2 Chronicles 9:23

KJV

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} sought {H1245} the presence {H6440} of Solomon {H8010}, to hear {H8085} his wisdom {H2451}, that God {H430} had put {H5414} in his heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the kings on earth sought to have an audience with Shlomo, in order to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

American Standard Version

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:23 vividly portrays the unparalleled global renown of King Solomon, whose extraordinary wisdom, directly imparted by God, drew rulers from across the known world to Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates the peak of Solomon's reign, illustrating how divine favor and spiritual insight not only elevated an individual but also brought immense prestige and influence to the nation of Israel, serving as a testament to God's blessing and the magnetic power of His wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 2 Chronicles 9 that meticulously details the immense wealth, glory, and international recognition achieved during Solomon's reign, particularly following the completion of the Temple. The preceding verses, especially [2 Chronicles 9:1-12](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1-12 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit"), describe the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who traveled a great distance specifically to test Solomon with hard questions and was overwhelmed by his wisdom and prosperity. Verse 23 acts as a summary statement, generalizing the Queen of Sheba's experience to "all the kings of the earth," thereby emphasizing the universal scope of Solomon's reputation for wisdom. This section culminates the chronicler's portrayal of Solomon's golden age before the narrative shifts to his decline and the subsequent division of the kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly prized, often seen as a divine attribute essential for effective kingship, governance, and maintaining social order. Rulers frequently exchanged gifts and engaged in diplomatic visits to forge alliances, secure trade routes, and learn from one another. Solomon's wisdom, however, transcended typical royal sagacity, being explicitly attributed to God. This divine endowment would have been particularly compelling in a polytheistic world, drawing kings who sought not just political counsel but perhaps a connection to the source of such profound insight. Jerusalem, as the capital and site of the newly built Temple, would have become a significant spiritual and political hub, attracting foreign dignitaries eager to witness Israel's unique prosperity and the wisdom of its king.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Wisdom as a Magnet**, emphasizing that Solomon's wisdom was not self-acquired but a direct gift from God, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Grant of Wisdom to Solomon"). This divinely sourced wisdom served as the primary attraction, drawing international leaders and showcasing God's ability to bless His chosen king abundantly. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Universal Recognition of God's Blessing**, as "all the kings of the earth" sought Solomon, indicating that God's favor on Israel was evident even to foreign nations. This widespread acknowledgment validated God's covenant promises and demonstrated His power to elevate His people. Finally, it reinforces the **Value of Wisdom**, portraying it as more precious and influential than military might or material wealth, aligning with the wisdom literature found in books like [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom"), where wisdom is personified as a source of life and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sought (Hebrew, _biqqēš'_):** This verb implies an active, deliberate, and earnest pursuit. It's not a casual visit but a determined effort to gain access to Solomon's presence and counsel. This word underscores the high value placed on his wisdom by these foreign rulers, indicating a recognized need and a journey undertaken specifically for this purpose.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _ḥokmâ'_):** More than mere intellectual knowledge, _ḥokmâ_ in biblical context refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to live and govern skillfully according to divine principles. It encompasses moral insight, judicial acumen, and the capacity to understand and apply truth effectively. Solomon's _ḥokmâ_ was holistic, impacting his judgments, his building projects, and his understanding of the natural world.
* **Put in his heart (Hebrew, _nātan bəlibbô'_):** This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and internal nature of Solomon's wisdom. It was not something he acquired through study or experience alone, but a direct, supernatural impartation from God into his inner being—his mind, will, and affections. This highlights that his wisdom was a gift, a testament to God's active involvement in his reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the kings of the earth":** This phrase functions as a hyperbole, signifying a vast and representative group of rulers from the known world, indicating the widespread and unparalleled nature of Solomon's reputation. It suggests that his fame extended far beyond Israel's immediate neighbors.
* **"sought the presence of Solomon":** This means they actively pursued an audience with him, traveling to Jerusalem. "Presence" here implies not just physical proximity but access to his court, his counsel, and the opportunity to interact with him directly. It signifies a diplomatic and intellectual pilgrimage.
* **"to hear his wisdom":** The primary motivation for their arduous journeys was to listen to and learn from Solomon's unique insight. This indicates that his wisdom was not just a theoretical concept but something practical and applicable, offering solutions or understanding that other rulers lacked.
* **"that God had put in his heart":** This crucial clause provides the theological explanation for Solomon's extraordinary wisdom. It explicitly attributes his sagacity to a divine source, emphasizing that it was a supernatural gift from God, not an inherent human genius. This divine origin is what made his wisdom so compelling and universally sought after.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** to convey Solomon's extraordinary status. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the kings of the earth," which, while not literally every single king, effectively communicates the widespread and unprecedented nature of Solomon's fame and the universal appeal of his wisdom. This exaggeration serves to magnify the glory of God's blessing upon him. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** on the divine origin of Solomon's wisdom, highlighted by the concluding clause "that God had put in his heart." This direct theological explanation elevates the narrative from a mere description of human achievement to a testament to God's power and faithfulness. Furthermore, the act of "seeking the presence of Solomon" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where his "presence" stands for his counsel, his court, and the wisdom he embodied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:23 powerfully demonstrates the principle that when God blesses an individual with wisdom and favor, it can have far-reaching, even global, implications. Solomon's divinely imparted wisdom served as a beacon, drawing nations to Jerusalem and implicitly, to the God of Israel who bestowed such gifts. This highlights God's desire for His glory to be known among the nations, often through the remarkable lives of His chosen servants. The verse also underscores the inherent value and magnetic power of true wisdom, which surpasses material wealth or military might in its ability to influence and attract. It points to a divine economy where spiritual gifts yield tangible, widespread recognition.

