King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:20 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:20 in the King James Version says “And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon wer... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 9:20 · KJV


Context

18

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

19

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.

20

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

21

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

22

And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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
וְ֠כֹל1 of 19
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֛י2 of 19

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מַשְׁקֵ֨ה3 of 19

And all the drinking

H4945

properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ4 of 19

of king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה5 of 19

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

זָהָ֣ב6 of 19

gold

H2091

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

וְכֹ֗ל7 of 19
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֛י8 of 19

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בֵּֽית9 of 19

of the house

H1004

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

יַ֥עַר10 of 19

of the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

הַלְּבָנ֖וֹן11 of 19

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

זָהָ֣ב12 of 19

gold

H2091

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

סָג֑וּר13 of 19

were of pure

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֵ֣ין14 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כֶּ֗סֶף15 of 19

none were of silver

H3701

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

נֶחְשָׁ֛ב16 of 19

thing accounted

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

בִּימֵ֥י17 of 19

of in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה18 of 19

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

לִמְאֽוּמָה׃19 of 19

it was not any

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing


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 9:20 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 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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