2 Crônicas 9
J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 9
Vernon McGee - In other words, Solomon told her the secret of his kingdom. He told her that God had given him his wisdom. He told her that the temple was their approach to God because God had said it was there He would meet with His people.....You can see that the nation of Israel was successful in witnessing to the world. (See Thru the Bible) 2 Chronicles 9:3 When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house which he had built, seen the wisdom: 1Ki 10:3 Ac 11:23 the house: 2Ch 3:1-4:22 1Ki 6:1-7:51 When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house which he had built, See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:4. Given the following context (1Ki 10:5), the house is apparently Solomon's personal house not the House of God. Josephus says she was especially astonished at the house of the forest of Lebanon. One can only imagine the opulence of Solomon's humble abode which he had been building on for 13 years! Mind blowing for sure! RON DANIEL - 9:3-5 Seeing Wisdom In Order The queen of Sheba recognized Solomon's wisdom not only in his words, but in the order that everything was happening in Solomon's house. From the way the table was set to the clothes of the servants and they way they sat, she saw that they strove for excellence and paid attention to detail. This has always been a real goal of in this ministry. Whatever we put our hand to should be done with wisdom: it must be thought out, done well, and cared for. Some come down on me for this. "Come on, you're just being picky. You're too strict. Let's relax a little bit." But I say, "Excellence and organization, things being clean and orderly - these things demonstrate visually that the wisdom of God is present spiritually." Our God does things excellently, and we should imitate Him. Paul the apostle said, 1Cor. 14:40 ...all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. 2 Chronicles 9:4 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his ministers and their attire, his cupbearers and their attire, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, she was breathless. the meat: 1Ki 4:22,23 Pr 9:5 Joh 6:53-57 the sitting: 1Ki 10:5 Lu 12:37 Rev 3:20 cupbearers: or, butlers, Ne 1:11 ascent: 2Ch 23:13 2Ki 16:18 1Ch 9:18 Eze 44:3 46:2 there was: Ps 119:81 143:7 Song 5:8 Da 10:17 Rev 1:17 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his ministers and their attire, his cupbearers and their attire, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, she was breathless. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:5. 2 Chronicles 9:5 Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. report: Heb. word, 1Ki 10:6 THE REPORTS OF SOLOMON WERE NO EXAGGERATION Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:6 2 Chronicles 9:6 “Nevertheless I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You surpass the report that I heard. I believed: Joh 20:25-29 the one half: 1Ki 10:7 Ps 31:19 Zec 9:17 1Co 2:9 1Jn 3:2 exceedest: 2Ch 9:5 1Ki 4:31,34 Song 5:9-16 SEEING & HEARING IS BELIEVING Nevertheless I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You surpass the report that I heard. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:7 RON DANIEL - 9:6-12 The Queen's Pursuit Of Truth The queen told Solomon that she'd thought she was hearing exaggerations about his wisdom. But now she realized that the stories hadn't even done him justice. She said, 2Chr. 9:6 "...I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes had seen it." Here is an interesting thought: She doubted what she heard, yet she was open to find out, and even pursued the knowledge. Jesus spoke about this very thing in the gospel of Luke. When the scribes and Pharisees were in unchangeable disbelief, Jesus told them, Luke 11:31 "The Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation at the judgment and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." The queen will be commended for her search for truth. Those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ will be condemned because they have made no effort to learn the truth. Too many people today view the gospel with doubt until someone takes the initiative to pursue them, addressing every one of their doubts. And yet, the Queen of Sheba didn't mail a letter saying, "Hey Solomon, I don't believe a word I'm hearing about you. If I'm going to believe any of it, you're gonna have to come down here and prove yourself." Instead, Jesus said that "she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon." Never forget that God has promised, Jer. 29:13 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." 2 Chronicles 9:7 “How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. De 33:9 1Ki 10:8 Ps 27:4 84:10-12 Pr 3:3,14 8:34 10:21 13:20 Lu 10:39-42 11:28 SOLOMON BLESSING IS EVIDENT How blessed (barak; Lxx - makarios) are your men, how blessed (barak; Lxx - makarios) are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:8 2 Chronicles 9:8 “Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the LORD your God; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.” 