2 Chronicles 9:20

And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold: none [were of] silver; it was [not] any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

And all the drinking {H4945} vessels {H3627} of king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} were of gold {H2091}, and all the vessels {H3627} of the house {H1004} of the forest {H3293} of Lebanon {H3844} were of pure {H5462} gold {H2091}: none were of silver {H3701}; it was not any {H3972} thing accounted {H2803} of in the days {H3117} of Solomon {H8010}.

All King Shlomo's drinking vessels were of gold; and all the utensils in the House of the L'vanon Forest were of pure gold; for in Shlomo's time, silver was regarded as having little value.

All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:20 offers a vivid glimpse into the unparalleled opulence of King Solomon’s reign, emphasizing the extraordinary abundance of gold in his kingdom. This verse, found within a broader section detailing his immense wealth and wisdom, paints a picture of a monarch whose riches surpassed all others of his time.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Chronicles 9 (and parallel accounts in 1 Kings 10) that describes the zenith of Solomon’s prosperity and fame. Following the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who was astonished by his wisdom and wealth, the text itemizes the sources and manifestations of his riches. The "house of the forest of Lebanon" refers to one of Solomon's magnificent palaces, a grand structure built primarily of cedar wood, which resembled a forest due to its numerous pillars. This building served various purposes, including an armory and a royal residence. The sheer volume of gold mentioned here underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon to grant him riches and honor beyond any king before or after him, in addition to his renowned wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Unprecedented Wealth: The verse highlights the extraordinary scale of Solomon's riches, where even common drinking vessels and items for his grand palace were made of pure gold. This level of luxury was unheard of.
  • Gold's Supremacy, Silver's Demotion: The striking statement that "none [were of] silver; it was [not] any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon" dramatically illustrates the abundance of gold. Silver, a precious metal in most ancient societies, was so common in Jerusalem during Solomon's time that it was considered worthless in comparison to gold, akin to common stones (2 Chronicles 9:27).
  • Divine Blessing and Fulfillment: Solomon's immense wealth was a direct result of God's blessing, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to those who seek Him and His wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses bracketed words like "[were of]" and "[was not]" to indicate words supplied for clarity in English. The original Hebrew emphasizes the directness: "all the drinking vessels of King Solomon, gold; and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon, pure gold. Silver was not anything." The phrase "pure gold" (Hebrew: sagur) implies refined, unalloyed gold, further emphasizing the quality and value of his possessions. The phrase "not any thing accounted of" (Hebrew: lo niksaf) literally means "was not esteemed" or "was not valued," powerfully conveying the devaluation of silver due to the overwhelming presence of gold.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 9:20 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to bless abundantly. While Solomon's wealth was a unique divine endowment for a specific purpose, it teaches us:

  1. God is the Ultimate Source of Provision: All blessings, whether material or spiritual, ultimately flow from God. Solomon's wealth was not solely due to his own efforts but to God's favor.
  2. The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Riches: While this verse celebrates Solomon's prosperity, the broader biblical narrative, including Solomon's later spiritual decline despite his riches, reminds us that material wealth, no matter how vast, cannot guarantee lasting satisfaction or spiritual fidelity.
  3. Perspective on Value: The verse challenges us to consider what we truly value. If silver was "nothing accounted of" in Solomon's day, what are we setting our hearts on today? True and lasting riches are found in storing up treasures in heaven, which are imperishable.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 31:5 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:27 (2 votes)

    And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the low plains in abundance.

  • Isaiah 2:22 (2 votes)

    Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

  • Daniel 5:2 (2 votes)

    Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

  • Daniel 5:3 (2 votes)

    Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

  • 1 Kings 10:21 (2 votes)

    And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

  • Esther 1:7 (2 votes)

    And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.