2 Chronicles 9 26

2 Chronicles 9:26 kjv

And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 9:26 nkjv

So he reigned over all the kings from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 9:26 niv

He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 9:26 esv

And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 9:26 nlt

He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 26 Meaning

2 Chronicles 9:26 details the unparalleled breadth of King Solomon's reign, asserting his sovereignty and influence over all the kings within a vast geographical expanse. This dominion stretched from the Euphrates River in the north and east, westward to the land of the Philistines, and southward to the border of Egypt, showcasing the pinnacle of Israel's geopolitical power and prosperity under God's divine favor.

2 Chronicles 9 26 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 9 presents the zenith of King Solomon's glory, wisdom, and wealth. Following the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit, which marvels at his unprecedented prosperity and divine wisdom (9:1-12), this verse succinctly describes the political and geographical extent of his dominion. It highlights a period of unparalleled peace and widespread influence for Israel, with surrounding kingdoms submitting to his authority or paying tribute. This fulfills God's promises of land and dominion, showcasing the peak of the Davidic covenant's manifestation in Israel's history, a stark contrast to the later fragmentation and decline.

2 Chronicles 9 26 Word analysis

• He ruled: In Hebrew, הָיָה מוֹשֵׁל (hāyâ mōšēl), literally "he was ruling," indicates a continuous and established state of sovereignty. It conveys active governance and extensive control rather than passive acknowledgment. This reflects God's empowering presence with Solomon, making his rule effectual.
• over all the kings: Signifies Solomon's suzerainty or ultimate authority over tributary kings and vassal states, implying tribute, alliances, and a recognition of his supremacy. This illustrates Israel's preeminence among the surrounding nations, a position attained through divine blessing and wisdom.
• from the River: מִן־הַנָּהָר (min-ha-nâhar). The definite article points to the specific, universally recognized river—the Euphrates. This eastern boundary stretches Israel's influence far into Mesopotamia, a key strategic region of ancient Near Eastern powers, highlighting the vastness of the domain. It echoes God's covenant promises of land.
• to the land of the Philistines: עַד־אֶרֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּים (`ad-ʾereṣ Pəlīšṯîm). This specifies the western coastal region, historically occupied by Israel's persistent adversaries. Solomon's rule extending here indicates complete subjugation of a formidable and disruptive element within the land of Canaan, securing Israel's western flank towards the Mediterranean Sea.
• as far as the border of Egypt: וְעַד־גְּבוּל מִצְרָיִם (wə`ad-gəḇūl Miṣrāyim). This marks the southern extremity of Solomon's effective control, reaching a boundary shared with one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. It emphasizes that Solomon's influence was not merely regional but extended to the sphere of major global powers, demonstrating his international stature and peace with a previously dominant force.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "He ruled over all the kings": This phrase encapsulates Solomon's regional hegemony and diplomatic prowess, where surrounding rulers either paid tribute, formed strategic alliances, or simply acknowledged Israel's supremacy under Solomon's reign, leading to a period of remarkable peace and stability across the region.
  • "from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt": These geographical delimitations perfectly align with the maximalist boundaries of the land promised to Abraham in Genesis 15:18 and reiterated in the Mosaic covenant (Exo 23:31; Deut 1:7; Josh 1:4). This signifies that Solomon's reign represents the historical high-water mark of the literal fulfillment of God's land covenant with Israel.

2 Chronicles 9 26 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's detailed description of Solomon's dominion is intended to highlight the immense favor of God upon the Davidic line, linking earthly prosperity and power directly to obedience and divine blessing.
• This verse stands as a high point in Israel's history, a standard by which later kings and their diminishing territories would be implicitly judged.
• The explicit reference to "the River" (Euphrates) and "Egypt" connects Solomon's kingdom directly to the land promises made to Abraham, signaling their comprehensive fulfillment during this era.

2 Chronicles 9 26 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:26 is a concise yet powerful testament to the earthly culmination of God's blessings on Solomon and Israel. It asserts the immense territorial and political sway of Solomon, a divinely granted authority that made him a preeminent figure among contemporary kings. This unparalleled dominion, described with precise geographical markers from the Euphrates to the borders of Egypt, underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises concerning the extent of Israel's inheritance. It portrays Solomon's reign as a golden age, a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity rooted in divine wisdom. While glorifying Solomon's historical achievements, this verse also serves as a foreshadowing, pointing to the ultimate, universal, and eternal dominion of the coming Messiah, whose rule would far transcend any earthly kingdom.