Study notes

2 Chronicles 9

Introducing 2 ChroniclesWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:1–9:31 Section

2 Chronicles continues the story of Israel recorded in 1 Chronicles.

Solomon became king after David.

In 2 Chronicles the stories about Solomon tell only of his faithfulness to God. They don’t describe the times when he was unfaithful and worshipped false gods. Those stories are recorded in 2 Kings.

2 Chronicles shows how Solomon followed David’s example. He followed David’s instructions about the work of the priests and Levites. And he followed David’s instructions about building the temple on Mount Moriah.

Solomon recognised that the temple was nothing more than a building. It was a place where the Israelites could offer sacrifices to God. God is so great that no place on earth or heaven can hold him. Yet the temple was the place where God chose to put his name. God had talked about a special place for his name in Deuteronomy chapters 12 to 14. God putting his name somewhere was a sign. It was a sign that people could be aware of his presence in a special way.

Solomon gave the Israelites an example of how to pray (prayer) to God. He used his body and his words as he prayed. Solomon was on his knees and lifted his hands toward heaven. This was how he showed that he was humble and that he worshipped God. It showed that he needed God’s help and that he trusted God to answer him. Solomon understood that God knew what was in his heart. God answered by sending fire from heaven to the altar. This showed that God paid attention to Solomon’s prayer. God promised that his name, his eyes and his heart would always be at the temple. This meant that he would always listen to his people and help them. He would do this if they were humble and prayed. God would do this if they turned away from doing evil and depended on him.

When the people saw the fire, they worshipped God and thanked him. They understood that the fire was a sign of his faithful love for them. Even an outsider like the queen of Sheba recognised that God loved Israel. God wanted to take good care of his people (God’s people). He planned to do this through wise kings from David’s family line. That was part of God’s covenant with David. The kings were to worship God faithfully and do what was fair and right.

9:1–2

Solomon had long-term economic and political ties with Hiram of Tyre (2 Chronicles 8:17–18; 9:10–11), but the queen of Sheba visited only once. Ancient Sheba, roughly modern Yemen, was known for its female rulers and a wealthy economy based on trading frankincense and myrrh. An ancient tradition suggests the queen of Sheba came from Cush (Ethiopia), possibly due to Sheba, son of Raamah, a descendant of Cush (Genesis 10:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9).

9:3–4

The queen noticed the impressive splendor of Solomon's court, showcasing his wealth and wisdom.

9:9

  • 120 talents: The queen gave Solomon gold equal to what he received from Hiram (see 1 Kings 9:14).

  • The queen’s gift of spices, such as frankincense and myrrh, were used in cosmetics, embalming, and religious offerings. High demand and repeated taxation along the long trade route made the spices as valuable as gold when given to a king (see Matthew 2:11). Solomon was so wealthy that the queen had to give an enormous gift for it to be significant.

9:13–14

The phrase "translated each year" can also mean one specific year. This makes it unclear if 25 tons referred to Solomon's yearly income or just his best year. Solomon also collected taxes from foreign traders and local merchants. The kings of Arabia were likely merchant leaders who used the routes from Edom to Damascus. The governors of the provinces were district officials.

9:15–16

In ancient Syria and Assyria, people often used ornamental and ceremonial shields. Large shields covered the whole body and might have had three sides. Small shields, worn on the arm, offered light protection. Guards showed their shields when the king went to the temple.

9:17–19

Solomon's throne was very impressive. It had six steps, and the throne might have been on a platform that made a seventh step. Similar Babylonian temple towers had seven stages to symbolize the whole universe.

9:21

  • Solomon's fleet of trading ships from Tarshish transported cargo. These strong ships had a unique shape that allowed them to sail long distances in the open sea.

  • and peacocks: The meaning of the Hebrew word is unclear. Solomon was so influential that he imported fine goods and exotic animals from the farthest parts of the known world.

9:29

The Chronicler likely used collections of prophetic writings or historical records as sources. The works of individual prophets might have been included in larger collections. These sources are now lost. Nathan and Ahijah were active during the reigns of David and Solomon. Iddo is not well-known.

9:30

Solomon ruled from 971 to 931 BC.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources