2 Chronicles 9 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Chronicles 9 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter details the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, showcasing his immense wisdom, wealth, and the glory of his kingdom.

The Queen's Arrival (vv. 1-4): Hearing of Solomon's fame, the Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem with a large caravan bearing spices, gold, and precious stones. She intends to test Solomon's wisdom with riddles and difficult questions.
Solomon's Wisdom (vv. 5-12): The Queen is overwhelmed by the magnificence of Solomon's palace, his wealth, the organization of his court, and the abundance of his offerings to God. Solomon answers all her questions, leaving her speechless with admiration.
Exchange of Gifts (vv. 13-14): Impressed by Solomon's wisdom and generosity, the Queen showers him with lavish gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones. Solomon, in turn, gives her everything she desires.
Solomon's Wealth and Splendor (vv. 15-28): The chapter concludes by highlighting the vastness of Solomon's wealth, his trade networks, his impressive army with chariots and horses, and the respect he commands from neighboring kingdoms.

Key Themes:

Wisdom: Solomon's wisdom is put on full display, solidifying his reputation as the wisest man alive.
Wealth and Prosperity: The chapter emphasizes the immense wealth and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, a testament to his wise rule and God's blessings.
International Recognition: The Queen of Sheba's visit signifies Solomon's fame and influence extending far beyond Israel's borders.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 9 portrays the peak of Solomon's reign, a time of unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and international prestige. However, it also subtly hints at the potential dangers of such opulence, setting the stage for the later chapters that depict Solomon's decline.

2 Chronicles 9 bible study ai commentary

The reign of Solomon reaches its apex in this chapter, serving as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to David. Through the visit of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon's divine wisdom is internationally validated, and his subsequent immense wealth is detailed as a sign of God's blessing. The chapter masterfully portrays Solomon as the ideal Davidic king—a king of peace, wisdom, and unparalleled glory—who serves as a prefigurement of the coming Messiah. However, embedded within this account of splendor are subtle yet critical allusions to the very transgressions that will lead to the kingdom's downfall, providing a cautionary tale for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience.

2 Chronicles 9 context

This chapter is set during the height of Israel's United Monarchy (c. 950 BC), when the nation controlled key international trade routes, resulting in immense prosperity. The Chronicler, writing to the post-exilic community in Jerusalem centuries later, deliberately focuses on the glory of this period. His purpose is theological: to present Solomon's kingdom as the ideal fulfillment of God's covenant with David and a model for the restored community. He strategically emphasizes Solomon's God-given wisdom and the temple's central role, while subtly omitting or downplaying the severe moral and spiritual failures (like widespread idolatry detailed in 1 Kings 11) that directly caused the kingdom's division. This creates a powerful portrait of a king whose success was entirely dependent on his relationship with Yahweh, offering hope and a blueprint for a future, greater kingdom.

2 Chronicles 9:1-2

When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great retinue and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to them.

In-depth-analysis

Queen of Sheba: Likely from the wealthy Sabaean kingdom (modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia), renowned for its control of the frankincense and spice trade. Her visit was a significant diplomatic and trade mission, not just a casual inquiry.
Fame of Solomon: The report was not just of his wealth, but specifically his God-given wisdom. Her journey underscores the international reach of his reputation.
Test with Hard Questions: The Hebrew word for "hard questions" is chidah, meaning riddles or enigmas. This was a common practice in ancient courts to test the intellectual and spiritual depth of a ruler. Her test was comprehensive.
Solomon Answered All: This is a key validation. His wisdom is not human intellect but a divine gift, comprehensive and complete. Nothing was "hidden" (alam), implying a supernatural insight that penetrates all mysteries. The Chronicler presents this as proof of God's presence with Solomon.

