2 Chronicles 9 24

2 Chronicles 9:24 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 9:24 nkjv

Each man brought his present: articles of silver and gold, garments, armor, spices, horses, and mules, at a set rate year by year.

2 Chronicles 9:24 niv

Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift?articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.

2 Chronicles 9:24 esv

Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and of gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.

2 Chronicles 9:24 nlt

Year after year everyone who visited brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 24 Meaning

This verse describes the annual tribute brought to King Solomon from various foreign entities. It highlights the vast material prosperity and international recognition of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing a steady inflow of valuable commodities like precious metals, fine textiles, military equipment, exotic spices, and valuable animals (horses and mules), all brought year after year. This demonstrates the fulfillment of God's blessings upon Solomon and Israel, solidifying their standing as a preeminent nation.

2 Chronicles 9 24 Context

This verse is situated within a chapter primarily dedicated to chronicling the unprecedented wealth, wisdom, and international renown of King Solomon. Immediately preceding it is the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, where she marvels at Solomon's splendor and wisdom, and herself brings an immense array of precious gifts. This specific verse, 2 Chronicles 9:24, then broadens the scope to reveal that the bringing of gifts was not an isolated event but a continuous, annual practice. It signifies a regular flow of tribute from vassal states or trading partners, emphasizing the stability and ongoing nature of Solomon's vast international influence and prosperity.

In the broader context of the Book of Chronicles, Solomon's reign is depicted as the golden age of Israel, a direct manifestation of God's covenant blessings upon the Davidic line. The Chronicler emphasizes that this immense wealth and recognition came as a result of God's favor and Solomon's initial obedience and wisdom (as seen in 2 Chr 1:7-12, where God grants him wisdom, riches, and honor). The material prosperity detailed here is therefore presented as a sign of divine approval and a demonstration of Israel's promised status as a blessed nation.

2 Chronicles 9 24 Word analysis

• And they brought: Implies various parties. These are not merely individual visitors but representatives of nations, merchants, or tribute-paying rulers under Solomon's vast sphere of influence or alliances. It signifies broad, systemic acknowledgment.
• every man his present:
  • every man: Indicates a collective, recurring action from diverse individuals or delegations, emphasizing the widespread nature of the tribute.
  • his present: (Hebrew: mattana / מַתָּנָה) - Refers to a gift, tribute, or present. It conveys not necessarily a tax by law but often a voluntary offering from a subject or an act of submission from a ruler acknowledging a greater power, or an offering from those seeking favor or trade relations. It underscores the respect and acknowledgment Solomon received internationally.
• vessels of silver, and vessels of gold: (Hebrew: kele keseph / כְּלֵי כֶּסֶף, kele zahab / כְּלֵי זָהָב) - Not raw ore or simple bars, but "vessels" or "articles"—crafted items, such as utensils, ornaments, or implements. This denotes advanced craftsmanship, significant artistic value, and high luxury. It points to not only raw wealth but also cultural exchange and refined goods.
• and raiment: (Hebrew: beghadim / בְּגָדִים) - Fine, often embroidered or dyed garments. These were symbols of wealth, status, and luxury in the ancient world, traded along lucrative routes. Their presence indicates high-end commerce and a standard of living unparalleled elsewhere.
• harness: (Hebrew: nešeq / נֶשֶׁק) - This term generally means "weapons," "armor," or "armaments." In the context of horses and mules, it specifically refers to military equipment associated with cavalry, such as armor for horses, military gear for riders, or perhaps even weapons for Solomon's military use supplied by tribute. It suggests military might or contributions supporting it. This highlights Solomon's preparedness or the tribute's martial component.
• and spices: (Hebrew: besamim / בְּשָׂמִים) - Highly valuable aromatic substances used for perfumes, incense, medicines, and embalming. These were exotic luxury items sourced from distant lands (like Sheba) and represented vast trade networks. They were indicative of luxury and sophisticated taste.
• horses, and mules: Highly prized animals for transport, agriculture, and especially military use (horses for chariots and cavalry). Mules, being hybrid, were particularly valued for their strength, sure-footedness, and longevity. Acquiring these animals in such quantities was a significant accumulation of military and economic power, though it also subtly touches on the Deuteronomic warning (Deut 17:16) for kings not to multiply horses, gold, and silver.
• a certain rate year by year: (Hebrew: dabar shanah bĕshanah / דָּבָר שָׁנָה בְּשָׁנָה) - Literally "a thing year by year," meaning "in a fixed quantity annually" or "periodically each year." This phrase emphasizes the regularity, consistency, and long-term nature of these tributes or commercial exchanges. It highlights Solomon's established and enduring international standing and wealth. This was not a one-off event but a continuous testament to his power and blessing.

2 Chronicles 9 24 Bonus section

• The overwhelming flow of goods into Jerusalem during Solomon's reign, as described here and in the surrounding verses, created an economic boom unlike any other period in Israelite history. This led to "gold as common as stones" and "cedars as sycamore trees" (2 Chr 9:27), signifying a complete transformation of the national economy through divine blessing and international trade.
• This sustained, widespread tribute is a historical precursor to prophetic visions where all nations bring their wealth and glory to Jerusalem and the Lord (Isa 60:6-7, 9; Rev 21:24, 26). Solomon's reign provides a tangible glimpse of a future kingdom under a perfect King, where righteousness leads to unprecedented global acknowledgment and abundance.
• Scholarly discussions often compare this wealth to ancient Near Eastern empires. Solomon's ability to extract such consistent and varied tribute without resorting to military conquest (at least as chronicled here, unlike some other empires) is notable, suggesting his power derived significantly from diplomacy, strategic alliances, wisdom, and above all, God's divine favor, rather than brute force.

2 Chronicles 9 24 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:24 paints a vivid picture of the extraordinary material prosperity enjoyed by King Solomon and Israel during his reign, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises of blessing and honor. The verse, through its detailed list of valuables and the emphasis on annual receipt, demonstrates Solomon's unprecedented international prestige. Kings and nations paid regular tribute in the form of precious metals, fine textiles, military equipment, exotic spices, and valuable animals, solidifying Israel's preeminence as the leading nation. This lavish inflow of goods reflects not merely economic might but divine favor, with the Chronicler highlighting God as the ultimate source of this prosperity, granted in response to Solomon's wisdom and initial obedience. While glorifying the splendor of Solomon's kingdom as a type of Messianic ideal (where nations bring tribute to the true King), the detailed accumulation also implicitly brings to mind the Deuteronomic warnings against kings amassing excessive gold, silver, and horses—a tension that would ultimately manifest in Solomon's later spiritual decline. Nevertheless, at this point, the verse stands as a testament to the apex of Israelite worldly glory under God's hand.