2 Chronicles 9 13

2 Chronicles 9:13 kjv

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

2 Chronicles 9:13 nkjv

The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold,

2 Chronicles 9:13 niv

The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents,

2 Chronicles 9:13 esv

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold,

2 Chronicles 9:13 nlt

Each year Solomon received about 25 tons of gold.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 13 Meaning

This verse states the precise amount of gold Solomon regularly received annually, totaling six hundred and sixty-six talents. It emphasizes the extraordinary and sustained wealth that characterized his reign, directly stemming from God’s blessings and a testament to the unparalleled glory and prosperity of his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 9 13 Context

This verse is found within a chapter that details the immense wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon, particularly following the impressive visit of the Queen of Sheba who witnessed his unparalleled kingdom firsthand. Chapter 9 immediately precedes this verse with a vivid account of her visit, where she marvels at Solomon's wisdom, his palace, and the service in his kingdom. Verse 13 specifically quantifies the immense and annual flow of gold into Solomon's treasury, highlighting the regular, ongoing prosperity rather than a one-time influx. In the broader context of 2 Chronicles, which emphasizes God's dealings with the kings of Judah based on their obedience, Solomon's wealth serves as a prime example of God’s extraordinary blessing upon a king who sought wisdom and was, for a significant part of his reign, faithful. The chronicler focuses on the glorious aspects of Solomon’s reign to showcase the ideal Israelite kingship as blessed by Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 9 13 Word analysis

• Now the weight (מִשְׁקָל - mishqal): This Hebrew term denotes a precise, measured quantity, emphasizing the exactness of the accounting of gold. It speaks to a systematic revenue stream rather than an incidental sum.
• of gold (זָהָב - zahav): Gold was the most prized and durable form of wealth in the ancient world, representing ultimate value and status. Its presence signifies supreme affluence and economic power.
• that came to Solomon: This phrase indicates the source of the gold was revenue flowing to him, largely from tribute, taxes from vassal states, and extensive trade conducted by his navy and merchants (as seen in surrounding verses like 2 Chr 9:14, 21). It points to a well-established economic system under his control.
• in one year: This is a crucial temporal detail. It indicates that the amount stated is not a total accumulated wealth or a one-time acquisition, but a consistent, annual income. This speaks to the sustainability and scale of Solomon's prosperity.
• was six hundred threescore and six talents: This numerical value (600 + 60 + 6 = 666) specifically defines the vast amount of gold. In the Old Testament context, the number 666, particularly here, signifies a large, complete human measure of earthly wealth and grandeur. A "talent" (כִּכָּר - kikkar) was a standard unit of weight in the ancient Near East, roughly equivalent to about 75 pounds (or approximately 34 kilograms) of metal. Therefore, 666 talents of gold represent an astonishing sum of over 22 metric tons of gold annually, testifying to the unprecedented opulence of Solomon's kingdom.

Words-group analysis

• "Now the weight of gold": This phrase introduces the subject: a quantified measure of the precious metal. It signals a factual and verifiable statement of wealth.
• "came to Solomon in one year": This group clarifies the source and regularity of the income. It highlights Solomon's economic might and the established, yearly tribute or trade revenues he commanded, showcasing the king's consistent and immense economic control.
• "six hundred threescore and six talents of gold": This entire numerical and quantitative statement underlines the immense, almost incomprehensible scale of wealth. It sets Solomon apart from any other king of his time, serving as a powerful demonstration of divine blessing manifested in material prosperity and reflecting the kingdom's peak of earthly glory.

2 Chronicles 9 13 Bonus section

The sum of 666 talents of gold annually, though vast, does not account for all of Solomon's wealth. It specifically highlights the regular income. Other sources of wealth, like gifts from visiting dignitaries such as the Queen of Sheba (2 Chr 9:9), specific trade ventures like the navy to Ophir bringing silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks (2 Chr 9:21), and the gold received from the merchants and kings of Arabia (2 Chr 9:14) would add to his cumulative riches. The repeated mention of gold (2 Chr 9:20, 22) and silver (2 Chr 9:20, 27) filling the kingdom, making silver "as common as stones" (2 Chr 9:27), further accentuates the unparalleled nature of Solomon’s economic might. This picture of immense, unparalleled wealth functions as a hyperbolic illustration, emphasizing how abundantly God blessed Solomon beyond human expectation or ambition, fulfilling the divine promise.

2 Chronicles 9 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:13 starkly portrays King Solomon's astounding material wealth, particularly the vast annual influx of gold into his kingdom. This figure of 666 talents, received yearly, underscores the unprecedented prosperity that God bestowed upon Solomon, fulfilling promises of riches in addition to wisdom (1 Kgs 3:13, 2 Chr 1:12). This was not merely stored treasure but a dynamic, recurring income, sourced from extensive international trade, tribute from vassal states, and internal taxes, reflecting a thriving economy. The Chronicler emphasizes this wealth not for its own sake, but as a tangible sign of divine favor and blessing upon a king who initially walked in God's ways, illustrating the blessed state of a kingdom under divine governance. However, this opulent portrayal also implicitly serves as a poignant contrast, subtly foreshadowing the later decline of Solomon's kingdom when faithfulness waned, revealing the transient nature of even divinely granted earthly prosperity when the heart turns from God. For believers, this verse stands as a testament to God's capacity for generous provision, while also calling for reflection on the ultimate value of spiritual riches over transient earthly ones.