2 Chronicles 9 4

2 Chronicles 9:4 kjv

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

2 Chronicles 9:4 nkjv

the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers and their apparel, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.

2 Chronicles 9:4 niv

the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.

2 Chronicles 9:4 esv

the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her.

2 Chronicles 9:4 nlt

she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 9 verses

2 Chronicles 9 4 Meaning

2 Chronicles 9:4 describes the climactic moment of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. Having witnessed every aspect of his reign, from his sophisticated court and administration to his spiritual devotion, she was utterly overwhelmed. Her spirit was taken from her, signifying a state of complete astonishment and breathless wonder at the unparalleled wisdom, prosperity, and divine favor demonstrated throughout Solomon's kingdom. It wasn't just his words but the tangible, orderly, and opulent manifestation of his divinely granted wisdom that profoundly impressed her.

2 Chronicles 9 4 Context

Chapter 9 of 2 Chronicles details the illustrious visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon's court. She had traveled from a distant land, having heard of Solomon's unparalleled fame and wisdom (2 Ch 9:1), and came with challenging questions, a massive caravan of gifts, and the desire to test his reputed sagacity. Prior verses establish that she was profoundly impressed by his answers to her questions (2 Ch 9:2). Verse 4 extends this impression to the tangible order, prosperity, and religious devotion visible throughout his kingdom. This holistic view confirmed that what she heard about him was indeed true, and even surpassed it (2 Ch 9:5-6). The chapter continues to summarize Solomon's immense wealth, his glory, his political connections, and his ongoing obedience, showcasing him as the ideal king under divine favor.

Historically, Solomon's reign marked a pinnacle of prosperity and peace for ancient Israel, reflecting God's promises to the house of David. This period saw vast trade networks and international recognition for Israel, exemplified by foreign rulers like the Queen of Sheba seeking audience with the king and bearing tribute. The Chronicler emphasizes that this glory stemmed from God's wisdom bestowed upon Solomon and his proper devotion to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 9 4 Word Analysis

• And when she had seen: The Hebrew וַתֵּ֣רֶא (va'tére) comes from the root ראה (ra'ah), "to see" or "to perceive." This is more than a casual glance; it implies a thorough observation and understanding of all aspects presented. Her previous statements ("true report," 2 Ch 9:5) confirm the depth of her examination.
• the food of his table: Hebrew אֹ֤כֶל שֻׁלְחָנוֹ֙ (okhel shulchano). This refers to the opulence and abundance of the provisions served at Solomon's court, but more broadly encompasses the entire system of provisioning and banqueting. It speaks of a sophisticated culinary administration, vast resources, and excellent management.
• the seating of his servants: Hebrew מוֹשַׁ֣ב עֲבָדָ֗יו (moshav avadav). This highlights the orderly arrangement, precise hierarchy, and disciplined demeanor of his many household officials and staff. It points to meticulous organization and smooth operation within his extensive court.
• the attendance of his ministers: Hebrew וּמַעֲמַד֙ מְשָׁ֣רְתָ֔יו (u'ma'amad meshartav). Refers to the dignified and efficient service of his personal attendants and high-ranking officials. It speaks of their readiness, respectful posture, and protocol, demonstrating excellent court management and loyalty.
• and their apparel: Hebrew וּמַלְבּוּשֵׁיהֶ֔ם (u'malbushéhem). This points to the splendid and appropriate attire of the royal staff, signifying the king's wealth, meticulousness, and the grandeur of his court. Even their dress reflected the glory of the king they served.
• and his cupbearers: Hebrew וְאֶת־מַשְׁקָ֔יו (v'et-mashkav). Literally translates to "and his drinks" or "his beverages." However, in this context, it idiomatically refers to the trusted officials responsible for serving these drinks—the cupbearers. These individuals often held positions of significant influence and were chosen for their loyalty, adding another layer of the court's impeccable order and trusted service.
• and his burnt offering which he offered up in the house of the LORD: Hebrew וְאֶת־עֹֽלָתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַעֲלֶה֙ בֵּ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה (v'et-olatho asher ya'aleh beit YHWH). This detail is unique to the 2 Chronicles account, differentiating it from the parallel in 1 Kings 10:5 (which speaks of "his ascent by which he went up"). The word עֹלָתוֹ (olah) clearly refers to a "burnt offering" or sacrifice. This crucial addition by the Chronicler emphasizes Solomon's public devotion and lavish sacrifices in the Temple. It signifies that his wisdom and prosperity were not merely earthly achievements but flowed directly from his (at this point) faithful relationship with God, even his public worship. This religious element was also part of what amazed the Queen, revealing the spiritual foundation of his greatness.
• there was no more spirit in her: Hebrew וְלֹא־הָ֤יָה בָהּ֙ עֽוֹד ר֔וּחַ (v'lo-hayah vah od ruach). רוּחַ (ruach) can mean "spirit," "breath," or "wind." Here, it's an idiom meaning she was utterly overwhelmed, breathless, speechless, stunned beyond comprehension or ability to react. Her internal energy or vitality was taken away by the sheer magnitude of what she witnessed, indicating total conviction and astonishment.

Word Group Analysis:The comprehensive list "the food of his table... the seating of his servants... the attendance of his ministers... and their apparel... and his cupbearers... and his burnt offering which he offered up in the house of the LORD" provides a multi-faceted picture of Solomon's kingdom. It moves from general sustenance to precise court order, elegant display, personal trust, and ultimately, public worship. This progression highlights that Solomon's greatness wasn't confined to a single area but permeated every aspect of his realm, from the mundane to the sacred, all maintained with exceptional order, opulence, and visible piety. This holistic perfection led to the Queen's utter awe.

2 Chronicles 9 4 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's specific mention of "his burnt offering" instead of "his ascent" (as in 1 Kings) subtly emphasizes the role of proper Temple worship and devotion to God as a foundation for national prosperity and the king's glory. This aligns with Chronicles' broader focus on the Temple and covenant faithfulness.
• The Queen of Sheba, an outsider, serves as a crucial objective witness to the immense and tangible reality of God's blessings on Solomon, authenticating his fame. Her testimony highlights that even Gentile nations could recognize the divine hand behind Israel's splendor.
• This verse underscores the concept that true, divinely-given wisdom impacts all areas of life and administration, leading to comprehensive order and prosperity, not just abstract knowledge. It's not just "head" knowledge, but wisdom embodied and enacted.
• From a Christocentric perspective (as noted by New Testament cross-references), Solomon's reign and wisdom prefigure Jesus Christ, who is "greater than Solomon" (Mat 12:42). All the order, wisdom, and glory witnessed by the Queen find their ultimate fulfillment and eternal perfection in Christ, the King of kings and the embodiment of God's wisdom.

2 Chronicles 9 4 Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:4 encapsulates the profound impact of God's blessings on Solomon, made visible for the world to see. It extends the Queen of Sheba's admiration beyond Solomon's individual wisdom to the manifest wisdom evident in his entire administration and devotional life. What she witnessed was a kingdom operating with such meticulous order, lavish prosperity, and dedicated worship that it exceeded all human expectation and left her "breathless." The specific mention of "his burnt offering" is key to the Chronicler's theological message; it implies that Solomon's unparalleled success and the kingdom's grandeur were directly linked to his piety and fervent worship in the Temple. The external splendor served as a testimony to the divine source of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, fulfilling God's promise to make Israel a light to the nations. Her astonishment validates that God was truly with Solomon, and that His blessing on His faithful king was tangible and awe-inspiring, even to those from foreign lands. This divine demonstration served as a witness to the glory of God through His anointed king.