1Ki 10:9 Ps 18:19 22:8 Isa 42:1 62:4 Blessed: 1Ch 29:10,20 Ps 72:18,19 2Co 9:12-15 which delighted: 2Sa 15:25,26 because thy God: 2Ch 2:11 De 7:8 1Ch 17:22 to do judgment: 2Sa 8:15 23:3 1Ki 3:28 Ps 72:2 99:4 Pr 21:3 Isa 9:7 11:1-5 Isa 32:1,2 Jer 33:15,16 Heb 1:8,9 Related Passage: Matthew 12:42+ “The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the LORD your God; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:9. This woman is now praising God! She did not receive just earthly wisdom, but wisdom from on high and as the result became a believer. J Vernon McGee - It seems that the burnt offering was what impressed her the most. This was the most complete and perfect picture of Christ that was given in the Old Testament. How well did Israel succeed in giving a witness to the Gentiles? Well, this woman came to know the living and true God. Martin Selman: God had promised on that occasion to give Solomon not only the wisdom he asked for (1:11-12a) but wealth and fame for which he had not asked (2Ch 1:12b). 2 Chronicles 9 shows that that promise was kept most faithfully. God himself is twice acknowledged as the source of Solomon’s gifts, on both occasions through the impartial testimony of foreigners (2Ch 9:8, 23). Though Solomon was obedient to God over the building of the temple praise is really due to God for his faithfulness and love (2Ch 9:8). All three of God’s gifts are dealt with in some detail, and an emphasis on God’s generosity is repeatedly evident. Solomon’s wisdom is recognized and tested by the Queen of Sheba (2Ch 9:2, 3, 6, 7, 8) and sought by many rulers (2Ch 9:22, 23). The king was also far more generously endowed with this gift than the queen anticipated: you have far exceeded the report I heard (2Ch 9:6). The gift of wealth is not only acknowledged, but increased by Hiram of Tyre (2Ch 8:18; 9:10-11), the Queen of Sheba (2Ch 9:3-4, 9, 12), and by many merchants and kings (2Ch 9:13-28). The third gift of “honour” (2Ch 9:12), though not so frequently recognized, is equally prominent. The report of Solomon’s fame (2Ch 9:1, 5) is international in scope (especially 2Ch 9:22-24), and leads to expressions of Solomon’s supremacy and uniqueness. He shows his supremacy in answering all the queen’s questions (2Ch 9:1-2), in giving her more than she had brought to him (v. 12), and in exercising sovereignty over many rulers (2Ch 9:26). His uniqueness is underlined in a series of phrases such as, Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom (2Ch 9:19; cf. 2Ch 9:9, 11). This incomparability had also been promised by God (2 Chr. 1:12; cf. 1 Chr. 29:25), and confirms that even Solomon’s glory (cf. Matt. 6:29) was dependent on and far out-weighed by God’s own glory (cf. 2 Chr. 7:1-3). (See 2 Chronicles: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 367) 2 Chronicles 9:9 Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold and a very great amount of spices and precious stones; there had never been spice like that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. she gave: 2Ch 9:24 1Ki 9:14 10:10 Ps 72:10,15 of spices: 2Ch 9:1 Ge 43:11 Ex 30:34 Sheba: This queen is called Balkis by the Arabians, who say she came from the city of Sheba, also called Mareb, in Yemen or Arabia Felix; but the Ethiopians call her Maqueda, claim her as their sovereign, and say that her posterity reigned there for a long time. Mr. Bruce has given us the history of her and her descendants from Abyssinian records; and Josephus says that Sheba was the ancient name of the city of Meroe, (south of Egypt, and sometimes comprehended in Ethiopia,) and that this princess came from thence. Those who think the princess came from Arabia, rely chiefly on the fact that gold, silver, spices, and precious stones, which were the presents she made to Solomon, are the natural products of that country; and that it may well be placed at the uttermost part of the earth, as it borders on the southern ocean, and formerly they knew no land beyond it. Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold - See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:10. 120 talents of gold would be about 4.1 metric tons is approximately 9,038.94 pounds, which would be valued at about $237,134,896, based on a gold price of $1,800 per troy ounce. and a very great amount of spices and precious stones; there had never been spice like that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon 2 Chronicles 9:10 The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones. brought gold: 2Ch 8:18 1Ki 9:27,28 10:22 algum trees: 1Ki 10:11, almug-trees The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:11 2 Chronicles 9:11 From the algum trees the king made steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and lyres and harps for the singers; and none like that was seen before in the land of Judah. harps: 1Ki 10:12 1Ch 23:5 25:1 Ps 92:1-3 150:3-5 Rev 5:8 Related Passage: 1 Kings 10:12 The king made of the almug trees supports for the house of the LORD and for the king’s house, also lyres and harps for the singers; such almug trees have not come in again nor have they been seen to this day. ALMUG TREES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS From the algum trees the king made steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and lyres and harps for the singers; and none like that was seen before in the land of Judah. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:12 2 Chronicles 9:12 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested besides a return for what she had brought to the king. Then she turned and went to her own land with her servants. all her desire: 1Ki 10:13 Ps 20:4 Eph 3:20 SOLOMON RECIPROCATES AND QUEEN RETURNS King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested besides a return for what she had brought to the king. Then she turned and went to her own land with her servants. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:13 Iain Duguid: Solomon’s reciprocal giving of gifts (as would be expected in international relationships) concludes the account of the queen’s visit. The wording gives no details beyond the fact that he “gave [her] all that she desired” (cf. the earlier similarly general answered all her questions”; 2 Chron. 9:2). It is a much later tradition that speaks of a union resulting in the birth of Menelik I, the founder of the Ethiopian dynasty that persisted with some gaps into the twentieth century as the “house of Solomon.” Wikipedia - Menelik I (Ge'ez: ምኒልክ, Mənilək) was the claimed first Emperor of Ethiopia. According to Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century national epic, in the 10th century BC he is said to have inaugurated the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia, so named because Menelik I was the son of the biblical King Solomon of ancient Israel and of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba.[4][5] 2 Chronicles 9:13 Now the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, the weight: 1Ki 10:14,15 Ps 68:29 72:10,15 Now the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:14 Iain Duguid: Solomon’s wealth is prodigious. “Gold” is mentioned 18 times (17 times in chapters 2–5 for the temple), and other language is superlative: “nothing like it [the throne] was ever made for any kingdom” (2Chr 9:19); “silver was not considered as anything” (2Chr 9:20, 27); and “King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (2Chr 9:22; cf. 2Chr 9:9b, 11b). Hezekiah is the only other king for whom wealth details are given (2Chr 32:27–30); again the temple is associated with wealth, as in Chronicles Hezekiah plays a major role in temple worship after the fall of the northern kingdom. The Chronicler likewise specifies David’s successful acquisitions that he contributed to temple construction and vessels (1 Chron. 22:3–4, 14–16; 29:2–5). The Chronicler associates prosperity with obedience concerning the ark and temple. RON DANIEL - 9:13-28 Solomon's Riches And Fame Reading these descriptions about King Solomon's massive amounts of gold, and the notoriety he gained with all of the world's leaders, we can see that he epitomized the "rich and famous." This is something that so many people are seeking: fame and fortune. But why? "I want to be known, I want to be recognized. I want to be able to buy anything I want to make me happy." Saints, this is one of the biggest lies ever fed to humanity. Being famous is a curse that I hope you never experience. And being rich isn't at all what people think it is. Late in Solomon's life, he wrote, Eccl. 5:10-12 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. In the height of Solomon's prosperity and notoriety, all he found was vanity and misery. Oh, and it drew him further and further away from God, as he continued to do the three things the king of Israel was forbidden to do: Deut. 17:16-17 "...he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, 'You shall never again return that way.' He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself." ALENT [ISBE] - tal'-ent (kikkar; talanton): A weight composed of 60 manehs (English Versions of the Bible "pounds") equal to about 120 pounds troy and 96 pounds avoirdupois, or 672,500 grains, of the Phoenician standard. See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. When used in the monetary sense the talent might be either of silver or gold, and the value varied according to the standard, but is probably to be taken on the Phoenician, which would give about 410 British pounds, or $2,050 (in 1915), for the silver talent and 6,150 British pounds or $30,750 (in 1915), for the gold. MATTHEW HENRY - Notes: Verses: 13-31 We have here Solomon in his throne, and Solomon in his grave; for the throne would not secure him from the grave. Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat-Death wrenches from the hand the sceptre as well as the spade. I. Here is Solomon reigning in wealth and power, in ease and fulness, such as, for aught I know, could never since be paralleled by any king whatsoever. In cannot pretend to be critical in comparing the grandeur of Solomon with that of some of the great princes of the earth. But I may observe that the most illustrious of them were famed for their wars, whereas Solomon reigned forty years in profound peace. Some of those that might be thought to vie with Solomon affected retirement, kept people in awe by keeping them at a great distance; nobody must see them, or come near him, upon pain of death: but Solomon went much abroad, and appeared in public business. So that, all things considered, the promise was fulfilled, that God would give him riches, and wealth, and honour, such as no kings have had, or shall have, 2Chr 1:12. 1. Never any prince appeared in public with great splendour than Solomon did, which to those that judge by the sight of the eye, as most people do, would very much recommend him. He had 200 targets and 300 shields, all of beaten gold, carried before him (2Chr 9:15, 16), and sat upon a most stately throne, 2Chr 9:17-19. There was not the like in any kingdom. The lustre wherein he appeared was typical of the spiritual glory of the kingdom of the Messiah and but a faint representation of his throne, which is above every throne. Solomon's pomp was all artificial; and therefore our Saviour prefers the natural beauty of the lilies of the field before it. Mt. 6:29, Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. 2. Never any prince had greater plenty of gold and silver, though there were no gold or silver mines in his own kingdom. Either he made himself master of the mines in other countries, and, having a populous country, sent hands to dig out those rich metals, or, having a fruitful country, he exported the commodities of it and with them fetched home all this gold that is here spoken of, 2Chr 9:13, 14-21. 3. Never any prince had such presents brought him by all his neighbours as Solomon had: All the kings of Arabia, and governors of the country, brought him gold and silver (2Chr 9:14), not as tribute which he extorted from them, but as freewill offerings to procure his favour, or in a way of exchange for some of the productions of his husbandry, corn or cattle. All the kings of the earth brought him presents, that is, all in those parts of the world (2Chr 9:24, 28), because they coveted his acquaintance and friendship. Herein he was a type of Christ, to whom, as soon as he was born, the wise men of the east brought presents, gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt. 2:11), and to whom all that are about him must bring presents, Ps. 76:11; Rom. 12:1. 4. Never any prince was so renowned for wisdom, so courted, so consulted, so admired (2Chr 9:23): The kings of the earth (for it was too great a favour for common persons to pretend to) sought to hear his wisdom-his natural philosophy, or his skill in physic, or his state policy, or his rules of prudence for the conduct of human life, or perhaps the principles of his religion, and the reasons of it. The application which they then made to Solomon to hear his wisdom will aggravate, shame, and condemn, men's general contempt of Christ and his gospel. Though in them are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet none of the princes of this world desire to know them, for they are foolishness to them, 1 Co. 2:8, 14. 2 Chronicles 9:14 besides 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. besides 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. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:15 2 Chronicles 9:15 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold, using 600 shekels of beaten gold on each large shield. two: 2Ch 12:9,10 1Ki 10:16,17 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold, using 600 shekels of beaten gold on each large shield. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:16 Frederick Mabie: These opulent ceremonial weapons were not intended for battle but instead provided tangible proof of a kingdom’s wealth and prestige. Numerous gold ceremonial weapons have been uncovered in archaeological digs, particularly in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh King Tutankhamun. (See 1 and 2 Chronicles) 2 Chronicles 9:16 He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three hundred shekels of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. in the house: 1Ki 7:2 He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three hundred shekels of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:17 Believer's Study Bible - The apparent contradiction between this verse and 1 Kin. 10:17 regarding the amount of gold in the 300 shields is resolved in that the figures reflect two different methods of reckoning the same items. The system(s) of ancient weights referred to in the O.T. is complicated. There is evidence of "heavy" and "light" systems employed so that the type had to be specified -- e.g., "according to the king's standard" (2 Sam. 14:26), "according to the shekel of the sanctuary" (Ex. 30:13, 24), and perhaps "currency of the merchants" (Gen. 23:16). Mesopotamia and Ugarit also had different systems. Thus, one scholar suggests that if the three minas in 1 Kin. 10:17 equals 300 shekels in 2 Chr. 9:16, then Chronicles refers to the royal shekel as in 2 Sam. 14:26. The