2 Chronicles 9:4

KJV

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the meat {H3978} of his table {H7979}, and the sitting {H4186} of his servants {H5650}, and the attendance {H4612} of his ministers {H8334}, and their apparel {H4403}; his cupbearers {H8248} also, and their apparel {H4403}; and his ascent {H5944} by which he went up {H5927} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}; there was no more spirit {H7307} in her.

Complete Jewish Bible

the food at his table, the manner of seating his officials, the manner in which his staff served him and how they were dressed, his personal servants and how they were dressed, and his manner of going up to the house of ADONAI, it left her breathless.

Berean Standard Bible

the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

American Standard Version

and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, his cupbearers also, and their apparel, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of Jehovah; there was no more spirit in her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:4 captures the profound and overwhelming impression King Solomon's magnificent court, meticulous administration, and devout worship made upon the Queen of Sheba. After witnessing the unparalleled order, lavish provision, and the reverent devotion displayed in Solomon's kingdom, from the food on his table and the attire of his many servants to the solemn procession to the Temple, she was left utterly breathless and astonished, her spirit completely overcome by the sheer grandeur and divine favor evident in his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, detailed in 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 and paralleled in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"). The Queen, having heard of Solomon's extraordinary fame and wisdom, travels from a distant land to test him with "hard questions" ([2 Chronicles 9:1](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1 - Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon")). After Solomon flawlessly answers all her inquiries ([2 Chronicles 9:2](/2_chronicles/9-2 "2 Chronicles 9:2 - Solomon Answers All Her Questions")), her attention turns to the physical manifestation of his kingdom's prosperity and order. Verse 3 describes her initial reaction to seeing "the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built," setting the stage for the detailed list of impressive elements in verse 4 that culminate in her profound astonishment. This verse serves as the climax of her observation, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Solomon's glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, wealth, and international influence. Jerusalem became a significant center for trade and diplomacy, attracting dignitaries like the Queen of Sheba, likely from the ancient kingdom of Saba in modern-day Yemen, a major hub for the lucrative incense trade. Ancient Near Eastern courts were often reflections of a king's power and divine favor, and Solomon's court was designed to impress. The detailed mention of "meat of his table," "sitting of his servants," "attendance of his ministers," and "apparel" highlights the highly structured and hierarchical nature of royal administration, where every detail, from the quality of food to the uniforms of staff, conveyed the king's status and wealth. The "ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" underscores the centrality of the Temple in Israelite life and Solomon's public piety, a crucial aspect of his kingship.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 9:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Solomon's Unparalleled Glory and Wisdom**, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him riches, honor, and wisdom beyond any king before or after him ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise to Solomon")). The meticulous description of his court showcases not just material wealth but also the efficiency and order of his administration, reflecting his divinely bestowed wisdom. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Global Recognition of God's Blessing**. The Queen of Sheba, a foreign dignitary, represents the nations coming to witness the splendor of God's chosen king, serving as a testament to the Lord's power and favor. Finally, the inclusion of "his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" emphasizes the **Centrality of Worship and Piety**. Her astonishment was not solely due to material opulence but also to the evident spiritual devotion and the integral role of the Temple in Solomon's life and kingdom, suggesting that true greatness is rooted in a relationship with God and expressed through worship. This blend of material glory and spiritual devotion is a hallmark of Solomon's reign as presented in Chronicles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach_):** The Hebrew word רוּחַ (_ruach_) is incredibly rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In the context of "there was no more spirit in her," it signifies a loss of breath, vitality, or inner composure due to overwhelming shock or awe. It's an idiom indicating that the Queen was left utterly breathless, speechless, and completely overcome, as if her very life force or inner resolve had been momentarily suspended. This goes beyond mere admiration, conveying a profound, almost physical, impact of what she witnessed.
