King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:11 in the King James Version says “And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteri...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 9:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

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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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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.

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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 · 19 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ1 of 19

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 19

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲצֵ֨י4 of 19

“trees”

H6086

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

הָֽאַלְגּוּמִּ֜ים5 of 19

“of the algum”

H418

sticks of algum wood

מְסִלּ֤וֹת6 of 19

“terraces”

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

וּלְבֵ֣ית7 of 19

“palace”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָה֙8 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּלְבֵ֣ית9 of 19

“palace”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ10 of 19

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְכִנֹּר֥וֹת11 of 19

“and harps”

H3658

a harp

וּנְבָלִ֖ים12 of 19

“and psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

לַשָּׁרִ֑ים13 of 19

“for singers”

H7891

to sing

וְלֹֽא14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְא֥וּ15 of 19

“seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָהֵ֛ם16 of 19

“and there were none such”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְפָנִ֖ים17 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ18 of 19

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְהוּדָֽה׃19 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:121 Chronicles 25:1Psalms 92:1-3Psalms 150:3-51 Chronicles 23:5Revelation 5:8

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