II Chronicles 9:14-22 · Bible study
2 Chronicles 9:14-22 Commentary: Solomon's Riches and the Nations
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the meaning of Solomon's wealth in 2 Chronicles 9:14, 22: foreign tribute, golden shields, an ivory throne, and Tarshish ships revealing God's blessing and the
Research Summary
- Meaning: The Chronicler catalogs Solomon's wealth to show the fulfillment of God's promise of wisdom and the international recognition of Israel's king.
- Key words: gold (זָהָב), shields (צִנָּה / מָגֵן), ivory throne (כִּסֵּא־שֵׁן), ships of Tarshish (אֳנִיּוֹת תַּרְשִׁישׁ), wisdom (חׇכְמָה).
- Main debate: Whether the Chronicler exaggerates Solomon's wealth for theological effect or accurately describes the king's historical prosperity.
- Theological theme: God's blessing on the Davidic throne attracts the nations, prefiguring the universal kingdom of the Messiah.
- Best use: To teach how material blessing under the old covenant pointed to the greater spiritual riches found in Christ, and to encourage believers that God's promises are faithful.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
14not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield.
16He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
17Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.
18The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest.
19Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.
20All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.
21For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
WEB World English Bible 2000
14in addition to that which the traders and merchants brought. All the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15King Solomon made two hundred large shields of beaten gold. Six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one large shield.
16He made three hundred shields of beaten gold. Three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
17Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18There were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and armrests on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.
19Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps. There was nothing like it made in any other kingdom.
20All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. Silver was not considered valuable in the days of Solomon.
21For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with Huram’s servants. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
KJV King James Version 1769
14Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
16And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18And 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:
19And 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.
20And 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.
21For 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.
22And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
14besides that which the traders and merchants brought: and all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15And king Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one buckler.
16And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.
19And 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.
20And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
21For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
22So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
14apart from what the tourists, and the merchants, are bringing in; and all the kings of Arabia, and the governors of the land, are bringing in gold and silver to Solomon.
15And king Solomon maketh two hundred targets of alloyed gold, six hundred shekels of alloyed gold he causeth to go up on the one target;
16and three hundred shields of alloyed gold, three hundred shekels of gold he causeth to go up on the one shield, and the king putteth them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17And the king maketh a great throne of ivory, and overlayeth it with pure gold;
18and six steps are to the throne, and a footstool of gold, to the throne they are fastened, and hands are on this side and on that on the place of the sitting, and two lions are standing near the hands,
19and twelve lions are standing there on the six steps on this side , and on that: it hath not been made so for any kingdom.
20And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon are of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon are of refined gold--silver is not reckoned in the days of Solomon for anything;
21for ships of the king are going to Tarshish, with servants of Huram: once in three years come do the ships of Tarshish bearing gold, and silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22And king Solomon becometh greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and wisdom;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
14besides [what] dealers and merchants brought, and [what] all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought of gold and silver to Solomon.
15And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold, — he applied six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold to one target;
16and three hundred shields of beaten gold, — he applied three hundred [shekels] of gold to one shield; and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17And the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold;
18and the throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold fastened to the throne; and there were arms on each side at the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the arms;
19and 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.
20And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of precious gold: silver was not of the least account in the days of Solomon.
21For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: once in three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
22And king Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
14Beside the sum which the deputies of divers nations, and the merchants were accustomed to bring, and all the kings of Arabia, and the lords of the lands, who brought gold and silver to Solomon.
15And king Solomon made two hundred golden spears, of the sum of six hundred pieces of gold, which went to every spear:
16And three hundred golden shields of three hundred pieces of gold, which went to the covering of every shield: and the king put them in the armoury, which was compassed with a wood.
17The king also made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.
18And six steps to go up to the throne, and a footstool of gold, and two arms one on either side, and two lions standing by the arms:
19Moreover twelve other little lions standing upon the steps on both sides: there was not such a throne in any kingdom.
20And all the vessels of the king's table were of gold, and the vessels of the house of the forest of Libanus were of the purest gold. For no account was made of silver in those days.
21For the king's ships went to Tharsis with the servants of Hiram, once in three years: and they brought thence gold and silver, and ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
22And Solomon was magnified above all the kings of the earth for riches and glory.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Chronicles 9:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this passage presents the pinnacle of Solomon's royal glory to show how God fulfilled His promise of wisdom and wealth. Keil and Delitzsch observe that the account parallels 1 Kings 10 with only minor differences, confirming the Chronicler's interest in the theological significance of Solomon's abundance. The Cambridge Bible highlights that 'ships of Tarshish' denotes large ocean-going vessels, evidence of far-reaching trade routes. Matthew Henry reads the description, gold shields, an ivory throne guarded by lions, vessels of pure gold, as the magnificence that made Solomon famous. The point shared by all: the Chronicler is not merely boasting; he is demonstrating that God's blessing on Solomon's reign was visible to all nations, who responded with tribute and honor, exactly as Psalms 68 and 72 had anticipated. This consensus gives modern readers confidence that the passage's primary purpose is theological proclamation, not simple record-keeping.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Historical literal view: Takes the weights and measures as historically accurate; relies on archaeological parallels for thrones and trade routes.