Bible references

Mat 12:42: "The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." (Jesus validates the historical event and uses her seeking as a rebuke to those who refuse to see Him).
1 Kin 10:1-2: "Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD... she came to test him with hard questions." (Parallel account, explicitly linking Solomon's fame to the "name of the LORD").
Jam 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all..." (Solomon is the prime OT example of this principle, having asked for wisdom in 2 Chr 1).

Cross references

1 Kin 4:29-34 (Extent of Solomon's wisdom); Psa 72 (Prophetic description of a wise and wealthy king); Prov 1:5-6 (The nature of wisdom and riddles).

2 Chronicles 9:3-4

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, and the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.

In-depth-analysis

Wisdom... and the House: She observed not just his words, but the physical manifestation of his wisdom: the architectural brilliance of his palace and the flawless organization of his kingdom.
Food, Seating, Attendance: This detailed list emphasizes the sophisticated order (mishpat or justice/order) that governed his entire court. This was evidence of a divinely ordered society.
His Burnt Offerings: The Hebrew literally says "his ascent by which he went up" (aliyyato). This could refer to the grandeur of the temple staircase, or more likely, the magnificence and order of the sacrificial worship itself. She saw that Solomon's administration was intrinsically linked to his worship of Yahweh.
No More Spirit in Her: A powerful Hebrew idiom (lo hayah bah od ruach). It signifies being utterly breathless, astonished, and overwhelmed. His wisdom and its effects surpassed even the most extravagant reports she had heard.

Bible references

Col 2:3: "...Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Solomon's wisdom is a type, a shadow, of the ultimate and perfect wisdom found only in Christ).
1 Chr 29:2: "So I have provided for the house of my God... gold, silver... for everything to be made of." (David prepared the wealth, Solomon administered it, fulfilling the plan).

Cross references

1 Kin 10:4-5 (Parallel account); Eph 3:10 (The church displaying God's wisdom to rulers); Rev 21:10-11 (The divinely ordered and glorious New Jerusalem).

2 Chronicles 9:5-8

And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God! Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”

In-depth-analysis

The report was true: Her testimony validates the claims. She becomes a gentile witness to the glory of Israel's God.
Blessed be the LORD your God: This is the theological climax of the visit. The Queen does not credit Solomon alone; she blesses Yahweh, acknowledging Him as the source of Solomon's position and success. This is a powerful apologetic statement by the Chronicler.
King for the LORD your God: The Chronicler's unique phrasing (not in the 1 Kings parallel) emphasizes that Solomon's throne is God's throne. He rules as God's representative.
Because your God loved Israel: The queen correctly interprets Solomon's glorious reign as a sign of God's covenant love (chesed) for His people and His desire to establish them forever.
Execute Justice and Righteousness: The ultimate purpose of a God-appointed king is not wealth or fame, but to establish divine justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tsedakah).

Bible references

Psa 72:1-2: "Give the king your justice, O God... May he judge your people with righteousness..." (A prayer for the ideal Davidic king, which Solomon embodies here).
Rom 11:29: "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (God's love for Israel and His promises to them are foundational to understanding Solomon's blessing).

Cross references

1 Kin 10:6-9 (Parallel account); 1 Chr 29:23 (Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD); Isa 9:7 (The messianic king will establish justice and righteousness).

2 Chronicles 9:9-12

Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. There were no spices such as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. And the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones. And the king made of the algum wood supports for the house of the LORD and for the king’s house, and lyres and harps for the singers. There never was seen the like of them before in the land of Judah. And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked, besides what she had brought to the king. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.

In-depth-analysis

120 Talents of Gold: An immense sum. A talent was approximately 75 pounds (34 kg), so this was about 9,000 pounds of gold, underscoring the wealth of her kingdom and the value she placed on the alliance.
Hiram... and Ophir: This aside links the Queen's visit to Solomon's other great international enterprise—the joint maritime venture with Tyre to the gold-rich land of Ophir (location debated, possibly India or Africa).
Algum Wood: A rare, high-quality wood (possibly red sandalwood) prized for its color and durability. Crucially, Solomon uses this luxurious, exotic material for the House of the LORD and for instruments of worship, directing the fruit of international trade toward God's glory.
Gave... All that she desired: Demonstrates Solomon's magnanimity and overwhelming resources. He could generously reciprocate her lavish gifts.

Bible references

1 Kin 9:26-28: "King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber... and they went to Ophir and brought from there gold, 420 talents..." (Context for the Ophir trade).
Psa 45:12: "...the daughter of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people." (Prophetic of a king receiving tribute from gentile nations).
Rev 21:24: "By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it." (Solomon’s kingdom receiving treasures from the nations is a foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem).

2 Chronicles 9:13-16

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels of beaten gold went into each large shield. And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; 300 shekels of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

In-depth-analysis

666 Talents of Gold: A shocking and specific number. While its exact significance is debated, it stands as a figure of ultimate human wealth and power, the pinnacle of what man can accumulate. In later biblical theology (Revelation 13:18), it becomes associated with the Antichrist, a man who epitomizes rebellion against God. Its use here may be a subtle, ominous hint by the Spirit that this zenith of human glory is itself dangerous and falls short of divine perfection (represented by the number 7).
Large Shields... Shields: These were not for practical warfare; they were ceremonial, displaying incredible wealth. Six hundred shekels is about 15 pounds (7 kg) of gold for one large shield.
House of the Forest of Lebanon: A magnificent state building, part of Solomon's palace complex, named for its extensive use of cedar pillars. It functioned as an armory and royal treasury. Placing the shields there was a statement of national power and prosperity.

Polemics

The number 666 is intentionally provocative. Scholars suggest it's not a coincidence. It represents the height of man-made glory, commerce, and political power without total reliance on God. While Solomon's kingdom is blessed by God, the sheer number points to a system of wealth and power so vast it verges on humanistic pride, subtly foreshadowing the idolatry of wealth itself.

Cross references

Rev 13:18 (The number of the beast is 666); 1 Kin 10:14 (Parallel account); Dan 2:32, 38 (The head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, symbolizing worldly kingdoms).

2 Chronicles 9:17-19

The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold. The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold, which were attached to the throne, and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests, while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom.

In-depth-analysis

Great Ivory Throne... overlaid with... gold: An object of unimaginable expense and artistry, combining two of the most precious materials of the ancient world. Ivory symbolized wealth and exotic power.
Six steps: The number six continues the theme of humanity, just short of divine perfection (seven).
Two Lions... Twelve Lions: The lion is a symbol of royalty, power, and the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:9). The two lions by the throne represent the king's authority, while the twelve lions on the steps represent the twelve tribes of Israel, united and secure under his righteous rule. It is a perfect symbol of the Davidic monarchy.
Never made in any kingdom: This superlative emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel's God and His chosen king.

Bible references

Gen 49:9-10: "Judah is a lion's cub... The scepter shall not depart from Judah..." (The messianic lineage Solomon belongs to is associated with the lion).
Rev 5:5: "And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah... has conquered..." (The ultimate fulfillment of the lion imagery in Jesus Christ).
Rev 4:2-4: "At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne." (Solomon's throne is a faint earthly shadow of the true throne of God).

2 Chronicles 9:20-24

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 not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his heart. Every one of them brought his present, year by year...

In-depth-analysis

Silver was not considered as anything: A hyperbolic statement to express the sheer abundance of gold. It illustrates an economy so super-charged that a precious metal became common.
Ships... to Tarshish: "Ships of Tarshish" became a term for large, long-distance sea vessels. Tarshish was likely in the far western Mediterranean (perhaps Spain), known for its metals.
Apes, and peacocks: These exotic animals were luxuries, a sign of extreme wealth and global reach.
Sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom: The climax is not his wealth, but the universal hunger for his wisdom, which the text explicitly states "God had put into his heart." Nations came and paid tribute, not to conquer him, but to learn from him.

