The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon after hearing of his fame, testing him with hard questions, and was overwhelmed by his wisdom, his palace, his servants' attire, and his burnt offerings at the temple, confessing that the reports had not conveyed half of his wisdom and prosperity. She gave Solomon 120 talents of gold, abundant spices, and precious stones, while Solomon gave her all she desired; the narrative notes that 666 talents of gold came to Solomon annually, in addition to trade revenue and Arabian tribute. Solomon made two hundred large shields and three hundred small shields of beaten gold, an ivory throne overlaid with gold having six steps and two lions on each step, drinking vessels of pure gold, and through the fleet of Tarshish he imported gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years, becoming greater than all kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
Read 2 Chronicles Chapter 9 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Builder of the temple and Israel's most glorious king
Reforming king who restored temple worship and trusted God against Assyria
Young king who led the greatest revival, rediscovered the Law
Godly king known for his prayer and trust in God during battle
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Prophet during David's Reign
King of Israel
First King of Judah after the Division
Places in This Chapter
Arabia was the large peninsula east of the Red Sea. Paul went to Arabia after his conversion, possibly for a time of reflection and preparation. Mount Sinai is said to be in Arabia. The Queen of Sheba came from Arabia to hear Solomon's wisdom.
Tarshish was a distant port city, possibly in Spain or another western Mediterranean location. Jonah tried to flee to Tarshish to escape God's call to go to Nineveh. It was known for its ships and trade in precious metals. King Solomon had a fleet of ships of Tarshish.
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Solomon's wisdom, the building and dedication of the temple, his wealth and fame.