2 Chronicles 9:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought {H935} every man {H376} his present {H4503}, vessels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, and vessels {H3627} of gold {H2091}, and raiment {H8008}, harness {H5402}, and spices {H1314}, horses {H5483}, and mules {H6505}, a rate {H1697} year {H8141} by year {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each one brought his present - articles of silver, articles of gold, clothing, armor, spices, horses and mules; and this continued year after year.

Berean Standard Bible

Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

American Standard Version

And they brought every man his tribute, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:24 succinctly captures the unparalleled material prosperity and diplomatic influence that characterized King Solomon's reign, detailing the annual tribute brought to him by kings from across the known world. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of God's promises of abundant blessing and wisdom bestowed upon Solomon, showcasing a golden age of wealth and international recognition for ancient Israel, all flowing from the divine favor resting upon the king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within 2 Chronicles 9, a chapter primarily dedicated to extolling the immense wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon, following the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 9:22-23) establish Solomon's preeminence, stating that he "exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" and that "all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart." Verse 24 then provides concrete evidence and specific details of this widespread recognition and prosperity, itemizing the types of gifts—silver, gold, raiment, military equipment, spices, horses, and mules—that were brought to him "a rate year by year." This continuous, annual flow of tribute underscores the sustained nature of Solomon's influence and the stability of his kingdom at its zenith, serving as a direct illustration of the general statements made about his unparalleled status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of bringing "presents" or "tribute" to a powerful monarch was a common expression of homage, subservience, and recognition of suzerainty. Unlike mere trade, which implies mutual exchange, tribute was typically offered by lesser kings or vassal states to a dominant power, acknowledging their submission or seeking favor and protection. Solomon's strategic geographical position, controlling vital trade routes, coupled with his renowned wisdom and military strength, would have naturally attracted such offerings. The annual nature of these gifts ("a rate year by year") signifies a formalized system of international relations where Solomon was the undisputed hegemon. The specific items listed—precious metals, luxurious textiles, military assets (harness, horses, mules), and exotic spices—reflect the most valuable commodities of the era, indicative of the immense wealth and resources flowing into Jerusalem from diverse regions.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 9:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unparalleled Royal Prosperity**, emphasizing the extraordinary affluence of Solomon's kingdom as a tangible manifestation of God's blessing. This wealth is not merely material but also symbolic of divine favor. Secondly, the verse underscores **International Influence and Recognition**, demonstrating how Solomon's wisdom and God-given authority extended far beyond Israel's borders, drawing homage from rulers across the known world. This showcases Israel's peak as a regional power. Finally, and most significantly for the Chronicler, this prosperity is presented as a direct result of **Divine Favor and Blessing**, fulfilling promises made to Solomon and the Davidic line. The Chronicler consistently links obedience to God with prosperity and disobedience with decline, and Solomon's early reign, as depicted here, serves as a prime example of God's abundant provision for a king who sought wisdom (as seen in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). This period represents a high point of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, where the nation experienced peace and abundance under a righteous king, echoing the blessings promised in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Present (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** The Hebrew word מִנְחָה (_minchah_) carries a range of meanings, including "gift," "offering," or "tribute." While it can refer to a grain offering in a sacrificial context (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Grain Offering")), in a secular or diplomatic context, as here, it denotes a tribute or homage. It signifies a gift given to acknowledge superior status or to secure favor, rather than a reciprocal exchange. In 2 Chronicles 9:24, it clearly indicates the submission and respect paid by foreign rulers to Solomon, underscoring his preeminent position.
* **Harness (Hebrew, _nesheq'_):** The Hebrew term נֶשֶׁק (_nesheq_) broadly refers to "weapons," "armor," or "military equipment." In this specific context, given its proximity to "horses" and "mules," it likely refers to the accoutrements associated with cavalry or chariotry—such as armor for horses, bridles, bits, or even the weapons carried by mounted soldiers. This highlights the strategic and military value of some of the gifts, indicating that the tribute was not merely luxurious but also contributed to Solomon's military strength and defense capabilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought every man his present":** This opening clause establishes the widespread nature of the tribute, indicating that numerous individuals, specifically foreign kings and their representatives (as implied by the preceding verses), participated in this annual act of homage. The phrase "every man" emphasizes the universality of this recognition of Solomon's authority and wisdom.
* **"vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules":** This detailed enumeration provides a concrete inventory of the valuable goods flowing into Solomon's kingdom. "Vessels of silver, and vessels of gold" denote wealth and luxury. "Raiment" refers to fine clothing or textiles, a significant marker of status and trade. "Harness" (military equipment), "horses, and mules" point to the strategic and military strength that these gifts augmented, as well as their value in trade and transport. "Spices" signify exotic luxury goods, often used for anointing, perfumes, or culinary purposes, indicating access to distant and valuable trade networks. The sheer variety and value of these items underscore the immense prosperity and international reach of Solomon's empire.
* **"a rate year by year":** This final phrase is crucial, emphasizing the regularity and continuity of this tribute. It was not a one-time event but an established, annual practice, signifying a formalized system of international relations where Solomon was consistently acknowledged as the dominant power. This annual influx of resources contributed to the sustained economic and military strength of his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey Solomon's unparalleled status. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the detailed listing of "vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules." This extensive catalog of valuable goods serves to impress upon the reader the sheer volume and diversity of wealth flowing into Solomon's kingdom, making his prosperity tangible and undeniable. The preceding context, stating that "all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon," utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the global reach of his reputation and influence, even if not literally every king on earth visited him. This exaggeration effectively communicates the widespread recognition of his wisdom and power. Furthermore, the consistent "a rate year by year" creates a sense of **Rhythm and Repetition**, underscoring the enduring and systematic nature of this tribute, reinforcing the idea of a stable and continuously flourishing kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:24 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Solomon and the Davidic line. Solomon's unprecedented wealth and international recognition were not merely the result of shrewd diplomacy or military might, but a direct consequence of God's blessing, particularly in response to Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people ([1 Kings 3:11-13](/1_kings/3-11 "1 Kings 3:11-13 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Riches")). This verse illustrates the principle that when a ruler (or a people) walks in obedience and seeks God's wisdom, divine favor can manifest in tangible prosperity and widespread respect, serving as a visible sign of God's presence and power among His chosen people. It also foreshadows a future kingdom where all nations will bring their glory and honor to the true King.

