King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:21 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:21 in the King James Version says “For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish brin... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 9:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
כִּֽי1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת2 of 20

ships

H591

a ship

לַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙3 of 20

For the king's

H4428

a king

הֹֽלְכ֣וֹת4 of 20

went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ5 of 20

of Tarshish

H8659

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

עִ֖ם6 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַבְדֵ֣י7 of 20

with the servants

H5650

a servant

חוּרָ֑ם8 of 20

of Huram

H2361

churam, the name of an israelite and two syrians

אַחַת֩9 of 20

once

H259

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

לְשָׁל֨וֹשׁ10 of 20

every three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שָׁנִ֜ים11 of 20

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תָּב֣וֹאנָה׀12 of 20

came

H935

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

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת13 of 20

ships

H591

a ship

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ14 of 20

of Tarshish

H8659

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

נֹֽשְׂאוֹת֙15 of 20

bringing

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

זָהָ֣ב16 of 20

gold

H2091

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

וָכֶ֔סֶף17 of 20

and silver

H3701

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

שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים18 of 20

ivory

H8143

probably, tooth of elephants, i.e., ivory tusk

וְקוֹפִ֖ים19 of 20

and apes

H6971

a monkey

וְתוּכִּיִּֽים׃20 of 20

and peacocks

H8500

probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock


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 9:21 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 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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