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.

And she gave {H5414} the king {H4428} an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091}, and of spices {H1314} great {H3966} abundance {H7230}, and precious {H3368} stones {H68}: neither was there any such spice {H1314} as the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} gave {H5414} king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}.

Then she gave the king four tons of gold, spices in great abundance, and precious stones; there had never been spices like those the queen of Sh'va gave to King Shlomo.

Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:9 vividly details the extraordinary and unique gifts presented by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. This verse captures a pivotal moment in her visit, showcasing her immense generosity and the profound impression Solomon's wisdom and wealth made upon her.

Context

This verse is situated within the account of the Queen of Sheba's famous visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, a narrative also paralleled in 1 Kings 10. Having heard of Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom, she traveled from afar to test him with "hard questions." Her journey and the subsequent exchange of gifts and wisdom underscore Solomon's international renown, which was a direct result of God's blessing and the extraordinary wisdom granted to him, as promised in 2 Chronicles 1:12. The gifts she brought were not just customary diplomatic offerings but were of such magnitude and rarity that they emphasized the awe and respect she held for Solomon.

Key Themes

  • Unprecedented Generosity: The queen's gifts—"an hundred and twenty talents of gold," "great abundance" of spices, and "precious stones"—represent an enormous fortune. A "talent" was a significant unit of weight (approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms), making 120 talents of gold an astonishing sum, far exceeding typical tributes. This demonstrates the queen's profound respect and awe for Solomon and the divine wisdom she encountered.
  • Solomon's Divine Blessing: The narrative consistently portrays Solomon's wealth and wisdom as a direct outcome of God's favor and covenant faithfulness. The queen's lavish gifts serve as external validation of the global recognition of the prosperity and glory of Israel under Solomon's reign, a kingdom profoundly blessed by God. This echoes the biblical principle that the blessing of the Lord makes one rich.
  • Uniqueness of the Gifts: The phrase "neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon" emphasizes the rarity and exceptional quality of her offerings. These were not common trade goods but highly prized, perhaps unique, aromatic substances that added to the luxurious and exotic atmosphere of Solomon's court.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Talents of gold": The term "talent" (Hebrew: kikkar) refers to a substantial unit of weight, not a coin, and represented an immense quantity of gold. This detail underscores the staggering value of the tribute given.
  • "Spices great abundance": The spices (Hebrew: besamim) mentioned were not merely for culinary use but were highly valued in the ancient world for perfumes, incense, anointing oils, and medicinal purposes. Their abundance and unique quality highlight the opulence and exotic nature of the gifts.

Practical Application

While this verse describes material wealth and historical events, it offers insights into deeper spiritual truths. The Queen of Sheba's response to Solomon's wisdom serves as a powerful illustration of how individuals might respond to divine truth and wisdom. Her generosity was a natural outflow of her awe and profound respect for what she witnessed.

  • Appreciating True Wisdom: Just as the queen sought out Solomon's wisdom, we are called to prioritize seeking the wisdom that comes from God. This divine wisdom is infinitely more valuable than any earthly treasure, as highlighted in Proverbs 3:13-15.
  • Generosity as a Response: The queen's lavish gifts remind us of the spirit of generous giving, especially in response to receiving something of great value, whether it be wisdom, truth, or spiritual blessings from God.
  • Recognizing Divine Provision: Solomon's extraordinary wealth and wisdom were a clear testament to God's faithfulness and abundant blessing. This can encourage us to trust in God's provision and recognize His sovereign hand at work in our own lives, providing for our needs and often beyond.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

  • Psalms 72:15 (2 votes)

    And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

  • Psalms 72:10 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 9:24 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 10:10 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 9:14 (2 votes)

    And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold.