2 Chronicles 9:22

KJV

And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} passed {H1431} all the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} in riches {H6239} and wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So King Shlomo surpassed all the kings on earth in both wealth and wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible

So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

American Standard Version

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:22 serves as a definitive summary statement, declaring King Solomon's unparalleled preeminence among all earthly monarchs in both his immense wealth and his profound wisdom. This verse encapsulates the climax of Solomon's reign as depicted in Chronicles, highlighting the extraordinary divine favor and blessings bestowed upon him, which elevated him to a status unmatched by any other ruler of his time or, arguably, in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the culmination of the Chronicler's extensive account of Solomon's reign, specifically within the final chapter dedicated to his splendor and international renown (2 Chronicles 9). It follows detailed descriptions of his vast annual income from tribute and trade (2 Chronicles 9:13-14), his unprecedented accumulation of gold and silver (2 Chronicles 9:15-21), and the awe-inspiring visit of the Queen of Sheba, who came to test his wisdom and was overwhelmed by his glory (2 Chronicles 9:1-12). The verse acts as a grand concluding declaration, solidifying the narrative's emphasis on Solomon's divinely-granted prosperity and sagacity before the narrative shifts to his death and the subsequent division of the kingdom. It is a direct fulfillment of God's earlier promise to Solomon in [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise to Solomon") and [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Gift of Wisdom and Riches to Solomon"), where God granted him both wisdom and riches because he had asked for discernment to govern.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. Geographically, Israel controlled key trade routes, allowing Solomon to levy taxes and engage in lucrative commercial ventures, particularly with Phoenicia and other nations to the south and east. Culturally, wisdom was highly prized in the ancient Near East, with rulers often boasting of their sagacity and ability to govern justly. Solomon's reputation for wisdom, exemplified by his famous judgment (e.g., [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment")), attracted international attention, as evidenced by the Queen of Sheba's journey. His wealth, derived from tribute, trade, and extensive building projects, was indicative of a powerful and stable empire, a stark contrast to the often tumultuous political landscape of the region. This verse thus reflects the historical reality of Israel's golden age under Solomon, viewed through the theological lens of divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Covenant Faithfulness**. Solomon's extraordinary wealth and wisdom are presented not as achievements of human ingenuity alone, but as direct gifts from God, a testament to His faithfulness to the Davidic covenant and His response to Solomon's humble request for wisdom to govern His people ([2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). Secondly, the theme of **Unparalleled Greatness and Glory** is central, emphasizing Solomon's unique status among all world rulers. The Chronicler meticulously details the opulence and splendor of his court, temple, and kingdom, portraying him as the epitome of a divinely blessed king. This greatness, however, also serves as a subtle foreshadowing of the potential for human kingship, even at its peak, to fall short of God's ultimate design. Lastly, the verse highlights the **Primacy of Wisdom** as the foundation for true prosperity. While riches are mentioned, the narrative consistently portrays Solomon's wealth as a consequence of his divinely-granted wisdom, which enabled him to govern justly, administer effectively, and foster peace and economic growth. This wisdom was not merely intellectual but practical, leading to tangible blessings for the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passed (Hebrew, _yitgaddel'_):** The verb used here is from the root גדל (*gadal*), meaning "to be great," "to grow," or "to become mighty." In the Hithpael stem, as it appears here, יִתְגַּדֵּל (*yitgaddel*) conveys the sense of "to make oneself great," "to be magnified," or "to be exalted above." It signifies that Solomon's greatness in riches and wisdom was not merely comparative but absolute, elevating him above all other kings. This active or reflexive sense emphasizes his unique, divinely-enabled status rather than a simple comparison.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _osher'_):** This term (עֹשֶׁר, *osher*) refers to material wealth, abundance, and prosperity. In the context of Solomon, it encompasses the vast quantities of gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuable commodities that flowed into his kingdom through tribute, trade, and his extensive building projects. The Chronicler emphasizes the sheer quantity and unparalleled nature of this wealth, portraying it as a visible sign of God's blessing and the kingdom's flourishing under Solomon's reign.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah'_):** The Hebrew word (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*) is a rich term that denotes more than mere intellectual knowledge. It encompasses practical skill, discernment, shrewdness, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively in daily life, governance, and moral decision-making. Solomon's wisdom was divinely imparted, enabling him to judge justly, administer his vast kingdom efficiently, and understand complex issues, which in turn fostered peace and prosperity, leading to his immense riches. It is a wisdom that manifests in wise living and effective leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon":** This opening phrase clearly identifies the subject of the declaration, placing the focus squarely on the monarch whose reign is being summarized. It sets the stage for a statement about his unique standing.
* **"passed all the kings of the earth":** This clause asserts Solomon's absolute superiority and preeminence over every other ruler known to the Chronicler's world. The hyperbolic "all the kings of the earth" underscores the universal recognition and unparalleled nature of his greatness, suggesting that his fame and influence extended far beyond the borders of Israel.
* **"in riches and wisdom":** This final phrase specifies the two primary domains in which Solomon's preeminence was manifested. It highlights the dual nature of his extraordinary blessings: material prosperity (riches) and intellectual/spiritual discernment (wisdom). The conjunction "and" links these two aspects, implying that they were both integral to his unique status and often interconnected in the biblical worldview.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several effective literary devices in 2 Chronicles 9:22 to underscore Solomon's extraordinary status. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "passed all the kings of the earth." While Solomon was undoubtedly a powerful and wealthy ruler, this statement is an exaggerated claim meant to emphasize his unparalleled eminence rather than a literal, quantifiable comparison to every single king throughout history. This hyperbole serves to magnify God's blessing upon him. Additionally, there is **Juxtaposition** in the pairing of "riches and wisdom." These two concepts, while distinct, are presented together as the twin pillars of Solomon's greatness, highlighting how his material prosperity was intrinsically linked to his divinely-granted discernment. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and powerful conclusion to the detailed accounts of Solomon's reign and his magnificent accomplishments, effectively encapsulating the Chronicler's theological message about divine favor and the ideal king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:22 is not merely a historical record of Solomon's achievements but a profound theological statement about the nature of divine blessing and the ideal of righteous kingship. It underscores the principle that true greatness, particularly in leadership, stems from God's favor and the pursuit of His wisdom. Solomon's reign, at its peak, represents a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness to David, demonstrating what happens when a king seeks God's will. However, it also subtly foreshadows the limitations of earthly glory, as even this unparalleled reign would eventually decline due to Solomon's later spiritual compromises. The verse therefore invites reflection on the source of true prosperity and the responsibility that comes with receiving abundant blessings from God.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Wisdom and Riches")
* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's story, particularly as summarized in 2 Chronicles 9:22, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all true wisdom and lasting prosperity. Solomon's initial choice to prioritize wisdom over wealth and long life was the key that unlocked God's abundant blessings. This challenges us to examine our own priorities: what do we truly seek? Do we pursue worldly success and material accumulation above all else, or do we, like Solomon, humbly ask for wisdom to navigate life's complexities and serve God's purposes? The verse also highlights the responsibility that accompanies divine favor. Solomon was entrusted with immense resources and unparalleled wisdom, not for his own self-aggrandizement, but for the flourishing of God's people and the glory of His name. This calls us to consider how we are stewarding the gifts, talents, and resources—whether spiritual or material—that God has entrusted to us, ensuring they are used for His glory and the benefit of others, rather than for selfish gain or fleeting earthly pursuits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Solomon's prioritization of wisdom over riches teach us about our own desires and prayers?**
* **How does God's abundant generosity to Solomon encourage us to trust in His provision for our lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decisions and responsibilities?**
* **How can we better steward the "riches and wisdom" (talents, resources, knowledge) that God has given us for His kingdom purposes?**

