unavailable, but because it was so abundant that it had lost its value. This dramatic declaration emphasizes the sheer volume of gold that must have been present in Jerusalem. For silver, a metal highly prized and used as currency throughout the ancient world, to be considered "nothing accounted of" or "worthless" is a powerful testament to the unparalleled economic prosperity and gold saturation during Solomon's reign, making it a unique era in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey the extraordinary nature of Solomon's wealth. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used for emphasis. The statement that silver was "not any thing accounted of" is a hyperbolic expression designed to impress upon the reader the sheer, unimaginable abundance of gold, rather than a literal declaration that silver had zero monetary value. This exaggeration effectively communicates the unparalleled scale of Solomon's riches. Additionally, there is a strong use of **Contrast**, pitting the supreme value of gold against the devalued status of silver. This sharp distinction highlights the unique economic reality of Solomon's kingdom, where the norm of precious metals was inverted. Finally, **Symbolism** is at play, with gold serving as a potent symbol of divine blessing, wisdom, and the glory of God's chosen king. The material wealth reflects a spiritual reality of God's favor and the flourishing of His kingdom on earth during this period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extraordinary wealth of Solomon, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 9:20, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's abundant provision and faithfulness to His covenant promises. This opulence was not merely a display of human ambition but a direct fulfillment of God's pledge to grant Solomon "riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like" ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). It illustrates God's capacity to bless beyond measure, demonstrating His sovereignty over all resources and His willingness to pour out blessings upon those who seek His wisdom and walk in His ways. However, the narrative of Solomon's life also subtly introduces a tension: while divine blessing is evident, the accumulation of vast wealth, particularly in excess of what God commanded for kings (Deuteronomy 17:17), could also become a snare, leading to spiritual complacency and idolatry. This verse, therefore, stands as a high point of material blessing, inviting reflection on the true source of prosperity and the potential pitfalls of earthly riches.
* [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [2 Chronicles 9:27](/2_chronicles/9-27 "2 Chronicles 9:27 - Silver as Common as Stones in Jerusalem")
* [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - Riches Take Flight Like Eagles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 9:20, with its stunning portrayal of Solomon's gold-saturated kingdom, invites us to reflect deeply on our own values and sources of security. While we may not experience material abundance on Solomon's scale, the verse challenges us to consider what we truly account of value in our lives. If silver, a precious metal, could become worthless in Solomon's day due to the overwhelming presence of gold, what "silver" are we clinging to today—possessions, status, fleeting pleasures—that pales in comparison to the "gold" of God's eternal truth, spiritual riches, and His presence? This passage reminds us that all blessings, material or otherwise, ultimately flow from God's generous hand. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude for His provision, recognizing that true and lasting wealth is not found in perishable earthly treasures but in a relationship with Him and in storing up treasures in heaven (see [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")). Our ultimate security and satisfaction are found not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's unparalleled wealth challenge my perception of abundance and God's provision in my own life?**
* **What "silver" in my life—whether possessions, achievements, or worldly recognition—do I mistakenly value, when God offers "gold" of far greater spiritual and eternal worth?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual riches and God's kingdom over the pursuit of material possessions?**

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

Answer: The "house of the forest of Lebanon" was one of King Solomon's magnificent royal buildings in Jerusalem, described in [1 Kings 7:2-5](/1_kings/7-2 "1 Kings 7:2-5 - Description of the House of the Forest of Lebanon"). It was called this because it was constructed primarily of cedar wood imported from Lebanon, with numerous cedar pillars that made it resemble a dense forest. This grand structure served multiple purposes, including an armory for storing shields, a hall for state functions, and possibly a royal residence or a place for judgment. Its sheer size and the lavish materials used in its construction, as highlighted by the "pure gold" vessels mentioned in [2 Chronicles 9:20](/2_chronicles/9-20 "2 Chronicles 9:20 - Solomon's Gold Vessels"), underscored the immense wealth and architectural prowess of Solomon's reign.

**Why was silver "not accounted of" in Solomon's day?**

Answer: The phrase "it was [not] any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon" (also stated in [2 Chronicles 9:27](/2_chronicles/9-27 "2 Chronicles 9:27 - Silver as Common as Stones in Jerusalem") that "the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones") indicates that silver was so incredibly abundant during Solomon's reign that it lost its relative value compared to gold. This unprecedented influx of gold came from various sources, including tribute from vassal states, extensive international trade (especially with Ophir), and Solomon's own shrewd economic policies. The sheer volume of gold in Jerusalem meant that silver, though a precious metal in other societies and typically a standard medium of exchange, became so common that it was no longer highly esteemed or desired as a valuable commodity. This hyperbolic description emphasizes the unparalleled economic prosperity and unique status of Solomon's kingdom.

**Was Solomon's immense wealth a good thing for him?**

Answer: Initially, Solomon's wealth was a direct and tangible sign of God's blessing and faithfulness, a fulfillment of the promise made to him for seeking wisdom above all else ([2 Chronicles 1:11-12](/2_chronicles/1-11 "2 Chronicles 1:11-12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Riches")). It allowed him to build the magnificent Temple and consolidate Israel's power and influence, bringing an era of peace and prosperity. However, the Bible also presents a nuanced view. While a blessing, this vast wealth, combined with his numerous foreign wives, eventually became a source of temptation and contributed to his spiritual decline. [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Accumulating Wealth") had warned kings against accumulating excessive silver and gold, lest their hearts be led astray. Solomon ultimately failed to heed this warning, as his heart was "not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns From God")). Thus, while divinely granted, his wealth ultimately proved to be a mixed blessing, highlighting the dangers of material prosperity when not held in proper perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled earthly glory and material splendor of Solomon's kingdom, so vividly depicted in 2 Chronicles 9:20, serve as a profound shadow and type pointing to the infinitely greater, eternal, and spiritual glory of Christ's kingdom. Solomon's reign, a golden age of peace and prosperity, was temporary and ultimately flawed by his own sin and decline ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns From God")). In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and greater King, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and whose riches are not perishable gold but eternal life, divine wisdom, and perfect righteousness. While Solomon's vessels were of pure gold, Christ embodies the unsearchable riches of God's grace ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")), in whom "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 and Knowledge")). The abundance of gold in Solomon's Jerusalem foreshadows the New Jerusalem, whose streets are of pure gold ([Revelation 21:21](/revelation/21-21 "Revelation 21:21 - The New Jerusalem with Streets of Pure Gold")), symbolizing the absolute purity and eternal value of God's dwelling with humanity. Christ's reign brings not just earthly prosperity but spiritual transformation, offering a wealth of grace that makes "silver" (worldly values and pursuits) truly "not accounted of" in light of the surpassing worth of knowing Him ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")). He is the true Temple, the true King, and the source of all true and lasting treasure.

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

Jeremiah 31:5

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.

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.

Isaiah 2:22

Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Daniel 5:2

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

Daniel 5:3

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

1 Kings 10:21

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.

Esther 1:7

And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.