2 Chronicles 9 14

2 Chronicles 9:14 kjv

Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:14 nkjv

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.

2 Chronicles 9:14 niv

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.

2 Chronicles 9:14 esv

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.

2 Chronicles 9:14 nlt

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.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 14 Meaning

2 Chronicles 9:14 details the unprecedented scale of King Solomon's annual income of gold. It states that "the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred sixty-six talents of gold." This verse highlights the peak of Solomon's earthly kingdom's prosperity and opulence, showcasing divine blessing alongside significant economic activity through trade, tribute, and taxes. This abundance solidified his reign as a golden age for Israel, unparalleled in its history.

2 Chronicles 9 14 Context

Chapter 9 of 2 Chronicles details the unprecedented glory and wisdom of King Solomon. It begins with the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who marvels at his wisdom, his palace, and the prosperity of his kingdom, acknowledging that the half was not told to her (2 Chr 9:1-8). Following this, the chapter enumerates various aspects of Solomon's immense wealth: the gold given by the Queen of Sheba (9:9), the amount of gold and silver arriving from various sources, the construction materials like almug wood, the lavish items crafted from gold like shields and thrones, and the vast fleet of ships engaged in lucrative trade (9:10-21). Verse 14 is strategically placed within this larger description of Solomon's affluence, specifying the foundational annual income of gold that supported his opulent lifestyle and grand building projects, including the Temple and his palace. Historically, this period marks the zenith of the unified Israelite monarchy, a time of peace and unmatched prosperity.

2 Chronicles 9 14 Word analysis

• Now: (Hebrew: וְהָיָה w'hāyāh - "and it was," or "and there was") – Functions as a conjunction, connecting the detailed description of Solomon’s wealth to the previous general statement of his surpassing riches. It introduces a specific fact.
• the weight: (Hebrew: מִשְׁקַל mishqal - "weight," "measure," "burden") – Refers to the measured quantity by weight, specifically of gold. It denotes a precise, substantial amount.
• of gold: (Hebrew: זָהָב zahav) – The precious metal, highly valued throughout the ancient world for its rarity, beauty, and durability. In biblical context, gold often symbolizes wealth, royalty, and even divine glory (e.g., in the Temple's adornment). Here, it signifies material prosperity.
• that came: (Hebrew: בָּא ba - "came," "entered," "arrived") – Implies that this gold was received by Solomon, indicating its source was external, primarily through trade agreements, tribute from vassal states, and perhaps customs or taxes from routes traversing his kingdom. It suggests an influx, not necessarily internal production.
• to Solomon: (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה Shelomoh) – The king of Israel, son of David, renowned for his wisdom and extraordinary wealth. The wealth is attributed directly to his reign and rule.
• in one year: (Hebrew: בְּשָׁנָה אֶחָת b'shanah ekhat) – Specifies the timeframe of this massive influx. It highlights the sustained, annual nature of his incredible prosperity, not just a one-off event. This indicates a consistent, vast income stream.
• was six hundred sixty-six talents: (Hebrew: שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת וְשִׁשִּׁים וָשֵׁשׁ כִּכְּרֵי shesh me’ot v’shishim vashish kik'rei) –
  • six hundred sixty-six: The numerical quantity, stated literally. In this context, it is a factual measurement, a monumental sum, underscoring the extraordinary scale of Solomon’s wealth. It is a precise detail in an economic report of his kingdom. It does not carry the symbolic or apocalyptic meaning found in Revelation 13:18, where it denotes the "number of the beast." Here, it simply conveys a literal, large quantity of gold.
  • talents: (Hebrew: כִּכָּר kikkar) – A large unit of weight, generally accepted to be between 75-125 pounds (approx. 34-57 kg), varying slightly by historical period and region. A "talent" of gold represents an enormous amount. The combined weight of 666 talents implies an unprecedented and mind-boggling sum of gold, underscoring Solomon's economic dominance.

2 Chronicles 9 14 Bonus section

• The immense quantity of 666 talents of gold in 2 Chronicles 9:14 indicates a highly sophisticated and effective economic administration under Solomon. This income wasn't purely tribute but came from a combination of:
  • Tribute from vassal states: Nations subject to Israel would send annual payments.
  • International trade: Solomon controlled strategic trade routes and engaged in extensive maritime trade (e.g., ships bringing gold from Ophir).
  • Customs/Taxes: Imposts on goods passing through Israel's territory.
  • Specific royal revenues: For instance, from the Queen of Sheba (2 Chr 9:9).
• The literal nature of "666 talents" in this historical record stands in stark contrast to the highly symbolic meaning of the "number of the beast" (Revelation 13:18). Bible scholars emphasize that while the numerical value is the same, their contexts, genres (historical account vs. apocalyptic prophecy), and intended meanings are entirely distinct. The Chronciler's primary aim was to impress upon the reader the unparalleled, divinely-bestowed glory and wealth of Solomon's reign, using precise, literal measurements.
• Despite this wealth, it is essential to remember that true, lasting "gold" in the spiritual sense comes from God's wisdom and obedience, not material accumulation alone (cf. Proverbs 8:18-21; Rev 3:18 for spiritual gold).

2 Chronicles 9 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:14 concisely yet powerfully underscores the pinnacle of Israel's national prosperity under King Solomon. The immense figure of 666 talents of gold annually highlights a kingdom blessed by God with extraordinary material abundance, consistent with the promise of "riches and wealth" given to Solomon in response to his prayer for wisdom (2 Chr 1:11-12). This gold influx facilitated grand architectural projects, including the Temple and Solomon’s vast palace, and supported a lavish court that demonstrated God's favor to the nations. However, while showcasing divine blessing, this verse, when viewed in the broader biblical narrative, also subtly foreshadows potential spiritual dangers. The Deuteronomic law for kings specifically cautioned against multiplying gold (Deut 17:17), which Solomon eventually did, along with wives and horses. This over-accumulation, while appearing as a blessing, also set the stage for later pride and deviation from God's commands, ultimately contributing to the kingdom's decline and division after Solomon's death. Thus, this verse captures a moment of unmatched glory, divinely enabled, yet inherently susceptible to human failing in the management of abundant blessings.