2 Chronicles 9:3

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the climactic account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Having traveled from a distant land, likely modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, she came to test Solomon with hard questions and to witness firsthand the reports of his extraordinary wealth and divinely granted wisdom. Verse 3 marks a turning point in her observation, indicating that she had now fully taken in the grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, specifically his wisdom and the impressive architectural achievements, which would lead to her profound astonishment.

Key Themes

  • Manifestation of Divine Wisdom: The Queen's observation highlights that Solomon's wisdom was not just theoretical but visibly expressed in the order, administration, and even the aesthetics of his kingdom. It was a wisdom that permeated every aspect of his rule, reflecting God's blessing upon him.
  • Architectural Grandeur as Testimony: The "house that he had built" primarily refers to the glorious Temple dedicated to the Lord, but also implicitly includes Solomon's magnificent royal palace and associated structures. These buildings were not merely displays of wealth but stood as tangible symbols of God's presence and the prosperity He had brought to Israel under Solomon's reign.
  • Global Recognition of God's Blessing: The fact that a foreign monarch traveled so far to verify these reports underscores the widespread fame of Solomon and, by extension, the God who had blessed him. This visit served as a powerful testimony to the nations of God's glory and power, as seen through the success of His chosen king. The parallel account in 1 Kings 10 details this event.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is chokmah (ื—ึธื›ึฐืžึธื”), which signifies more than just intellectual knowledge. It encompasses practical skill, discernment, and the ability to live skillfully and successfully according to God's principles. The Queen observed this comprehensive wisdom in action, not just in Solomon's answers but in the very fabric of his kingdom, including the magnificent Temple and his royal palace.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that true wisdom, particularly that which comes from God, is not abstract but has practical, visible implications. Our lives, when lived according to God's wisdom, can be a powerful testimony to others, drawing attention not to ourselves but to the source of that wisdom. Just as the Queen of Sheba was impressed by the tangible results of Solomon's God-given wisdom, so too can our integrity, orderliness, and dedication in our endeavors reflect God's character to a watching world. It encourages us to build our lives on a foundation of divine principles, knowing that such a life can bear witness to God's greatness.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 3:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 11:23 (1 votes)

    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.