King James Version
2 Chronicles 9
31 verses with commentary
The Queen of Sheba Visits
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**IX.**
(ii) **SOLOMON’S WISDOM, WEALTH, AND GLORY. HIS DEATH.**
(*a*) **THE VISIT OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA** (2Chronicles 9:1-12).
Comp. 1Kings 10:1-13.
The Hebrew text coincides with Kings, allowing for a few characteristic alterations, the chief of which will be noticed.
(1) **And when the queen of Sheba heard.**—*Now the queen of Sheba had heard.* Kings, *was hearing.*
**The fame of Solomon.**—Ki...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi--**These are enumerated according to their fathers' houses, but no more of these are mentioned here than the twenty-four thousand who were engaged in the work connected with the Lord's house. The fathers' houses of those Levites corresponded with the classes into which they [Josephus, Antiquities] as well as the priests were divided (see ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. the Gershonites--**They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
1Ch 23:12-20. Of Kohath.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which incl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. the Gershonites--**They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
1Ch 23:12-20. Of Kohath.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →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. cupbearers: or, butlers
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's bles...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **And his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord.**—Kings, “And his *burnt offering which he offered* in the house of the Lord.” The LXX., Syr., and Vulg. here agree with Kings; and the Arab. reads, “the altar on which he offered.” In all other passages, the word used in our text (*‘alîyāh*) means not *ascent,* but *upper chamber;* it is likely, therefore, that in the present in...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. the Gershonites--**They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
1Ch 23:12-20. Of Kohath.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Of thine acts.**—Literally, *words.* LXX., περὶ τῶν λόγων σου*.* We might render *matters, affairs.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. the Gershonites--**They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
1Ch 23:12-20. Of Kohath.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in tem...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The one half of the greatness of thy wisdom.**—Kings has simply, “the half was not told me.” The chronicler has made an explanatory addition. (See 1Chronicles 12:29, and 2Chronicles 30:18, for the word *marbith,* “increase,” “multitude,” which occurs thrice in the Chronicles and twice elsewhere.)
**Thou exceedest the fame.**—Literally, *Thou kast added to the report.* Kings, more fully, “Tho...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. the Gershonites--**They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
1Ch 23:12-20. Of Kohath.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **And happy . . . and hear.**—The conjunctions weaken the rhetorical effect of the verse, and are not read in Kings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. The sons of Kohath--**He was the founder of nine Levitical fathers' houses.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **On his throne**—i.e., Jehovah’s throne. (Comp. 1Chronicles 28:5.) Kings has, “on the throne of Israel.”
**To be king for the Lord thy God.**—A further insistance on the idea that Solomon was but the vicegerent of Jehovah. The clause is added by the chronicler, but need not be called “an evidently wilful alteration” (*Thenius*)*.*
**To establish.**—This phrase is wanting in the Hebrew of King...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Aaron was separated--**as high priest (see on 1Ch 25:1-19).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple bu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Spices.**—*B’sāmîm,* from which come our words *balsam* and *balm.*
**Great abundance.**—See Note on 2Chronicles 9:1. Here *lārōb* is substituted for the ancient *harbēh.*
**Neither was there any such spice.**—Or, *there had not been such spicery, i.e.,* in Jerusalem. A defect in the chronicler’s MS. authority probably occasioned this deviation from the phrase which we find in the older text...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. concerning Moses--**His sons were ranked with the Levites generally, but not introduced into the distinctive portion of the descendants of Levi, who were appointed to the special functions of the priesthood.
1Ch 23:21-23. Of Merari.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Isr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon.**—Kings, “And the fleet also of Huram which carried gold from Ophir.” The phrase is altered here to correspond with 2Chronicles 8:18.
**Brought algum trees.**—See 2Chronicles 2:8. LXX., ξύλα πεύκιυα; Vulg., “ligna thyina;” Syriac, “acacia (?) wood” (’*eshkor*‘*ō*); Kings, “brought from Ophir *almug trees* in great abundance.” In t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah. terraces: or, stairs: Heb. high ways
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Terraces.**—*M’sillôth,* which usually means *highways,* that is, raised paths. The word is an interpretation of *mis‘ād,* which only occurs in 1Kings 11:12. LXX., ἀναβάσεις; Vulg., “gradus;” Arabic, “pillars.”
