King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 9:7 Mean?
“Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.”
2 Chronicles 9:7 · KJV
Context
5
And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings
6
Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
7
Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
8
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.
9
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHappy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.
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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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.
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
- How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
- 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 · 11 wordsוְאַשְׁרֵ֖י1 of 11
“Happy”
H835happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
אֲנָשֶׁ֔יךָ2 of 11
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאַשְׁרֵ֖י3 of 11
“Happy”
H835happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
הָעֹֽמְדִ֤ים6 of 11
“which stand”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙7 of 11
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
תָּמִ֔יד8 of 11
“continually”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וְשֹֽׁמְעִ֖ים9 of 11
“thee and hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת10 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge