2 Chronicles 9 10

2 Chronicles 9:10 kjv

And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:10 nkjv

Also, the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:10 niv

(The servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon brought gold from Ophir; they also brought algumwood and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:10 esv

Moreover, the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:10 nlt

(In addition, the crews of Hiram and Solomon brought gold from Ophir, and they also brought red sandalwood and precious jewels.

2 Chronicles 9 10 Cross References

Verse Text Reference
1 Ki 9:26-28 King Solomon also built a fleet of ships… from Ophir they brought 420 talents of gold… Ophir as a source of gold and Solomon's fleet.
1 Ki 10:11-12 The fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir a large quantity of almug wood and precious stones... The king used the almug wood to make supports for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almug wood has never been imported or seen since that day. Direct parallel to 2 Chr 9:10, details usage of algum/almug wood.
2 Chr 8:17-18 Then Solomon went to Ezion Geber… and Huram sent him ships... with his servants. These went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and brought from there 450 talents of gold… Parallel account in Chronicles of the joint expedition and gold.
Ps 45:9 Kings' daughters are among your honorable women; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Symbol of supreme wealth and beauty.
Job 28:15-16 It cannot be bought for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price... It cannot be valued in gold of Ophir, in precious onyx, or in sapphire. Compares the invaluable nature of wisdom to gold of Ophir and precious stones.
Isa 13:12 I will make people more rare than fine gold, and mankind more than the gold of Ophir. Metaphor for extreme rarity and value in the context of divine judgment.
1 Ki 5:1-12 When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in place of his father David, Hiram sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been a friend of David… So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the cedar and juniper he wanted… The cooperative relationship between Hiram/Huram and Solomon for materials.
2 Chr 2:3-16 Solomon sent this message to Hiram king of Tyre… Send me cedar, cypress and juniper logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants are skilled in cutting timber. My servants will work with yours… So Huram king of Tyre sent a letter to Solomon… Solomon's specific request to Huram for skilled labor and timber.
2 Chr 9:11 The king made from the algum trees stairways for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, and harps and lyres for the singers; never before had the like of them been seen in Judah. Directly follows and explains the specific uses of the algum wood imported.
Ex 28:17-20 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it… Precious stones used in sacred contexts, like the high priest's breastplate.
1 Chr 29:2 Now with all my ability I have provided for the house of my God the gold… the silver… bronze… iron… timber, and onyx stones and stones to be set, glittering stones and stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and alabaster in abundance. David's provision for the Temple also included diverse precious materials.
Rev 21:19-20 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone… Precious stones in the imagery of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing ultimate value and beauty.
1 Ki 10:1-10 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions… and gave the king 120 talents of gold, and spices in great quantity, and precious stones… Illustrates Solomon's widespread renown and receipt of precious gifts.
1 Ki 10:14-29 The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was 666 talents of gold… Also the merchants and traders brought gold and silver… The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore-fig trees… Detailed accounts of Solomon's incredible annual revenue and accumulation of wealth.
2 Chr 9:13-28 The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was 666 talents of gold… The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as common as sycamore-fig trees… Parallel to 1 Ki, emphasizing Solomon's vast material riches.
Matt 6:29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Jesus acknowledging Solomon's renowned glory and wealth, comparing it to God's natural creation.
Dt 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant… Divine source of wealth and prosperity, applicable to Solomon's abundance.
1 Chr 29:12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all… David's prayer acknowledging God as the ultimate source of wealth and dominion.
Prov 3:13-15 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields more than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Wisdom is more valuable than any precious material, highlighting Solomon's initial gift.
2 Chr 1:12 Therefore, wisdom and knowledge are granted you. And I will give you riches, possessions and honor such as no king who was before you or who will come after you will have. God's promise to Solomon directly linking wisdom to wealth and honor.
Hag 2:8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. Emphasizes God's ultimate ownership over all wealth, reinforcing that Solomon's wealth was by divine gift.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

2 Chronicles 9 10 Meaning

This verse details the significant contributions of joint expeditions by the servants of King Huram of Tyre and King Solomon of Israel. These maritime ventures, particularly those traveling to Ophir, primarily brought immense quantities of gold. Beyond the gold, they also imported valuable algum trees and various precious stones, contributing to the unparalleled wealth and splendor of Solomon's kingdom, particularly for the construction of the Temple and his royal palace. It highlights the vast economic prosperity and extensive trade network under Solomon's reign, largely seen as a manifestation of God's blessing.