**Singers.**—*The singers.*
**And there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.**—A shortened paraphrase of, “There came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day” (K...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Beside that which she had brought unto the king.**—It can hardly be meant that Solomon returned her own presents. If the reading be sound, we may understand *return presents, i.e.,* gifts equal in value to those which she had bestowed. Or better, we may regard the clause as a parenthetic note of the chronicler’s, to the effect that the giving of presents was *not all on one side.* Solomon s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba.(1-12)
Solomon's riches, and his death.(13-31)
**Verses 1-12**
This history has been considered, 1Ki 10; yet because our Saviour has proposed it as an example in seeking after him, Mt 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of S...
Read full commentary →Solomon's Splendor
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(*b*) **SOLOMON’S INCOME, SPLENDOUR, AND DOMINION**—(2Chronicles 9:13-28). Comp. 1Kings 10:14-29, and 1Kings 4:26-27.
(13) **Now the weight of gold.**—See 1Kings 10:14, with which this verse coincides.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. governors: or, captains
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Besides that which chapmen and merchants brought.**—The Hebrew is difficult, and probably corrupt. Literally it seems to run, *besides the men of the itinerants* (a strange phrase), *and that which the merchants were bringing;* or, perhaps, *apart from the men of the itinerants and the merchants bringing.* The last word may be a clerical error, as it occurs again directly. The conjecture of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the King...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And king Solomon made.**—Word for word as 1Kings 10:16.
**Beaten gold.**—Rather, according to Gesenius, *mixed* or *alloyed gold.* But the word (*shahût, i.e., shatûah*) seems to mean gold *beaten out, gold-leaf.* So LXX., ἐλατούς*.*
**Went to.**—*He put on, i.e.,* he plated the “targets,” which were large oblong shields, with gold. (Comp. Amos 8:10, “And I will *put upon* all loins sackclo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as para...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Shields.**—*Maginnîm.* The *māgēn* was a rouud or oval shield, about half the size of the “target” (*çinnah*)*,* with which it is often contrasted; *e.g.,* Psalm 35:2; LXX., ἀσπίδα.
**Three hundred shekels of gold.**—Kings, *three manehs of gold.* The maneh or mina (Assyrian, *mana*)*,* was 1-60th part of a talent, and was equivalent to fifty or sixty shekels. Either the reading of our text...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. The sons of Merari--**They comprised six fathers' houses. Summing them together, Gershon founded nine fathers houses, Kohath nine, and Merari six: total, twenty-four.
1Ch 23:24-32. Office of the Levites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Pure.**—*Tahôr,* a common word, for the once occurring *mûphaz* of Kings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. The sons of Merari--**They comprised six fathers' houses. Summing them together, Gershon founded nine fathers houses, Kohath nine, and Merari six: total, twenty-four.
1Ch 23:24-32. Office of the Levites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays: stays: Heb. hands
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple buildi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **With a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne.**—Instead of this Kings has, *And the throne had a rounded top behind.* Although the footstool is a prominent object in Oriental representations of thrones, it is quite possible that our text is due to a corruption of that which appears in Kings, and with which the Syriac here agrees. The LXX. renders, “and six steps to the throne...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-23. The sons of Merari--**They comprised six fathers' houses. Summing them together, Gershon founded nine fathers houses, Kohath nine, and Merari six: total, twenty-four.