Bible references

Mat 6:29: "...even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these [lilies]." (Jesus uses Solomon's ultimate glory as a point of comparison to show the superior care and beauty God provides in nature).
Col 2:3: "...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (All kings sought Solomon for earthly wisdom; all people must now seek Christ for eternal wisdom).

Cross references

1 Kin 10:21-25 (Parallel); Isa 2:16 (Prophecy against the "ships of Tarshish" as symbols of human pride); Isa 60:5-6 (Prophecy of nations bringing their wealth to Zion).

2 Chronicles 9:25-28

And Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. And horses were imported for Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.

In-depth-analysis

4,000 stalls for horses: A massive military buildup.
Horses... imported for Solomon from Egypt: This is a direct, undeniable violation of God's command for Israel's kings. It shows the seeds of self-reliance and worldly entanglement. The very nation Israel was delivered from (Egypt) now becomes Solomon's source of military might.
The Chronicler's Silence: Unlike the author of 1 Kings, the Chronicler does not explicitly condemn Solomon for this. He simply states it as a fact of his power. For his post-exilic audience, the warning is implicit: even in the height of glory, the path to apostasy begins with small compromises and a trust in worldly power (horses and chariots) over God.

Bible references

Deu 17:16: "Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’" (The clear command Solomon is violating).
Psa 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (A core tenet of faith that Solomon's actions undermine).

Cross references

1 Kin 4:26; 1 Kin 10:26-29 (Parallels, with 1 Kings explicitly tying this to the accumulation of wives and idolatry).

2 Chronicles 9:29-31

Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, from first to last, are they not written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat? Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

In-depth-analysis

History of Nathan... Ahijah... Iddo: The Chronicler cites his sources, underscoring the historical reliability of his account. These were prophetic records, indicating that history was seen through the lens of God's word and work.
Forty Years: A standard biblical number representing a full, complete generation of rule. It marks the end of an era.
Slept with his fathers: The standard euphemism for the death of a king in the Davidic line.
Rehoboam his son reigned: The transition is stated simply, but the reader of 1 Kings knows that this transition is where the kingdom tragically divides, a direct result of the excesses and compromises hinted at in this chapter and detailed elsewhere. The Chronicler ends Solomon's story on a high point, leaving the tragedy of the split for the next chapter.

Bible references

1 Kin 11:41-43: "Now the rest of the acts of Solomon... are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon?" (Parallel closing, noting Solomon's turn to idolatry as the reason for the kingdom's coming judgment).
Act 13:36: "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep..." (David is lauded for serving God's purpose, a subtle contrast to Solomon whose later life was a departure from it).

Cross references

2 Chr 12:15; 1 Chr 29:29 (Other instances of citing prophetic sources).

2 Chronicles chapter 9 analysis

The Solomon-Christ Typology: This chapter presents the most potent portrait of Solomon as a type of Christ. He is the Son of David, a King of Peace (Shlomo), who builds God's house, possesses divine wisdom (Col 2:3), receives worship-like honor from Gentiles (the Queen of Sheba), rules over a united kingdom (12 tribes/lions), and presides over a reign of unparalleled wealth and glory, a foreshadowing of the riches of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:24). Jesus himself refers to Solomon, stating that "something greater than Solomon is here" (Mat 12:42), confirming the typology.
The Chronicler's Agenda: The stark difference between this account and 1 Kings 10-11 reveals the Chronicler's purpose. By omitting Solomon's polygamy and apostasy from this summary, he isn't whitewashing history; he is creating an ideal. He presents the potential of the Davidic covenant when a king is aligned with God's wisdom. This served as a powerful encouragement for the post-exilic community to focus on temple worship and obedience as the path back to national glory.
The Warning of Wealth (The Deuteronomy 17 Pattern): The entire chapter can be read as a case study of a king breaking the threefold law of Deuteronomy 17:16-17: not to multiply horses (v. 25, 28), not to multiply wives (omitted here, but implied by the wealth and assumed by the original readers from 1 Kings), and not to multiply silver and gold (v. 13, 20). The glory itself, when pursued as an end, became the snare that led to the downfall.
Prophetic Sourcing: The mention of Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo as sources is critical. It reinforces a key biblical worldview: true history is written by the prophets. It is God's interpretation of events that matters, not merely a secular chronicle. This legitimizes the Chronicler's own theological shaping of the narrative.

