2 Chronicles 9:3

KJV

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} had seen {H7200} the wisdom {H2451} of Solomon {H8010}, and the house {H1004} that he had built {H1129},

Complete Jewish Bible

After the queen of Sh'va had seen Shlomo's wisdom, the palace he had built,

Berean Standard Bible

When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,

American Standard Version

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:3 marks a pivotal moment in the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, as her initial skepticism or curiosity gives way to profound astonishment. Having traveled from afar to test the renowned monarch, she now personally observes and comprehends the full scope of Solomon's divinely bestowed wisdom, evident not merely in his answers to her challenging questions but also in the tangible splendor and meticulous order of his kingdom, particularly the magnificent structures he had erected. This verse encapsulates her comprehensive assessment, setting the stage for her subsequent declaration of praise for God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit, which begins in [2 Chronicles 9:1](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - Queen of Sheba Arrives"). Her arrival is prompted by the widespread reports of Solomon's fame and wisdom. She comes with "hard questions" ([2 Chronicles 9:1](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon")) to test the veracity of these claims. Verse 3 serves as the culmination of her investigative phase, indicating that she has now moved beyond mere hearing to direct observation and internal conviction. It immediately precedes her overwhelming reaction of astonishment and the detailed description of what she saw in [2 Chronicles 9:4-5](/2_chronicles/9-4 "2 Chronicles 9:4-5 - Queen of Sheba's Reaction to Solomon's Splendor"), leading to her blessing of the Lord in [2 Chronicles 9:8](/2_chronicles/9-8 "2 Chronicles 9:8 - Queen of Sheba Blesses God"). This verse is thus a crucial turning point, signifying the irrefutable evidence of Solomon's God-given wisdom and prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visit of the Queen of Sheba (likely from a region in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia) was a significant international event in the ancient Near East. Such royal visits often served diplomatic, economic, and political purposes, involving the exchange of gifts and the forging of alliances. For the Queen to undertake such a long and arduous journey underscores the immense reputation Solomon had garnered across the known world. His reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and architectural achievements. The "house that he had built" primarily refers to the glorious Temple in Jerusalem, completed seven years prior ([2 Chronicles 5:1](/2_chronicles/5-1 "2 Chronicles 5:1 - Dedication of the Temple")), but also includes his own magnificent royal palace and other administrative buildings. These structures were not merely displays of wealth but were integral to the functioning of his kingdom and served as tangible symbols of God's blessing on Israel and its king.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Manifestation of Divine Wisdom**, demonstrating that God's wisdom, granted to Solomon in [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom"), was not abstract but visibly expressed in the order, administration, and even the aesthetics of his kingdom. Secondly, it underscores **Architectural Grandeur as Testimony**, as the "house that he had built" stands as a concrete testament to God's presence and the prosperity He had brought to Israel. The Temple, in particular, was the epicenter of Israel's worship and a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness. Thirdly, the Queen's visit signifies the **Global Recognition of God's Blessing**, as a foreign monarch travels great distances to witness the glory of Solomon, and by extension, the God who blessed him. This serves as a powerful testimony to the nations of God's glory and power, as seen through the success of His chosen king, fulfilling the promise that God's name would be known among the nations. The parallel account in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - Queen of Sheba's Visit") further details this significant encounter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"seen" (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual glance; it implies a thorough observation, a comprehensive understanding, and an experiential encounter. The Queen didn't just visually perceive Solomon's wisdom and buildings; she grasped their full import, their order, their beauty, and their divine origin. This "seeing" leads directly to her profound astonishment and confession.
* **"wisdom" (Hebrew, _chokmah'_):** While often translated as "wisdom," _chokmah_ encompasses a broader range of meaning than mere intellectual knowledge. It refers to practical skill, discernment, administrative ability, and the capacity to live skillfully and successfully according to God's principles. The Queen observed this comprehensive wisdom in action, not only in Solomon's profound answers to her riddles but also in the efficient administration of his court, the orderly conduct of his servants, and the very design and construction of his kingdom's infrastructure.
* **"house" (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While literally meaning "house" or "palace," in this context, "the house that he had built" primarily refers to the magnificent Temple dedicated to the Lord, which was the crowning achievement of Solomon's building program ([2 Chronicles 6:1](/2_chronicles/6-1 "2 Chronicles 6:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple")). It also implicitly includes his grand royal palace and other governmental structures. These buildings were not just displays of wealth but were tangible expressions of the order, prosperity, and divine blessing that characterized Solomon's reign, all stemming from his God-given wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the queen of Sheba had seen":** This phrase marks a transition from the Queen's initial hearing of reports and her subsequent testing of Solomon to a state of direct, undeniable observation. Her journey and her "hard questions" were aimed at verifying what she had heard; now, she has personally witnessed the reality, leading to an irrefutable conviction.
* **"the wisdom of Solomon":** This refers to the practical, administrative, and discerning wisdom that God had granted Solomon ([2 Chronicles 1:10-12](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10-12 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")). The Queen saw this wisdom manifested in Solomon's ability to govern justly, to organize his vast kingdom efficiently, to manage his immense wealth, and to answer her most perplexing questions with unparalleled insight. It was a wisdom that permeated every aspect of his rule, reflecting God's blessing upon him.
* **"and the house that he had built":** This refers to the tangible evidence of Solomon's wisdom and God's blessing, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem and his royal palace complex. These architectural marvels were not only aesthetically grand but also functionally sophisticated, demonstrating Solomon's skill in planning, construction, and resource management—all products of his divine wisdom. The sheer scale, beauty, and order of these structures served as a powerful, visible testimony to the greatness of Solomon's kingdom and, by extension, the God who empowered him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the pairing of "wisdom" (an intangible quality) with "the house that he had built" (a tangible, monumental achievement). This highlights that Solomon's divine wisdom was not merely theoretical but had concrete, visible manifestations. The narrative also employs **Emphasis** through the Queen's direct observation, underscoring the undeniable nature of what she witnessed. The "house" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only Solomon's power and wealth but, more significantly, the presence of God among His people and the prosperity that comes from divine blessing. The grandeur described, though understated in this specific verse, implies a degree of **Hyperbole** in the broader narrative, suggesting that the reality far exceeded any prior reports, leading to the Queen's overwhelming reaction in subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 9:3 serves as a powerful theological statement about the visible manifestation of God's blessing and wisdom in the world. Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his kingdom were not merely for his personal glory but were intended to be a testimony to the nations, drawing them to recognize the one true God. The Queen of Sheba's journey and her subsequent awe demonstrate that divine wisdom, when applied in human affairs, produces tangible results that bear witness to the source of that wisdom. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom is practical and impactful, transforming not only individuals but also societies and structures, reflecting God's order and glory. This encounter foreshadows a time when all nations would come to Jerusalem to learn of the Lord.