1Ch 23:24-32. Office of the Levites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Un...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. These were the sons of Levi ... that did the work ... from the age of twenty years and upward--**The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (1Ch 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Nu 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty ye...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon. pure: Heb. shut up none were of silver: or, there was no silver in them
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **None were of silver; it was not anything accounted of.**—The *not* appears to be rightly supplied by our version; comp. 1Kings 10:21, with which the verse otherwise entirely agrees.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. These were the sons of Levi ... that did the work ... from the age of twenty years and upward--**The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (1Ch 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Nu 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty ye...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. ivory: or, elephants' teeth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and wo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **For the king’s ships went to Tarshish.**—1Kings 10:22, *“*For the king had a Tarshish fleet on the sea, with the fleet of Hiram.” It is generally assumed that the words of the chronicler are an erroneous paraphrase of the expression, “Tarshish fleet,” *i.e.,* a fleet of ships fitted for long voyages. (Comp. Isaiah 2:16.) The identity of the present fleet with that mentioned above in 2Chroni...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. These were the sons of Levi ... that did the work ... from the age of twenty years and upward--**The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (1Ch 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Nu 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty ye...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And king Solomon.**—See 1Kings 10:23.
**Passed all.**—*Was great above all.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. These were the sons of Levi ... that did the work ... from the age of twenty years and upward--**The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (1Ch 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Nu 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty ye...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **All the kings of the earth.**—Explanatory of “all the earth were seeking” (Kings). *The earth,* an expression defined in 2Chronicles 9:26.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmati...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **And they brought.**—*Used to bring.* (Comp. 2Chronicles 9:14.)
**Harness**—*i.e.,* weapons and armour. Compare Macbeth’s
“At least we’ll die with *harness* on our back.”
**A rate year by year.**—Literally, *a year’s matter in a year.* Solomon’s vassal kings are intended.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.**—See 1Kings 4:26 (where the number of stalls is erroneously stated at 40,000).
The remainder of the verse coincides with 1Kings 10:26.
Having already given an account of Solomon’s chariots and horses, and his importation of the latter from Egypt, in 2Chronicles 1:14-17, an account which is identical...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. river: that is, Euphrates
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the K...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **And he reigned over all the kings.**—This verse corresponds to 1Kings 4:21.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. made silver: Heb. gave silver
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **And the king made silver.**—Identical with 1Kings 10:27. On this and the following verse, comp. the prohibitions of Deuteronomy 17:16-17.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **And they brought.**—*Used to bring.* The verse summarises 1Kings 10:28-29 (=2Chronicles 1:16-17), and adds that Solomon imported horses “out of all the lands,” as well as from Egypt.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →Solomon's Death
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? book: Heb. words
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(*c*) **REFERENCE TO DOCUMENTS.—CLOSE OF THE REIGN** (2Chronicles 9:29-31). (Comp. 1Kings 11:41-43.)
(29) **Now the rest of the acts of Solomon.**—Or, *story, history*; literally, *words.* (Comp. 1Chronicles 29:29.)
**First and last.**—Or, *the former and the latter.* Instead of this, Kings has, “and all that he did, and his wisdom.”
**In the book.**—Or, *history.* For the sources named here, see ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 24
1Ch 24:1-19. Division of the Sons of Aaron into Four and Twenty Orders.
**1. Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron--**(See on 1Ch 23:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chroni...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **And Solomon reigned.**—So 1Kings 11:42, “And the days that Solomon reigned,” etc., as here.
**Over all Israel**—i.e., the undivided nation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Nadab and Abihu died before their father--**that is, not in his presence, but during his lifetime (see Nu 3:4; 26:61).
**therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office--**In consequence of the death of his two oldest sons without issue, the descendants of Aaron were comprised in the families of Eleazar and Ithamar. Both of these sons discharged the priestly functions as assistan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on International recognition of God's blessing. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Slept.**—Literally, *lay down.*
**He was buried.**—*They buried him.* Kings has, “he was buried.” The two texts are otherwise identical.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Zadok ... and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar--**This statement, taken in connection with 1Ch 24:6, is not a little perplexing, since (2Sa 15:24, 35; 20:25) Abiathar is mentioned as the person conjoined in David's time with Zadok, in the collegiate exercise of the high priesthood. Some think that the words have been transposed, reading Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech. But there is no ground f...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-31**
The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may fin...
Read full commentary →