- Theological inflation view: Sees the Chronicler intentionally magnifying numbers and details to highlight God's blessing, given the post-exilic context of the book.
- Typological view: Focuses on how Solomon's prosperity foreshadows the Messiah; uses cross-references like Matthew 12:42 and Revelation 21 to interpret the gold and throne symbolically.
What is clear: The Chronicler intends to show that God kept His promise to give Solomon wisdom and wealth, and that this blessing was visible to all nations, fulfilling the covenant with David.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Historical accuracy of the wealth | All sources agree that Solomon was historically wealthy and that his reign saw unprecedented prosperity. | Some interpreters see the figures (600 shekels per shield, 666 talents annually) as literal; others argue the Chronicler uses hyperbole or rounded numbers to emphasize God's blessing. |
| Throne and footstool details | The throne with lions and the footstool represents standard ancient Near Eastern royal iconography. | The footstool appears in Chronicles but not in 1 Kings 10:19, where the throne has a 'rounded top.' Ellicott and the Cambridge Bible suggest a possible textual corruption or that both details come from a parallel source. |
| Location of Tarshish | Tarshish was a distant trading partner, reachable by large ships. | The traditional identification is Tartessus in Spain; the Targum reads it as 'Africa'; some modern scholars propose a location on the African coast or even India. |
| Ethical evaluation of Solomon's wealth | The passage presents the wealth positively as evidence of God's blessing on Solomon's wisdom. | Later biblical books (e.g., 1 Kings 11, Nehemiah 13) critique Solomon's accumulation of gold and wives. Christians differ on whether this passage endorses wealth as always a mark of God's favor or simply records what God gave at that historical moment. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Chronicler wrote to a post-exilic community that remembered the glory of the Davidic monarchy. These verses paint a picture of an empire connected to the wider world. The House of the Forest of Lebanon (1 Kings 7:2) was a royal armory and treasury built with cedar, not in Lebanon but in Jerusalem, its name evoking the forest of timber used for its construction. Into this building Solomon placed two hundred large shields (צִנָּה) and three hundred smaller shields (מָגֵן), all beaten from gold. The Cambridge Bible notes that the Hebrew for 'large shields' (צִנָּה) appears in 1 Samuel 17:7 for Goliath's shield; this was military equipment, but the gold made it ceremonial as well.
The throne is described in detail: six steps, a gold footstool fastened to it, armrests on both sides, and twelve lions standing on the steps. Barnes notes that the footstool was 'an essential appendage to an Oriental throne,' seen in Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures. The lions symbolize royal power and authority, a familiar symbol in ancient Near Eastern thrones. This throne was unlike anything in any other kingdom (v.19).
The ships 'going to Tarshish' have occasioned much discussion. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown explain that 'ships of Tarshish' refers to 'large vessels built for or used at Tarshish', a class of ship capable of long voyages. The Targum (cited by Adam Clarke) interprets 'Tarshish' as 'Africa,' but the more common identification is the Phoenician colony of Tartessus in Spain. Every three years these ships returned with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, luxury items from Africa and possibly India. The mention of the kings of Arabia and governors (Hebrew פַּחוֹת, a word the Cambridge Bible notes was 'applied specially to governors of provinces of the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires') underscores the international scope of Solomon's influence. All this wealth demonstrates that God's promise to give Solomon wisdom and riches extended far beyond Israel's borders, making him surpass all the kings of the earth.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note that the passage closely parallels 1 Kings 10:14, 22 with minor differences. The most significant variant is the description of the throne: 2 Chronicles 9:18 mentions a footstool of gold fastened to the throne, while 1 Kings 10:19 speaks of the top of the throne being 'round behind.' Ellicott's Commentary calls this a 'quite different detail' and suggests 'it is quite possible that our text is due to a corruption of that which appears in Kings.' The Cambridge Bible notes that the Chronicler may have drawn on a separate textual tradition. There is no evidence of major textual instability beyond these differences; the Hebrew manuscripts agree with the printed editions for this section.
Reception History
In Christian tradition, this passage has been read typologically: Solomon's glory prefigures the greater glory of Christ, who is both wiser and richer, not in earthly gold but in spiritual riches. Matthew Henry (1710) used these verses to praise God's liberality to His servants, but also noted that the gold shields were later carried away by Shishak, a reminder of the transience of earthly splendor. In Jewish reception, the passage was treasured as a proof of God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, celebrating the golden age of the united monarchy. Post-exilic readers would have taken comfort in the memory of this height, even as they lived under Persian rule. In many liturgical traditions, the visit of the queen of Sheba and the description of Solomon's court became a picture of the eschatological gathering of nations to worship the true King, a theme taken up in the Psalms (72:10, 11) and echoed in the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God brings wealth through others. The passage shows tribute flowing from traders, Arab kings, and governors. This reminds us that God can use any source to provide for His people and fulfill His promises.
- Visible splendor points to unseen wisdom. The shields, throne, and vessels were public displays of God's gift of wisdom. The splendor was not for vanity but to declare to the nations that Israel's God is the source of all true riches.