royal shekel weighed only half the "sacred shekel," which was 50 shekels per mina. This is complicated, however, by the Mesopotamian sexagesimal system (numerical system based on the number 60) in which a mina equaled 60 shekels, a system evidenced by Ezek. 45:12 (unless the text of that verse has been corrupted in transmission, as some have suggested). Another explanation of the difference between the Kings and Chronicles texts begins by noting that the term "shekel" is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew of either. If the unit we are to assume is the bekah, which was a half-shekel (Ex. 38:26), then three minas equal 300 bekahs or 150 shekels, and a mina was its usual 50 shekels. The difficulty with this explanation is that the Hebrew word beqa` or "bekah" is only mentioned twice in the Bible -- in Gen. 24:22, where it is translated "half," and in Ex. 38:26-so when the unit is unspecified, the shekel is usually assumed. 2 Chronicles 9:17 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 1Ki 10:18-20 Ps 45:8 Rev 20:11 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:18 Andrew Hill: The royal throne is made of wood, inset with ivory plaques and overlaid with gold (2Chr 9:17). Perhaps the twelve tribes of Israel are represented in the twelve lions that flank the six steps on either side leading up to the throne platform (2Chr 9:19). The lion is a universal symbol of kingship in the ancient world and may have been the symbol for the Davidic line of Israelite kingship, given David’s reputation as a shepherd who rescued his sheep from the paws of the lion (cf. 1 Sam. 17:34–37). 2 Chronicles 9:18 There were six steps to the throne and a footstool in gold attached to the throne, and arms on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the arms. two lions: Ge 49:9,10 Nu 23:24 24:9 Rev 5:5 There were six steps (see pix of 6 steps) to the throne and a footstool in gold attached to the throne, and arms on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the arms. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:19 2 Chronicles 9:19 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom. twelve lions: Mt 19:28 Rev 21:12 Related Passages: Revelation 21:12+ It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:20 2 Chronicles 9:20 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 not considered valuable in the days of Solomon. drinking: 1Ki 10:21 Es 1:7 Da 5:2,3 it was: 2Ch 9:27 Isa 2:22 Jer 31:5 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 not considered valuable in the days of Solomon. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:21 2 Chronicles 9:21 For the king had ships which went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. 1Ki 10:22 22:48, Tarshish peacocks: {Tukkeeyim} is rendered {taysin} in the Targum, [taonon,] in the Alexandrian MS. of the LXX., and {pavos,} "peacocks," in the Vulgate; with which the Syriac, Arabic, and Rabbins agree. This derives confirmation from the fact, that the peacock is called in Malabaric, {Togei.} Job 39:13 For the king had ships which went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:22 Norman Geisler - 2 CHRONICLES 9:21—Did Solomon’s ships get gold from Tarshish or from Ophir? PROBLEM: Here the Chronicler affirms that Solomon’s ships “went to Tarshish” and brought back gold. However, in 1 Kings 9:28 it claims they “went to Ophir” and acquired gold. SOLUTION: Solomon had more than one fleet of ships and they went to more than one location. Every three years they went to Tarshish (Spain) and brought back “gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys” (1 Kings 10:22; cf. 2 Chron. 9:21). This appears to be different from their mission to “Ophir” (Africa) which was for “gold” (1 Kings 9:28); Ophir was renown for gold in ancient times (cf. Job 28:16; Ps. 45:9; Isa. 13:12). That Ophir is a different trip seems evident from the fact that it brought back different things. For “the ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought great quantities of almug wood and precious stones from Ophir” (1 Kings 10:11), as opposed to “gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys” mentioned in the trip to Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). (See When Critics Ask) Tarshish [EBD] a Sanscrit or Aryan word, meaning "the sea coast." The name of a place which first comes into notice in the days of Solomon. The question as to the locality of Tarshish has given rise to not a little discussion. Some think there was a Tarshish in the East, on the Indian coast, seeing that "ships of Tarshish" sailed from Eziongeber, on the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26; 22:48; 2 Chr. 9:21). Some, again, argue that Carthage was the place so named. There can be little doubt, however, that this is the name of a Phoenician port in Spain, between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir (the name given to the river by the Arabs, and meaning "the great wady" or water-course). It was founded by a Carthaginian colony, and was the farthest western harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to