* [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Understanding")
* [Proverbs 8:1-11](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-11 - The Call of Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's divinely given wisdom and its global impact serves as a profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that true wisdom is not merely intellectual prowess or accumulated knowledge, but a spiritual gift from God, essential for navigating life's complexities and influencing our world for good. Just as Solomon's wisdom drew kings, our lives, when submitted to God and guided by His truth, can become a compelling testimony to His grace and power. Seeking God's wisdom through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit enables us to make discerning decisions, speak words of life, and embody Christ-like character in a way that can attract others to the source of all wisdom. Our influence, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, is magnified when it flows from a heart saturated with divine insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most in need of God's wisdom today?**
* **How does the divine origin of Solomon's wisdom challenge your understanding of where true insight comes from?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more earnestly seek God's wisdom in your daily life?**
* **How might your life, guided by God's wisdom, become a "magnet" that draws others to Him?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's wisdom truly unique among the kings of his time, or was it a common attribute for rulers?**

Answer: While wisdom was indeed a highly valued attribute for ancient Near Eastern rulers, Solomon's wisdom, as described in 2 Chronicles 9:23 and elsewhere, was uniquely profound and explicitly attributed to a direct, divine impartation from God. Unlike other kings who might have cultivated practical wisdom through experience or counsel, Solomon's was a supernatural gift, making him "wiser than all other men" ([1 Kings 4:30](/1_kings/4-30 "1 Kings 4:30 - Solomon's Wisdom Exceeded All Others")). This divine origin set his wisdom apart, making it an unparalleled phenomenon that genuinely astonished foreign dignitaries like the [Queen of Sheba](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon") and compelled "all the kings of the earth" to seek his presence. His wisdom encompassed not only governance and judgment but also a deep understanding of creation, riddles, and proverbs, demonstrating a breadth and depth far beyond typical royal sagacity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's wisdom was a magnificent, divinely bestowed gift that brought glory to his kingdom and drew nations to him, it ultimately pointed beyond itself to a greater reality: Jesus Christ. The New Testament explicitly declares that "one greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and One Greater Than Solomon")), referring to Jesus. Solomon received wisdom; Jesus *is* wisdom incarnate, the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). 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 the earth sought Solomon's wisdom for earthly counsel and prosperity, but the King of kings, Jesus, draws all humanity not for earthly gain, but for eternal life and spiritual transformation. His wisdom is not merely for governance but for salvation, offering reconciliation with God and true understanding of divine truth. Those who come to Christ find not just a wise counselor, but the very source of life, truth, and ultimate wisdom, which leads to eternal blessedness and a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

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

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

1 Kings 4:34

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

Daniel 5:11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.