King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:14 in the King James Version says “Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold a...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 9:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

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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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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
לְבַ֞ד1 of 14
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֧י2 of 14

“Beside that which chapmen”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַתָּרִ֛ים3 of 14
H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

וְהַסֹּֽחֲרִ֖ים4 of 14

“and merchants”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

מְבִיאִ֛ים5 of 14

“brought”

H935

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

וְכָל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכֵ֤י7 of 14

“And all the kings”

H4428

a king

עֲרַב֙8 of 14

“of Arabia”

H6152

arab (i.e., arabia), a country east of palestine

וּפַח֣וֹת9 of 14

“and governors”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 14

“of the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְבִיאִ֛ים11 of 14

“brought”

H935

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

זָהָ֥ב12 of 14

“gold”

H2091

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

וָכֶ֖סֶף13 of 14

“and silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה׃14 of 14

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 68:29Psalms 72:10

Places in This Verse

Arabia 1Region · Modern: Arabian Peninsula · 23.00°N, 46.00°E6 verses across 5 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 9 →

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