2 Chronicles 9 10 Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy account of King Solomon's glorious reign, specifically detailing his immense wealth, international alliances, and monumental building projects. Chapter 9 of 2 Chronicles, in parallel with 1 Kings 10, primarily focuses on the visit of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon's vast riches, the daily provisions for his court, his many chariots and horses, and the unprecedented quantity of gold, silver, and precious materials accumulated during his time as king. Verse 10 particularly describes a critical source of these exotic materials: large-scale naval trade expeditions. These expeditions were conducted jointly with King Huram of Tyre, a key ally who provided naval expertise and ships, allowing Solomon to access distant and wealthy regions like Ophir. The broader historical context is a golden age for ancient Israel, a period of unparalleled peace, prosperity, and international influence, largely attributed by the Chronicler to God's blessing on Solomon's initial obedience and wisdom, especially as applied to the construction and furnishing of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 9 10 Word analysis

  • "And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon": This phrase emphasizes the collaborative nature of the maritime ventures. "Huram" (Hebrew: חוּרָם, Khuram), King of Tyre, was a Phoenician ruler with renowned seafaring and mercantile expertise. "Solomon" (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה, Shlomo), King of Israel, initiated and financed these grand enterprises. The repetition of "servants" highlights that these were structured, organized expeditions involving large workforces under both kings, demonstrating a strong international alliance and shared effort. The Hebrew particle גַּם (gam, "also" or "even") emphasizes Huram's active participation alongside Solomon, not just a subordinate role, underscoring the joint ownership and benefits of the trade.
  • "which brought gold from Ophir": This part specifies the primary and most valuable cargo. "Ophir" (Hebrew: אוֹפִיר, Ofir) was a distant, legendary source of high-quality gold, renowned for its purity. Its exact location remains debated by scholars (possible sites include the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, or India), signifying its remote and exotic origin. The reference to "gold from Ophir" denotes wealth of the highest standard and value, indicating the vast scale of Solomon's resource acquisition.
  • "brought algum trees": Identifies the second key import. "Algum trees" (Hebrew: אַלְגוּמִּים, 'algummim, also transliterated as "almug trees" in 1 Kings 10:11-12) refer to a precious, fragrant, and durable wood, likely sandalwood or a similar tropical hardwood. It was highly valued for its rarity, aroma, and use in fine craftsmanship, distinguishing it from common timber. Its mention signifies the luxurious and ornamental aspects of Solomon's acquisitions, not just raw materials.
  • "and precious stones": This phrase broadens the scope of imports beyond gold and specific wood. "Precious stones" (Hebrew: אֲבָנִים יְקָרוֹת, 'avanim yeqarot) is a general term encompassing various valuable gems and minerals. Their inclusion signifies the ultimate in luxury, beauty, and decorative potential, consistent with the opulence intended for the Temple and Solomon's palace. These gems often held symbolic or ritualistic significance in ancient cultures, further elevating their value beyond mere material worth.

Words-group analysis

  • "And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought...": This opening clause establishes the active collaboration between Israel and Tyre in the lucrative maritime trade. It portrays a powerful partnership that extended beyond geographical borders, leveraging the naval expertise of Tyre (a traditional seafaring nation) and the economic capacity and political influence of Solomon's prosperous kingdom. This partnership was crucial for enabling expeditions to distant lands like Ophir, far beyond Israel's immediate reach.
  • "gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones": This tripartite listing underscores the multi-faceted nature of the imported wealth. The phrase positions gold as the primary and most important commodity ("which brought gold from Ophir," followed by "brought" for the other items), followed by other high-value exotic goods. This list comprehensively depicts the opulence and rarity of the materials amassed during Solomon's reign, emphasizing not only the quantity but also the diverse and extraordinary nature of his resources, reflecting immense divine favor.

2 Chronicles 9 10 Bonus section

  • The Chronicler's narrative, written for the post-exilic community, frequently emphasizes the wealth and glory of the Davidic kingdom, particularly during Solomon's reign, to encourage the restored community with a vision of God's faithfulness and the potential for future blessing. The descriptions of material abundance served as a powerful reminder of God's past favor.
  • The acquisition of "algum trees" and "precious stones" goes beyond mere material gain; these specific items were primarily utilized for the construction and beautification of the Temple and for royal instruments of praise. This demonstrates a divine purpose for the vast wealth that Solomon received, directing resources towards God's glory and worship.
  • The mention of Ophir was significant because it symbolized ultimate wealth and distant, exotic resources in the ancient world. Connecting Solomon's kingdom to such a place magnified his international standing and the unprecedented extent of Israel's economic reach under his rule. This implied a global recognition of Solomon's dominion, albeit under God's ultimate authority.

2 Chronicles 9 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:10 succinctly highlights the economic foundation of Solomon's unparalleled wealth and the grandeur of his reign. It points to large-scale, international trade, specifically long-distance naval expeditions conducted in alliance with the Phoenicians of Tyre. The sourcing of gold from the fabled Ophir signifies an apex of prosperity and far-reaching influence. The accompanying imports of exotic "algum trees" and diverse "precious stones" underscore not just utilitarian accumulation, but also the acquisition of luxury goods critical for the splendid adornment of God's Temple and the royal palace, as detailed in subsequent verses (e.g., 2 Chr 9:11). The Chronicler emphasizes that this wealth was a direct result of God's blessings upon Solomon's wisdom and obedience, positioning it as a demonstration of divine favor toward Israel. This era serves as a benchmark for God's provision for His people when they walk in His ways.