2 Chronicles 8:17–9:12 (September 25, 2025)

8:17 Then Solomon went to cEzion-geber and dEloth on the shore of the sea, in the land of Edom. 18 And Hiram sent to him by the hand of his servants ships and servants familiar with the sea, and they went to Ophir together with the servants of Solomon and brought from there e450 talents2 of gold and brought it to King Solomon.

The Queen of Sheba

9:1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great retinue and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 2 And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her. 3 And when gthe queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 4 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

5 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 6 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard. 7 Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 8 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you hand set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God! iBecause your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 9 Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There were no spices such as those that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

10 Moreover, the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum wood and precious stones. 11 And the king made from the algum wood supports for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, lyres also and harps for the singers. There never was seen the like of them before in the land of Judah.

12 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what she had brought to the king. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.

The Splendor of Solomon and the Wisdom of God

Summary

After the temple and palace were completed, Solomon continued strengthening his kingdom (8:1–16). He rebuilt cities, fortified strongholds, and organized Israel’s labor force. People from other nations were conscripted as workers, while Israelites were preserved for military and leadership roles (8:7–10). Solomon also ensured that temple service was organized exactly as David had commanded, with priests, Levites, and gatekeepers carrying out their duties faithfully (8:14–16). Thus, both the kingdom and the temple were firmly established.

Then Solomon turned his eyes outward, building a fleet of ships with the help of Hiram, king of Tyre (8:17–18). This maritime partnership brought wealth and exotic goods from distant lands, marking Solomon’s international reach.

In chapter 9, the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, having heard of his fame and wisdom.

She tests him with hard questions, and Solomon answers them all. She is overwhelmed by his wisdom, the splendor of his palace, the order of his servants, and the abundance of his offerings (9:2–4). Breathless, she declares:

She blesses Solomon’s servants, who stand continually in his presence, and she blesses the Lord who set Solomon on the throne “to establish [Israel] forever” (9:7–8). The Queen gives Solomon gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones, and Solomon, in return, gives her all she desired, showing his generosity (9:9–12).

Who is God?

God is the one who establishes His kingdom and displays His wisdom through His chosen king. Solomon’s wisdom and splendor were not self-made. They were gifts from God in fulfillment of His promise to David (1 Kings 3, 2 Chron. 1). The words of the Queen of Sheba testify that Solomon’s reign points beyond himself:

God’s greatness is revealed to the nations through the flourishing of His people. The order of temple worship (8:14–16) and the beauty of Solomon’s court (9:4) together show that God is a God of wisdom, order, and glory, whose presence among His people cannot be hidden.

What is our guilt?

Our guilt is that we often admire Solomon’s wealth and glory more than God, who gave them. The Queen of Sheba saw past the gold and palaces to the Sovereign Lord who established Solomon, but we are quick to chase the gifts instead of the Giver. Like Israel later on, we are tempted to trust in financial stability, power, and alliances rather than God’s covenant promises. We also forget that Solomon’s splendor was fleeting. Our hearts are prone to turn God’s blessings into idols, mistaking worldly greatness for lasting glory.

How does grace shine?

Solomon’s wisdom points us to Christ, the greater Son of David. Jesus Himself said,

Where Solomon’s glory faded, Christ’s kingdom endures forever. Where Solomon answered hard questions, Christ is Himself the answer! He is the wisdom of God in flesh (1 Cor. 1:24). In Him, the nations come not just to marvel at splendor, but to receive salvation. And in Him, we are not just servants who stand in awe, but sons and daughters who share in His inheritance.

Prayer

O Lord, you are the God of wisdom, glory, and order. We confess that we often seek the gifts of financial stability, influence, and social status more than you.

Forgive us for turning your blessings into idols.

Thank you for giving us Jesus Christ, the greater and ultimate Solomon, whose wisdom surpasses all and whose kingdom never fades. Teach us to seek Him above worldly splendor, to delight in His presence, and to bless your name before the nations.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.