* [1 Kings 10:4-5](/1_kings/10-4 "1 Kings 10:4-5 - Queen of Sheba's Reaction to Solomon's Splendor")
* [Proverbs 8:1-11](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-11 - Wisdom Personified")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Nations Flowing to Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. Just as the Queen of Sheba was compelled to acknowledge Solomon's wisdom through its tangible manifestations, so too should our lives, when lived according to God's wisdom, bear visible fruit that testifies to His character and power. Our integrity in work, the orderliness of our homes, the love in our relationships, and the excellence in our endeavors can all become "houses" that we build, reflecting the divine wisdom at work within us. This isn't about seeking personal glory, but about living in such a way that others are drawn to inquire about the source of our peace, discernment, and fruitfulness. It encourages us to prayerfully seek God's wisdom not just for intellectual understanding, but for practical application in every sphere of life, knowing that such a life can be a powerful, attractive witness to a watching world, ultimately pointing to God's greatness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's wisdom tangibly manifest in my life, my family, and my community?**
* **What "houses" (e.g., career, relationships, ministries, personal habits) am I building that genuinely reflect God's character and wisdom to those around me?**
* **In what ways can my daily life and choices serve as a compelling testimony to God's greatness for those who do not yet know Him?**

### FAQ
**What was the "house" Solomon built that impressed the Queen of Sheba?**

Answer: The "house" primarily refers to the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Israel's worship and a symbol of God's presence. However, it also implicitly includes Solomon's grand royal palace and other impressive administrative and residential structures he constructed throughout his kingdom. These buildings were not only aesthetically grand but also demonstrated remarkable engineering and organization, all products of Solomon's God-given wisdom and the prosperity of his reign.

**Why was the Queen of Sheba so impressed by Solomon's wisdom and his buildings?**

Answer: The Queen had heard widespread reports of Solomon's extraordinary wealth and wisdom, but seeing it firsthand far exceeded her expectations. Her astonishment stemmed from witnessing the practical, comprehensive nature of his wisdom, evident not only in his profound answers to her "hard questions" but also in the meticulous order of his court, the efficiency of his administration, the abundance of his provisions, and the sheer grandeur and sophistication of his architectural achievements, especially the Temple. It was a visible, undeniable testament to God's blessing upon him, as described in [2 Chronicles 9:4-5](/2_chronicles/9-4 "2 Chronicles 9:4-5 - Queen of Sheba's Overwhelming Impression").

**Is there a parallel account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon in another book of the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, a very similar and complementary account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is found in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - Parallel Account of Queen of Sheba's Visit"). Both accounts emphasize the Queen's testing of Solomon, her overwhelming impression, and her subsequent praise for God who had blessed Solomon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The glory of Solomon's wisdom and the splendor of the "house that he had built" serve as a magnificent, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of the ultimate wisdom and glory found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely granted, was but a shadow of God's own perfect wisdom, which is fully embodied in Christ, who is described as the "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")). Jesus Himself declared, "Behold, something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Jesus Greater Than Solomon")), indicating that all the wisdom, wealth, and glory of Solomon's reign find their true and eternal fulfillment in Him. Furthermore, the magnificent Temple built by Solomon, which so impressed the Queen of Sheba, ultimately points to Christ as the true Temple—the place where God perfectly dwells among His people. Jesus spoke of destroying and raising up the Temple in three days, referring to His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple of His Body")), and through Him, believers are built together into a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Spiritual Temple")). The Queen of Sheba's journey from the ends of the earth to witness Solomon's glory prefigures the ultimate gathering of all nations to Christ, the King of kings, who will build an eternal kingdom and a perfect spiritual house, far surpassing any earthly splendor.

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 3:1

¶ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 Chronicles 3:4

And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house], the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

1 Kings 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 6:7

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

1 Kings 10:3

And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not [any] thing hid from the king, which he told her not.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.