King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:13 in the King James Version says “Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;”

2 Chronicles 9:13 · KJV

Context

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;

14

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

15

And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

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 · 14 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִשְׁקַ֣ל2 of 14

“Now the weight”

H4948

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

זָהָֽב׃3 of 14

“of gold”

H2091

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

אֲשֶׁר4 of 14
H834

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

בָּ֥א5 of 14

“that came”

H935

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

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֖ה6 of 14

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְּשָׁנָ֣ה7 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֶחָ֑ת8 of 14

“in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָשֵׁ֖שׁ9 of 14

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֛וֹת10 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְשִׁשִּׁ֥ים11 of 14

“and threescore”

H8346

sixty

וָשֵׁ֖שׁ12 of 14

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

כִּכְּרֵ֥י13 of 14

“talents”

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

זָהָֽב׃14 of 14

“of gold”

H2091

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

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 72:151 Kings 10:14-28Psalms 72:10Psalms 68:29

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