* [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Riches and Wisdom Exceed All Kings")
* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalms/72-10 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings Bring Tribute to the Righteous King")
* [Isaiah 60:5-6](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5-5 - Nations Bringing Wealth to Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The depiction of Solomon's unparalleled wealth and influence in 2 Chronicles 9:24 offers a profound opportunity for reflection on the nature of true prosperity and the source of lasting influence. While Solomon's reign represents a peak of earthly glory, it also serves as a reminder that even the greatest human achievements and material blessings are ultimately temporary and dependent on divine favor. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider what "presents" we are bringing, not to an earthly king, but to the King of Kings. Our ultimate "tribute" should be lives lived in obedience, hearts seeking God's wisdom above all else, and resources dedicated to His kingdom. Just as Solomon's wisdom drew the nations, our lives, transformed by Christ's wisdom, can become a testimony that draws others to the true source of all blessing. This passage encourages us to pursue a wisdom that yields eternal dividends, recognizing that true wealth is found not in accumulation, but in alignment with God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's prosperity challenge or confirm my understanding of God's blessings in the lives of His people?**
* **What kind of "tribute" am I bringing to God in my daily life, beyond material possessions?**
* **In what ways can seeking God's wisdom, like Solomon did, lead to influence and blessing in my own sphere of life?**
* **How does the temporary nature of Solomon's earthly glory inform my perspective on material wealth and success today?**

### FAQ

**Was Solomon's wealth and the tribute he received a sign of God's approval?**

Answer: Yes, the Chronicler presents Solomon's immense wealth and the tribute he received as a direct manifestation of God's blessing and approval. This is explicitly linked to God's promise to Solomon in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon"), where God states, "I will give you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that in all your days there will not be anyone like you among the kings." The prosperity was a visible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and the peace and abundance enjoyed by Israel under a king who initially sought wisdom from God. However, it's also important to note that later in his reign, Solomon's accumulation of wealth and foreign alliances, particularly his many wives, led him astray from God's commands ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")), demonstrating that even divine blessings can be misused.

**What was the significance of "a rate year by year"?**

Answer: The phrase "a rate year by year" signifies that the tribute was an annual, regular, and formalized payment. This was not a one-off gift but an ongoing obligation or custom. It underscores the sustained nature of Solomon's international influence and the stability of his kingdom. It implies that foreign kings consistently acknowledged Solomon's preeminence and power, ensuring a continuous flow of valuable resources into Jerusalem, which further solidified his economic and military standing. This annual tribute was a concrete expression of geopolitical hierarchy and Solomon's status as a dominant regional power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 9:24 vividly portrays the earthly glory and material abundance of Solomon's kingdom, it ultimately points beyond itself to the greater King, Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, which drew kings from afar, foreshadows Christ, who is the very [wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God"). The immense wealth and annual tribute brought to Solomon, signifying the nations' recognition of his authority, serve as a type for the ultimate universal homage that will be paid to Christ. The New Testament speaks of a time when "every knee shall bow" and "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Just as kings brought their finest to Solomon, the nations will one day bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem, where Christ reigns supreme ([Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Bring Their Glory to the New Jerusalem")). Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, was a temporary and imperfect glimpse of the eternal, perfect kingdom of God, where Christ, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), rules with absolute righteousness and receives the worship and adoration of all creation, a tribute far surpassing silver and gold.

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

1 Kings 10:25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

1 Samuel 10:27

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

1 Kings 9:14

And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold.

Psalms 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

1 Kings 10:10

And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:9

And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.

Job 42:11

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.