2 Chronicles 9:26

And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.

And he reigned {H4910} over all the kings {H4428} from the river {H5104} even unto the land {H776} of the Philistines {H6430}, and to the border {H1366} of Egypt {H4714}.

He ruled over all the kingdoms from the [Euphrates] River through the land of the P'lishtim to the border of Egypt.

He reigned over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.

And he ruled over all the kings from the River even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 9:26 describes the vast extent of King Solomon's dominion and influence during the golden age of Israelite history. It highlights the unprecedented reach of his kingdom, symbolizing a period of peace, prosperity, and power for the nation under his reign.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (2 Chronicles 9:13-28) that elaborates on the immense wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon. Following the detailed account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, which underscored his unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, the text shifts to emphasize the political and geographical reach of his kingdom. It paints a picture of a powerful monarch whose influence extended far beyond the traditional borders of Israel, solidifying a period of unparalleled peace and prominence for the nation.

Key Themes

  • Vast Dominion and Influence: The primary theme is the geographical scope of Solomon's rule, encompassing "all the kings" from "the river" (typically the Euphrates) to "the land of the Philistines" and "the border of Egypt." This signifies a period of immense power and political stability for Israel, reflecting a high point in its history.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This extensive dominion echoes God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land boundaries for his descendants, stretching "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." Solomon's reign represents a near-complete historical realization of this expansive promise.
  • Solomon's Glory and Prosperity: The verse underscores the peak of Israel's power and international standing under Solomon, a direct result of his God-given wisdom and the divine blessings on his kingdom, as detailed throughout 2 Chronicles and its parallel account in 1 Kings.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "reigned over" (Hebrew: מָשַׁל, mashal) denotes strong authority and dominion, implying not just nominal overlordship but active rule or significant influence over these territories and their rulers.
  • "The river" (הַנָּהָר, hannahar) is consistently understood in biblical geography to refer to the great Euphrates River, marking the northern and eastern reaches of the promised land's ideal extent.
  • The mention of "the land of the Philistines" (southwest coastal plain) and "the border of Egypt" (southern frontier) further emphasizes the comprehensive geographical scope, highlighting that Solomon's reign truly encompassed the ideal boundaries of the land promised to Israel.

Related Scriptures

  • This description finds a direct parallel in 1 Kings 4:21, further emphasizing the historical scope of his kingdom.
  • This vast dominion also foreshadows the universal reign of the Messiah, often depicted in prophetic Psalms, such as Psalm 72:8, which speaks of a king ruling "from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 9:26 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness: The verse reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even generations after they were made. His word endures and comes to pass according to His perfect timing and plan.
  • Blessings of Wisdom and Obedience: Solomon's reign, initially marked by his pursuit of wisdom and a period of obedience to God, brought immense blessing, peace, and territorial expansion. While not a direct formula for personal prosperity, it illustrates how seeking God's wisdom and walking in His ways can lead to flourishing.
  • Foreshadowing Christ's Kingdom: Solomon's earthly kingdom, vast and glorious as it was, serves as a shadow of the ultimate, eternal, and universal kingdom of Jesus Christ. Christ's reign truly knows no bounds, encompassing all nations and peoples, and His kingdom is not merely geographical but spiritual, extending to the hearts of all who believe. This verse points to the greater King and His unending dominion.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 4:21

    And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

  • Genesis 15:18

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Exodus 23:31

    And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

  • 1 Kings 4:24

    For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

  • Daniel 7:14

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

  • Revelation 19:16

    And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

  • Joshua 13:2

    This [is] the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

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