2 Chronicles 9:5

And she said to the king, [It was] a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:

And she said {H559} to the king {H4428}, It was a true {H571} report {H1697} which I heard {H8085} in mine own land {H776} of thine acts {H1697}, and of thy wisdom {H2451}:

She said to the king, "What I heard in my own country about your deeds and your wisdom is true,

She said to the king, โ€œThe report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true.

And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:5 records the profound impression King Solomon's wisdom and prosperity made on the Queen of Sheba. Having traveled a great distance to witness his kingdom firsthand, she confirms that the extraordinary reports she had heard were not only true but were, in fact, understated.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the highly anticipated visit of the Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem. Found in both 1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9, her journey was motivated by Solomon's widespread fame for his God-given wisdom and the immense wealth of his kingdom. Before uttering this statement in verse 5, she had already "communed with him of all that was in her heart" (2 Chronicles 9:1) and observed his palace, his servants, his food, and the grandeur of the Temple he built. Her exclamation here signifies the climax of her awe and the confirmation of Solomon's unparalleled status.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom Manifested: The verse highlights the extraordinary nature of Solomon's wisdom, which was a direct gift from God in response to his prayer for an understanding heart to govern His people (1 Kings 3:9). This wisdom was not merely intellectual but practical, evident in his administration, judgment, and the prosperity of his kingdom.
  • Confirmation of Truth: The Queen's statement, "It was a true report," underscores the veracity of the accounts she heard. Her personal experience surpassed even the most incredible rumors, testifying to the tangible reality of God's blessing on Solomon. This theme resonates with the idea that divine truth often exceeds human expectation.
  • Solomon's Magnificence: "Thine acts, and of thy wisdom" points to both Solomon's profound insight and his tangible accomplishments. His "acts" include the building of the Temple, his administrative achievements, and the overall flourishing of Israel under his reign, all of which reflected his God-ordained wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "report" is shema (ืฉึตืืžึทืข), which literally means "hearing" or "what is heard." It can refer to a rumor, news, or fame. In this context, it refers to the widely circulated and accurate accounts of Solomon's achievements and wisdom. "Acts" comes from ma'aseh (ืžึทืขึฒืฉึถื‚ื”), denoting deeds, works, or accomplishments, while "wisdom" is chokmah (ื—ึธื›ึฐืžึธื”), a key biblical concept referring to skill, discernment, and insight, often divinely bestowed.

Practical Application

The Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of a life lived in alignment with God's wisdom. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Seeking Wisdom: Just as Solomon sought wisdom from God, we are encouraged to pursue divine wisdom, which is "more precious than rubies" (Proverbs 3:15).
  • Living Authentically: The Queen found the reports to be true, and even understated. Our lives should reflect the truth of our faith, allowing our "acts" and wisdom to bear witness to God's work in us.
  • The Power of Witness: The fame of Solomon's wisdom drew a foreign queen. Similarly, the genuine transformation and wisdom evident in a believer's life can draw others to investigate the source of that wisdom, which is God Himself. Even Jesus Himself referred to the Queen of Sheba as one who would condemn a generation that rejected His greater wisdom (Matthew 12:42).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 10:6 (2 votes)

    And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.