### FAQ

**Was Solomon's wisdom solely for personal gain, or did it serve a broader purpose?**

Answer: While Solomon certainly benefited personally from his wisdom, the biblical narrative emphasizes that God granted it primarily for the purpose of governing His people justly. In [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for a Discerning Heart"), Solomon specifically asks for "an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil." His wisdom enabled him to administer the kingdom effectively, resolve disputes (as seen in the famous judgment of the two prostitutes in [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment")), and bring about a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. His wisdom also attracted international visitors, like the Queen of Sheba, who came to learn from him, thus bringing glory to God's name among the nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 9:22 celebrates the pinnacle of Solomon's earthly reign, his unparalleled riches and wisdom ultimately point beyond him to the greater King, Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely given, was finite and eventually marred by his personal failings and idolatry, leading to the kingdom's division. In contrast, Jesus is the very [Wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), possessing an infinite and unblemished understanding that perfectly reflects the Father's will. He is the one of whom a "greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - A Greater Than Solomon is Here")), whose wisdom transcends all earthly knowledge and leads to eternal life. Furthermore, while Solomon accumulated vast material wealth, Jesus's "riches" are spiritual and eternal, offering an inheritance that is [imperishable, undefiled, and unfading](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable"). His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but a spiritual reign that brings true peace, justice, and abundant life to all who believe. Thus, Solomon's temporal glory serves as a magnificent, yet ultimately incomplete, foreshadowing of the eternal and perfect reign of Christ, the true King of kings, in whom all wisdom and true riches reside.

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 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee 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.

1 Kings 4:30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

1 Kings 4:31

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

Psalms 89:27

Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

1 Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

1 Kings 3:13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;