* **Ascent (Hebrew, _aliyah_):** The term עֲלִיָּה (_aliyah_) literally means "going up" or "ascent." In this context, "his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" refers to the grand procession or ceremonial way Solomon used to go up to the Temple. This was not merely a physical path but likely a magnificent, elevated walkway or ramp, possibly adorned, that emphasized the solemnity and importance of approaching the sacred space. Its inclusion in the list of impressive sights indicates that Solomon's public worship and the grandeur associated with his devotion to God were as impactful to the Queen as his material wealth and administrative order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the meat of his table":** This refers to the lavish and abundant provisions served at King Solomon's royal banquets. It speaks to the immense wealth and generosity of the king, capable of feeding a vast court with exquisite and plentiful food, symbolizing prosperity and a well-managed kingdom.
* **"and the sitting of his servants":** This describes the orderly and hierarchical arrangement of Solomon's vast retinue of servants. It implies a highly organized and disciplined court, where each servant had an assigned place and performed their duties with precision, reflecting the king's administrative prowess and the smooth functioning of his household.
* **"and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel;":** This highlights the efficient and respectful service of Solomon's high-ranking officials and advisors, along with their impressive and probably uniform attire. Their "attendance" suggests their readiness, attentiveness, and the seamless execution of their duties, while their "apparel" speaks to the splendor and decorum of the royal court, further emphasizing the king's wealth and the dignity of his administration.
* **"his cupbearers also, and their apparel;":** The mention of "cupbearers" specifically underscores the meticulousness of Solomon's court. Cupbearers were trusted officials, often of high rank, responsible for the king's safety and well-being, tasting his drinks to guard against poison. Their inclusion, along with their distinctive "apparel," further illustrates the extensive and specialized nature of Solomon's royal staff and the grandeur of his daily life.
* **"and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD;":** This refers to the magnificent and solemn procession or pathway Solomon used to go up to the Temple for worship. This detail is crucial as it shifts the focus from material wealth and administrative order to Solomon's spiritual devotion and the centrality of the Temple in his kingdom. It suggests that the Queen was not only impressed by his earthly glory but also by his public piety and the grandeur of his worship.
* **"there was no more spirit in her.":** This powerful idiomatic expression signifies the Queen of Sheba's utter astonishment and being completely overwhelmed. It means she was left breathless, speechless, and profoundly moved, unable to process the sheer magnitude of what she had witnessed—a combination of Solomon's wisdom, wealth, order, and his evident devotion to God. Her spirit was literally "taken away" by the awe-inspiring spectacle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the Queen of Sheba's profound astonishment. **Merism** is evident in the comprehensive listing of various aspects of Solomon's court—from the "meat of his table" to the "apparel" of his "cupbearers"—to represent the totality of his splendor and order. This detailed enumeration creates a cumulative effect, building up the impression of overwhelming grandeur. The phrase "there was no more spirit in her" is a powerful example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. It is not meant literally to suggest she died, but rather to vividly convey the intensity of her shock and awe, leaving her breathless and speechless. Furthermore, the strategic placement of "his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" within this list demonstrates **Emphasis** on the spiritual dimension of Solomon's glory. By including his devotion alongside his material wealth and administrative efficiency, the text highlights that his piety was as impressive, if not more so, than his earthly possessions, underscoring the divine source of his unparalleled greatness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound astonishment of the Queen of Sheba, as described in 2 Chronicles 9:4, serves as a powerful testament to the tangible manifestation of God's blessings upon King Solomon and, by extension, upon Israel. God had promised Solomon unprecedented wisdom, riches, and honor, and this verse illustrates the magnificent fulfillment of that promise. The Queen's reaction signifies that God's glory, when channeled through His chosen instruments, can be so overwhelming that it leaves even the most discerning and powerful observers breathless. This narrative underscores the theological principle that divine blessing is not merely for the benefit of the recipient but also serves as a visible witness to the nations, drawing them to acknowledge the greatness of the God of Israel. It suggests that a life ordered by divine wisdom and devoted to worship can have a profound, even evangelistic, impact on those who observe it.

