King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:10 in the King James Version says “And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and prec...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.”

2 Chronicles 9:10 · KJV

Context

8

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.

9

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.

10

And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

11

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

12

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.

Read 2 Chronicles 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

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, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְגַם1 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

וְעַבְדֵ֣י2 of 14

“And the servants”

H5650

a servant

חיּרָם֙3 of 14
H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

וְעַבְדֵ֣י4 of 14

“And the servants”

H5650

a servant

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה5 of 14

“of Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֲשֶׁר6 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵבִ֛יאוּ7 of 14

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

זָהָ֖ב8 of 14

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מֵֽאוֹפִ֑יר9 of 14

“from Ophir”

H211

ophir, the name of a son of joktan, and of a gold region in the east

הֵבִ֛יאוּ10 of 14

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֲצֵ֥י11 of 14

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אַלְגּוּמִּ֖ים12 of 14

“algum”

H418

sticks of algum wood

וְאֶ֥בֶן13 of 14

“stones”

H68

a stone

יְקָרָֽה׃14 of 14

“and precious”

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 9:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 8:181 Kings 10:111 Kings 9:27-281 Kings 10:22

Places in This Verse

OphirRegion · Modern: southwestern Arabia · 18.22°N, 42.50°E10 verses across 6 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 9 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes