2 Chronicles 9:23 kjv
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:23 nkjv
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:23 niv
All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:23 esv
And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.
2 Chronicles 9:23 nlt
Kings from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him.
2 Chronicles 9 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Chr 1:7-12 | That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever..." | God grants Solomon wisdom. |
| 1 Ki 3:5-15 | At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said... | God's promise and gift of wisdom. |
| 1 Ki 4:29-31 | God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth... | Description of Solomon's vast knowledge. |
| 2 Chr 9:22 | So King Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and | Solomon's preeminence in wealth and wisdom. |
| Prov 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | God is the ultimate source of wisdom. |
| Job 28:28 | And to mortals he said, “Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;...” | True wisdom originates with fearing God. |
| Dan 2:20-21 | Daniel said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong.. | God controls all wisdom and knowledge. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all | God readily grants wisdom to those who seek. |
| Rom 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearch | God's wisdom is unfathomable. |
| Mt 12:42 | The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and | Queen of Sheba's quest for greater wisdom (Christ). |
| Lk 11:31 | The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this.. | Queen of Sheba seeking wisdom, a type for Christ. |
| Isa 2:2-3 | In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established... | Nations will seek instruction from God. |
| Isa 60:3-4 | Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. | Kings drawn to the light of God's glory. |
| Ps 72:10-11 | May the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring tribute; may the kings.. | Kings paying homage to the Davidic king. |
| Zech 8:20-22 | Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days many peoples and strong nations.. | Many peoples seeking the Lord in Jerusalem. |
| Rev 21:24 | The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring.. | Nations bringing their glory to New Jerusalem. |
| Ps 27:8 | You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, I will | A call to seek God's presence. |
| Ps 105:4 | Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually. | Continuous pursuit of God's presence. |
| Jer 29:13 | When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart | Finding God through earnest seeking. |
| Hos 3:5 | Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David. | Seeking God and their king (Messianic). |
| Jn 5:44 | How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek.. | The contrast of seeking human glory vs. God's. |
| Col 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | All wisdom found in Christ. |
2 Chronicles 9 verses
2 Chronicles 9 23 Meaning
2 Chronicles 9:23 asserts that King Solomon's extraordinary fame stemmed from his divinely bestowed wisdom, leading rulers from throughout the known world to eagerly seek an audience with him. This highlights a period of unparalleled glory and influence for Israel, with its king acting as a channel for God's profound insight, thereby establishing Jerusalem as a central hub of divine understanding and counsel for all nations.
2 Chronicles 9 23 Context
Immediately preceding 2 Chronicles 9:23 is the detailed account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (2 Chr 9:1-12), where she marveled at his unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, leading her to bless the Lord God of Israel. Verse 23 then generalizes this specific event, portraying it as a widespread phenomenon: "all the kings of the earth" universally acknowledged and sought out Solomon. This verse initiates a description of Solomon's immense wealth, the regular tribute he received, and his unrivaled status among monarchs (2 Chr 9:24-28).
Within the broader scope of 2 Chronicles, this verse serves to highlight the zenith of the united monarchy's prosperity and influence under Solomon, attributing it directly to God's gracious blessing. The Chronicler emphasizes Solomon's obedience (initially) and God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises, providing an ideal, though ultimately short-lived, picture of what God intended for His covenant people. Culturally, in the Ancient Near East, seeking out renowned kings for counsel or alliance was common, but here it's specifically his divinely granted wisdom that draws these rulers, elevating God's reputation through Israel's king.
2 Chronicles 9 23 Word analysis
- all the kings of the earth: (Hebrew: kol-malkê ha'arets - כָּל־מַלְכֵי הָאָרֶץ) This phrase signifies the vast, widespread reputation Solomon garnered, rather than implying every single king globally. It conveys hyperbole typical of biblical narrative to emphasize the immense scale of his influence throughout the then-known civilized world. It highlights God's power to elevate His chosen king and His nation to preeminent status among nations, serving as a testament to His divine blessing.
- sought the presence of Solomon: (Hebrew: məḇaqšîm p'nê Šəlōmōh - מְבַקְשִׁים פְּנֵי שְׁלֹמֹה) This indicates an active, earnest desire for an audience, often carrying connotations of reverence, seeking counsel, or homage. It implies that kings traveled considerable distances and invested resources for the privilege of consulting with him, underscoring the extraordinary value they placed on his insights and authority. This was a form of diplomatic pilgrimage motivated by profound respect.
- to hear his wisdom: (Hebrew: lišmōaḥ ḥokmātō - לִשְׁמוֹעַ חָכְמָתוֹ) The specific purpose of their arduous journey. This highlights that their primary interest was not military alliance or material gain, but the acquisition of understanding and discerning judgment. "Wisdom" (ḥokmâ) encompasses practical discernment, shrewdness in governance, judicial astuteness, and deep intellectual understanding – qualities essential for effective rule and navigating life's complexities.
- which God had put in his heart: (Hebrew: ʾăšer nātan hāʾĕlōhîm biḇəlēbōh - אֲשֶׁר נָתַן הָאֱלֹהִים בִּלְבָבֹהּ) This is the crucial theological anchor of the verse. It emphatically states that Solomon's unparalleled wisdom was not inherent, earned, or acquired solely by human means, but was a direct, sovereign gift from God. The "heart" (lēḇāḇ) in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, will, reason, and conscience, not merely emotions. This phrase ensures that all glory for Solomon's remarkable abilities is attributed to God, making him a vessel of divine truth. This attribution serves as a subtle polemic against any notion that human kings' wisdom or power derived from other gods or mere human brilliance.
- "all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom": This collective action portrays an international pilgrimage centered on divine knowledge. It underscores that God, through Solomon, established Israel as a beacon of wisdom in the ancient world, attracting global attention and reinforcing the kingdom's prestige beyond military or economic might.
- "his wisdom, which God had put in his heart": This phrase clarifies the unique quality of Solomon's wisdom: it was supernatural and divine in origin. This differentiates it from the wisdom of worldly philosophers or cunning rulers, emphasizing its unparalleled depth and true efficacy because it stemmed from the ultimate Source of all wisdom, positioning Solomon as a divinely chosen instrument.
2 Chronicles 9 23 Bonus section
The Chronicler's emphasis on Solomon's international renown through wisdom highlights God's glory manifested through His people, reinforcing the theological message for the post-exilic audience: faithfulness to God leads to national prosperity and a testimony that draws the world's attention. This golden age of Israel's influence due to Solomon's wisdom serves as a prophetic type, anticipating a future eschatological age when all nations will stream to Jerusalem to learn of the Lord's ways, truly recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom through His King. This verse underscores a foundational truth that true, enduring influence and prosperity are spiritual in nature, originating from God Himself.
2 Chronicles 9 23 Commentary
2 Chronicles 9:23 vividly portrays the widespread recognition and respect Solomon commanded due to a wisdom divinely imparted. This verse signifies the culmination of God's promise to Solomon, establishing him as the preeminent king of his time, whose profound discernment transcended Israel's borders. The desire of foreign kings to seek him out, solely "to hear his wisdom," testifies to the power and attractiveness of true, God-given insight over worldly pursuits. This drawing of nations to Jerusalem, centered on divine wisdom manifested through God's chosen king, prefigures the ultimate attraction of all peoples to the "Greater than Solomon," Jesus Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3) and to whom all nations will eventually stream for truth. The verse implicitly encourages reliance on God as the sole source of genuine wisdom, demonstrating its capacity to bring honor and influence far beyond human expectations.