2 Chronicles 9:13

¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

Now the weight {H4948} of gold {H2091} that came {H935} to Solomon {H8010} in one {H259} year {H8141} was six {H8337} hundred {H3967} and threescore {H8346} and six {H8337} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091};

The weight of the gold Shlomo received annually came to twenty-two tons,

The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold,

Commentary

Context

This verse is found within a detailed account of King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, glory, and immense wealth, particularly following the visit of the Queen of Sheba (as described in 2 Chronicles 9:1-12). It serves as a direct parallel to 1 Kings 10:14, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon for riches and honor beyond any king before or after him. This specific verse quantifies the astonishing annual gold income that flowed into Solomon's treasury, showcasing the peak of Israel's prosperity during his reign.

Key Themes

  • Unprecedented Wealth and Prosperity: The verse explicitly details the vast amount of gold Solomon received annually, underscoring the extraordinary economic boom during his rule. This was a visible sign of God's favor and blessing upon Israel.
  • Divine Blessing: Solomon's immense wealth was not merely the result of shrewd governance but a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him riches along with wisdom, because he had sought wisdom first (as seen in 1 Kings 3:13 and 2 Chronicles 1:12).
  • Solomon's Glory: The accumulation of such vast resources contributed significantly to Solomon's legendary status and the overall glory of his kingdom, reflecting the splendor of God's chosen king.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talents" (Hebrew: kikkar) refers to a unit of weight, not a coin, and was the largest unit of weight in the ancient Near East. A single talent of gold was an enormous amount, estimated to be around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). Therefore, "six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold" (666 talents) represents an astronomical sum, equivalent to over 22 tons of gold annually. While the number 666 later gains symbolic significance in other biblical contexts (e.g., Revelation 13:18), in this historical account, it simply denotes an incredibly vast quantity of wealth, emphasizing the sheer scale of Solomon's prosperity.

Practical Application and Reflection

Solomon's wealth serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to bless abundantly those who seek Him and His wisdom. It highlights that God can provide resources beyond imagination. However, the narrative of Solomon's life also serves as a reminder that immense wealth, while a blessing, can also bring temptations and challenges if not managed with continued faithfulness. While God delights in blessing His people, true lasting riches are found in spiritual wisdom and a right relationship with Him, rather than solely in material possessions. This verse can encourage believers to trust in God's provision while also reflecting on how earthly blessings should be stewarded for God's glory, rather than becoming an end in themselves.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 10:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

  • 1 Kings 10:28 (2 votes)

    And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 68:29 (2 votes)

    Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.