* [1 Kings 10:4-5](/1_kings/10-4 "1 Kings 10:4-5 - Queen of Sheba's Reaction to Solomon's Glory")
* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalm/72-10 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings Bring Tribute to Solomon")
* [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Queen of Sheba's response to Solomon's kingdom invites us to consider what truly leaves us breathless in our own lives. Is it the accumulation of material wealth, the efficiency of human systems, or the profound beauty and order that flow from God's presence and blessing? This verse challenges us to cultivate a life where our "ascent to the house of the LORD"—our devotion, worship, and spiritual disciplines—is as prominent and impactful as any earthly success we might achieve. When our lives, our homes, and our communities genuinely reflect God's wisdom, order, and generosity, they become powerful testimonies that can leave others in awe, not of us, but of the God we serve. We are called to live in such a way that the divine favor evident in our lives points beyond ourselves to the ultimate source of all wisdom and glory, prompting others to seek the true King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of God's character or creation leave you "no more spirit" (breathless) in awe?**
* **How does the order and beauty in your own life or community reflect God's wisdom and invite others to consider His greatness?**
* **In what ways can your "ascent" (your devotion and worship) to the Lord be a powerful, visible testimony to those around you?**

### FAQ

**What does "there was no more spirit in her" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "there was no more spirit in her" (Hebrew: וְלֹא הָיָה בָהּ עוֹד רוּחַ, _v'lo hayah bah 'od ruach_) is an idiom meaning she was utterly overwhelmed, breathless, and profoundly astonished. It signifies a state of shock so deep that it temporarily robbed her of her composure, vitality, or ability to speak. It's similar to saying someone was "left speechless" or "took their breath away." It conveys the immense emotional and physical impact of witnessing Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and the divine order of his kingdom. This was not mere admiration but a profound, almost spiritual, experience of awe.

**Why was the "ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" included in the list of impressive things?**

Answer: The inclusion of "his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD" is highly significant because it demonstrates that the Queen of Sheba's astonishment was not solely based on Solomon's material wealth or administrative efficiency. It highlights the centrality of worship and the Temple in Solomon's kingdom and life. This "ascent" likely refers to a grand, ceremonial procession or a magnificent architectural feature (like a bridge or ramp) that led from the palace complex to the Temple. Its grandeur and the solemnity of Solomon's public devotion to God were as awe-inspiring as his riches. It underscored that Solomon's wisdom and prosperity were divinely granted and rooted in his relationship with the Lord, making his piety an integral part of his impressive glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled glory of Solomon, which left the Queen of Sheba breathless, serves as a magnificent foreshadowing of the far greater glory of Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, wealth, and the order of his kingdom were a reflection of God's blessing, but they were ultimately temporal and limited. Jesus, however, is the very **Wisdom of God incarnate** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is the true and eternal King whose kingdom is not of this world, yet it surpasses all earthly splendor. While the Queen of Sheba traveled from afar to witness Solomon's wisdom, Jesus declares, "Behold, something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon")). His "table" is one of **spiritual nourishment** ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), His "servants" are those who follow Him in humility and truth ([John 13:13-15](/john/13-13 "John 13:13-15 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")), and His "ascent" was not merely to an earthly temple but to **heaven itself**, where He now reigns as our High Priest ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ Entered Heaven Itself")). The true "spirit" that leaves us breathless is the **Holy Spirit**, who reveals the glory of Christ and transforms us into His image ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). Solomon's glory was a shadow; Christ is the substance, the ultimate King whose presence truly leaves us in eternal awe and brings true life.

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

Ezekiel 44:3

[It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

Luke 12:37

Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Proverbs 9:5

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Psalms 119:81

¶ CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: [but] I hope in thy word.

1 Chronicles 9:18

Who hitherto [waited] in the king's gate eastward: they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

John 6:53

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.