2 Chronicles 9 summary

This chapter documents the climax of Solomon's glorious reign. The visit from the Queen of Sheba serves as international validation of his God-given wisdom, which is manifested in a kingdom of perfect order. His subsequent unparalleled wealth, global trade dominance, and magnificent throne are detailed as evidence of God's blessing. The chapter masterfully presents Solomon as an archetype of the Messianic king, but also embeds subtle warnings—like his massive accumulation of gold (666 talents) and horses from Egypt—that point to the very transgressions of divine law that will lead to his kingdom's imminent fracture.

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2 Chronicles chapter 9 kjv

¹ 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.
² And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.
³ And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
⁴ And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
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:
⁶ Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
⁷ Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
⁸ Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.
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.
¹⁰ And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
¹¹ And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.
¹² And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
¹³ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
¹⁴ Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
¹⁵ And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
¹⁶ And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
¹⁷ Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
¹⁸ And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
¹⁹ And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
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.
²¹ For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
²² And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
²³ And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
²⁴ 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.
²⁵ And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
²⁶ And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
²⁷ And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.
²⁸ And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
²⁹ Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
³⁰ And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
³¹ And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles chapter 9 nkjv

¹ Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions, having a very great retinue, camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.
² So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for Solomon that he could not explain it to her.
³ And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
⁴ the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers and their apparel, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
⁵ Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.
⁶ However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.
⁷ Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
⁸ Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God! Because your God has loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness."
⁹ And she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in great abundance, and precious stones; there never were any spices such as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
¹⁰ Also, the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones.
¹¹ And the king made walkways of the algum wood for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, also harps and stringed instruments for singers; and there were none such as these seen before in the land of Judah.
¹² Now King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, much more than she had brought to the king. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.
¹³ The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold,
¹⁴ besides what the traveling merchants and traders brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
¹⁵ And King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield.
¹⁶ He also made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
¹⁷ Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
¹⁸ The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne; there were armrests on either side of the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests.
¹⁹ Twelve lions stood there, one on each side of the six steps; nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.
²⁰ All King Solomon's drinking vessels were gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Not one was silver, for this was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.
²¹ For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.
²² So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
²³ And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
²⁴ Each man brought his present: articles of silver and gold, garments, armor, spices, horses, and mules, at a set rate year by year.
²⁵ Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem.
²⁶ So he reigned over all the kings from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.
²⁷ The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar trees as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.
²⁸ And they brought horses to Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.
²⁹ Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
³⁰ Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
³¹ Then Solomon rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles chapter 9 niv

¹ When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Arriving with a very great caravan?with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones?she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind.
² Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her.
³ When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built,
⁴ the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
⁵ She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
⁶ But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard.
⁷ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
⁸ Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness."
⁹ Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
¹⁰ (The servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon brought gold from Ophir; they also brought algumwood and precious stones.
¹¹ The king used the algumwood to make steps for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. Nothing like them had ever been seen in Judah.)
¹² King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she had brought to him. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.
¹³ The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents,
¹⁴ not including the revenues brought in by merchants and traders. Also all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the territories brought gold and silver to Solomon.
¹⁵ King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield.
¹⁶ He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred shekels of gold in each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
¹⁷ Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with pure gold.
¹⁸ The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them.
¹⁹ Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.
²⁰ All King Solomon's goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon's day.
²¹ The king had a fleet of trading ships manned by Hiram's servants. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.
²² King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.
²³ All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
²⁴ Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift?articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.
²⁵ Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.
²⁶ He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.
²⁷ The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.
²⁸ Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and from all other countries.
²⁹ As for the other events of Solomon's reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat?
³⁰ Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
³¹ Then he rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles chapter 9 esv

