King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 9:27 Mean?

2 Chronicles 9:27 in the King James Version says “And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plain...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. made silver: Heb. gave silver”

2 Chronicles 9:27 · KJV

Context

25

And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

26

And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. river: that is, Euphrates

27

And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. made silver: Heb. gave silver

28

And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.

29

Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? book: Heb. words

Read 2 Chronicles 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance.

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 · 13 words
נָתַ֛ן1 of 13

“made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ2 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

הַכֶּ֛סֶף4 of 13

“silver”

H3701

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם5 of 13

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כָּֽאֲבָנִ֑ים6 of 13

“as stones”

H68

a stone

וְאֵ֣ת7 of 13
H853

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

הָֽאֲרָזִ֗ים8 of 13

“and cedar trees”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

נָתַ֛ן9 of 13

“made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כַּשִּׁקְמִ֥ים10 of 13

“he as the sycomore trees”

H8256

a sycamore (usually the tree)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 13
H834

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

בַּשְּׁפֵלָ֖ה12 of 13

“that are in the low plains”

H8219

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

לָרֹֽב׃13 of 13

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 1:15-171 Chronicles 27:28Job 22:24-25Amos 7:141 Kings 10:27-29Luke 19:4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ShephelahRegion · Modern: Shephelah · 31.69°N, 34.88°E19 verses across 9 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 9 →

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