- The scope of Solomon's influence fulfilled prophecy. Kings from afar sought his presence. This anticipates the day when all nations will come to worship the King of kings, a theme taken up in the New Testament.
Five-point outline
- International tribute (v.14). All the kings of Arabia and governors of the land bring gold and silver, fulfilling Psalm 72:10.
- Martial display (v.15-16). Two hundred large shields and three hundred small shields of beaten gold, kept in the House of the Forest of Lebanon, symbolize both military readiness and royal wealth.
- Royal authority (v.17-19). The ivory throne overlaid with gold, six steps, footstool, and twelve lions image a king whose authority reaches beyond any other kingdom.
- Daily abundance (v.20). All drinking vessels of gold, and silver considered worthless, a hyperbole that drives home the sheer scale of prosperity.
- Global enterprise (v.21-22). The ships of Tarshish returning every three years with exotic goods from distant lands demonstrate Solomon's reach and the fulfillment of God's gift of wisdom, which exceeded all kings of the earth.
Illustration hooks
- The CEO's corporate gifts. When a modern CEO receives lavish gifts from international partners during a business meeting, it signals respect and influence. Solomon's gifts from kings worldwide showed that God's blessing was recognized by the most powerful leaders of his day.
- The museum treasury. Imagine a museum's vault with ancient gold shields and ceremonial armor. Those items were not just for display; they told the story of a kingdom's reach and its ruler's vision. Solomon's shields and throne were physical sermons of God's wisdom.
- The trade route discovery. Traveling a modern cargo ship that brings exotic spices and minerals from far-off continents. Every three years, Solomon's ships returned with goods that reminded Israel that the whole world contributed to the glory of God's chosen king.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Was all this wealth a sign of God's blessing, or did it set Solomon up for his later downfall?
- How can we appreciate Solomon's glory without coveting wealth? What does it mean that Christ is greater than Solomon?
- Does this passage promise material prosperity for faithful believers today? How do we read Old Testament descriptions of wealth in light of the cross?
Leading a Discussion
This passage paints a vivid picture of Solomon's wealth at its peak. The Chronicler includes every detail, shields of gold, an ivory throne, ships returning with exotic cargo, to make one point: God kept His promise to give Solomon wisdom and riches beyond any other king. But these verses also raise questions about the proper place of material abundance in the life of God's people. As you discuss, consider how the New Testament reinterprets glory and wealth in light of Jesus, the greater Son of David.
Discussion questions
- What detail in this passage stands out to you most, and why? (Observation)
- Why do you think the Chronicler notes that all the kings of Arabia and governors brought tribute, not just merchants? What does that add? (Observation/Interpretation)
- The shields were later taken by Shishak (2 Chronicles 12:9), what does that event tell us about the temporary nature of even the greatest human glory? (Interpretation)
- How does the description of the throne (six steps, lions, footstool) reflect God's design for kingship in Israel? (Interpretation)
- The text says silver was 'not considered valuable' in Solomon's days (v.20). Is that an exaggeration for effect, or does it reveal a deeper spiritual truth? (Interpretation)
- Jesus said that 'one greater than Solomon is here' (Matthew 12:42). How does this passage help us appreciate Christ's supremacy? (Application)
- What would it look like for our church or community to 'seek first the kingdom of God' instead of material wealth, while still seeing abundance as a gift? (Application)
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Psalms 68:29 | Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings shall bring presents to you. |
| Psalms 72:10 | The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. |
| I Kings 10:16 | King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to one buckler. |
| I Kings 10:17 | He made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went to one shield; and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. |
| II Chronicles 12:9 | So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem and took away the treasures of Yahweh’s house and the treasures of the king’s house. He took it all away. He also took away the shields of gold which Solomon had made. |
| II Chronicles 12:10 | King Rehoboam made shields of bronze in their place, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the king’s house. |
| I Kings 7:2 | For he built the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Its length was one hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on the pillars. |
| I Kings 10:18 | Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
5 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke points out that the Aramaic Targum provides different identifications for some places in the account, such as "Sistevantha" for Arabia and "Africa" for Tarshish. He also directs readers to his own notes elsewhere for a more precise valuation of the gold shields and a fuller description of Solomon
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes calculates from the two accounts in Kings that a pound of gold equaled one hundred shekels. He also observes that the footstool, absent from the Kings description, was a standard feature of an Oriental throne, as confirmed by Egyptian, Assyrian, and Persian sculptures.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that the Chronicler likely misunderstands the phrase “ships of Tarshish” from 1 Kings, taking it as a destination when it actually refers to large vessels built for long voyages. It also corrects several translations: “chapmen” means merchants, “governors” refers to provincial officials, and the words for large and small shields should be swapped.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB clarifies that the phrase "ships of Tarshish" describes the vessels' size and construction, not their destination. These were large, ocean-going ships built in the style used for the Tarshish trade, and they sailed with Huram's servants.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch corrects a common misunderstanding: the phrase "ships going to Tarshish" in Chronicles is a mistaken paraphrase. The Hebrew actually means "Tarshish-ships," vessels built for long sea voyages, and Solomon's fleet sailed to Ophir in Arabia, not to Spain.