¹ Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great retinue and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.
² And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her.
³ And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
⁴ the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her.
⁵ And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,
⁶ but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.
⁷ Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
⁸ Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God! Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness."
⁹ Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There were no spices such as those that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
¹⁰ Moreover, the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones.
¹¹ And the king made from the algum wood supports for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, lyres also and harps for the singers. There never was seen the like of them before in the land of Judah.
¹² And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what she had brought to the king. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.
¹³ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold,
¹⁴ besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought gold and silver to Solomon.
¹⁵ King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels of beaten gold went into each shield.
¹⁶ And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; 300 shekels of gold went into each shield; and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
¹⁷ The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold.
¹⁸ The throne had six steps and a footstool of gold, which were attached to the throne, and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests,
¹⁹ while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. Nothing like it was ever made for any kingdom.
²⁰ 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 not considered as anything in the days of Solomon.
²¹ For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
²² Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
²³ And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.
²⁴ Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and of gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.
²⁵ And Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.
²⁶ And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.
²⁷ And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.
²⁸ And horses were imported for Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.
²⁹ Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, from first to last, are they not written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
³⁰ Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
³¹ And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles chapter 9 nlt

¹ When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She arrived with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind.
² Solomon had answers for all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her.
³ When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built,
⁴ she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD.
⁵ She exclaimed to the king, "Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true!
⁶ I didn't believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of your great wisdom! It is far beyond what I was told.
⁷ How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom!
⁸ Praise the LORD your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness."
⁹ Then she gave the king a gift of 9,000 pounds of gold, great quantities of spices, and precious jewels. Never before had there been spices as fine as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
¹⁰ (In addition, the crews of Hiram and Solomon brought gold from Ophir, and they also brought red sandalwood and precious jewels.
¹¹ The king used the sandalwood to make steps for the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and to construct lyres and harps for the musicians. Never before had such beautiful things been seen in Judah.)
¹² King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba whatever she asked for ? gifts of greater value than the gifts she had given him. Then she and all her attendants returned to their own land.
¹³ Each year Solomon received about 25 tons of gold.
¹⁴ This did not include the additional revenue he received from merchants and traders. All the kings of Arabia and the governors of the provinces also brought gold and silver to Solomon.
¹⁵ King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold, each weighing more than 15 pounds.
¹⁶ He also made 300 smaller shields of hammered gold, each weighing more than 7 1?2 pounds. The king placed these shields in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
¹⁷ Then the king made a huge throne, decorated with ivory and overlaid with pure gold.
¹⁸ The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, and the figure of a lion stood on each side of the throne.
¹⁹ There were also twelve other lions, one standing on each end of the six steps. No other throne in all the world could be compared with it!
²⁰ All of King Solomon's drinking cups were solid gold, as were all the utensils in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. They were not made of silver, for silver was considered worthless in Solomon's day!
²¹ The king had a fleet of trading ships of Tarshish manned by the sailors sent by Hiram. Once every three years the ships returned, loaded with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
²² So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth.
²³ Kings from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him.
²⁴ Year after year everyone who visited brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.
²⁵ Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his horses and chariots, and he had 12,000 horses. He stationed some of them in the chariot cities, and some near him in Jerusalem.
²⁶ He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south.
²⁷ The king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stone. And valuable cedar timber was as common as the sycamore-fig trees that grow in the foothills of Judah.
²⁸ Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and many other countries.
²⁹ The rest of the events of Solomon's reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Nathan the Prophet, and The Prophecy of Ahijah from Shiloh, and also in The Visions of Iddo the Seer, concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat.
³⁰ Solomon ruled in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years.
³¹ When he died, he was buried in the City of David, named for his father. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king.