this port Jonah's ship was about to sail from Joppa. It has well been styled "the Peru of Tyrian adventure;" it abounded in gold and silver mines. It appears that this name also is used without reference to any locality. "Ships of Tarshish" is an expression sometimes denoting simply ships intended for a long voyage (Isa. 23:1, 14), ships of a large size (sea-going ships), whatever might be the port to which they sailed. Solomon's ships were so styled (1 Kings 10:22; 22:49). Believer's Study Bible - Locating Tarshish has provided an intriguing puzzle for scholars for a long time. The theory that Tarshish refers to the fishing port Tartessus on the coast of Spain fails to explain the strange cargo of Solomon's navy, namely, ivory, apes, and monkeys. It also neglects the association of Tarshish with Sheba, Seba, and Dedan (i.e. locations in Arabia, Ps. 72:10; Ezek. 38:13). Furthermore, it neglects the fact that Jehoshaphat constructed ships in Ezion Geber on the Gulf of Aqaba to go to Tarshish (2 Chr. 20:36), as Solomon had done to go to Ophir (1 Kin. 9:26-28). These factors favor a location of Tarshish in Arabia, on the east coast of Africa, or in India. Some have suggested that there were two locations by that name, one of which was on the Mediterranean. The possibility of commerce with the "New World," perhaps South America, has also been suggested. Note that the phrase "ship of Tarshish" became a term applied to any ship that sailed to distant ports (cf. 1 Kin. 10:22). In any case, Solomon's maritime enterprises were obviously extensive (cf. Ps. 72:10; Isa. 2:16). 2 Chronicles 9:22 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. passed all the kings: 2Ch 1:12 1Ki 3:12,13 4:30,31 10:23,24 Ps 89:27 Mt 12:42 Col 2:2,3 THE GREATNESS OF SOLOMON & THE GOLDEN AGE OF ISRAEL So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. See COMMENTARY on parallel passage in 1Ki 10:23 Henry
2 Crônicas 9
Vernon McGee - This reveals the defect in this man’s character. The king had been forbidden by the Mosaic Law to multiply horses and wives. Solomon multiplied both. One of the most impressive things at Megiddo is the ruins of the stables that Solomon had there. And there are ruins of his stables in several other areas. He really multiplied horses! (See Thru the Bible) Believer's Study Bible - The 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots in this text is preferred over the 40,000 stalls indicated in its parallel account (1 Kin. 4:26), being more consistent with the 1,400 chariots mentioned in 2 Chr. 1:14; 1 Kin. 10:26. The difference between four and forty may have been just a small symbol written above a letter. Frederick Mabie: This summary of Solomon’s royal revenue (excluding profits made from trade and other income per v.14) is impressive and reflects the economic clout ancient Israel was able to develop by exerting hegemony over neighboring countries and regions. This regional hegemony enabled Israel to control numerous trade routes and leverage Israel’s geographical position as a “land bridge” linking the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe. These trade routes include those in the northern reaches of Syria (gateway to Mesopotamia), the Negev (gateway to trade with the Arabian states and access to maritime trade from Ezion Geber), the region of Transjordan (King’s Highway; gateway to Damascus) and the Coastal Highway (also known as the Great Trunk Route and the Via Maris; gateway to Egypt in the south and Phoenicia to the north). (See 1 and 2 Chronicles) Norman Geisler - 1Chr 9:25 - How can this verse say Solomon had 4,000 stalls when 1 Kings 4:26 says he had 40,000 stalls? PROBLEM: In recording the prosperity of Solomon, this passage states that he had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots. However, 1 Chronicles 9:25 affirms that Solomon had only 4,000 stalls for horses. Which one is right? SOLUTION: This is undoubtedly a copyist error. The ratio of 4,000 horses to 1,400 chariots, as found in the 2 Chronicles passage, is much more reasonable than a ratio of 40,000 to 1,400 found in the 1 Kings text. In the Hebrew language, the visual difference between the two numbers is very slight. The consonants for the number 40 are rbym,í while the consonants for the number 4 are rbh (the vowels were not written in the text). The manuscripts from which the scribe worked may have been smudged or damaged and have given the appearance of being forty thousand rather than four thousand. (See When Critics Ask) 2 Chronicles 9:26 He was the ruler over all the kings from the Euphrates River even to the land of the Philistines, and as far as the border of Egypt. reigned over: 1Ki 4:21,24 Ps 72:8-11 Da 7:14 Rev 19:16 river: "That is, Euphrates." Ge 15:18 Ex 23:31 Jos 13:2-7 Related Passages: Genesis 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: (CLICK ANOTHER DEPICTION COMPARING SAUL, DAVID & SOLOMON'S KINGDOMS) He was the ruler over all the kings from the Euphrates River even to the land of the Philistines, and as far as the border of Egypt - Solomon reigned over almost all the territory promised to Abraham. Thomas