2 Chronicles 9
Summary for 2Chr 9:1-2: 9:1-2 a Although Solomon had long-term economic and political ties with Hiram of Tyre (8:17-18 b; 9:10-11 c), the queen of Sheba visited just once. Ancient Sheba (roughly modern Yemen) was noted for its important female rulers and for a wealthy economy based on trade in frankincense and myrrh. An ancient tradition suggests that the queen of Sheba came from Cush (Ethiopia), perhaps because of Sheba son of Raamah, a descendant of Cush (Gen 10:7 d; 1 Chr 1:9 e).Summary for 2Chr 9:3-4: 9:3-4 f The queen observed the unusual grandeur of Solomon’s court, which demonstrated both his wealth and his wisdom.
9:9 g 9,000 pounds: The queen presented Solomon with gold that equaled the amount he had received from Hiram (cp. 1 Kgs 9:14 h).
• The queen’s gift of spices, such as frankincense and myrrh, were used in cosmetics, for embalming, and for religious offerings. High demand and repeated taxation over the long trade route made the spices as valuable as gold in gifts to a king (see Matt 2:11 i). Solomon was so wealthy that the queen had to give an enormous gift for it to be regarded as significant.
Summary for 2Chr 9:13-14: 9:13-14 j The phrase translated each year can also refer to one particular year, making it unclear whether 25 tons referred to Solomon’s annual income or only to his most profitable year. Solomon also collected taxes from foreign traders and local merchants. The kings of Arabia were probably merchant princes who used the routes from Edom to Damascus, while the governors of the provinces were district officials.
Summary for 2Chr 9:15-16: 9:15-16 k Ornamental and ceremonial shields were common in ancient Syria and Assyria. Large shields were full-body length and possibly three-sided; small shields, worn on the arm, provided light protection. Guards displayed their shields as the king went up to the Temple.
Summary for 2Chr 9:17-19: 9:17-19 l Solomon’s throne was very grand. There were six steps, and the throne might have stood on a platform that made a seventh step; similar Babylonian temple towers were built in seven stages to represent the entire cosmos.
9:21 m Solomon’s fleet of trading ships of Tarshish was used to transport cargo. The peculiar shape of these strong ships allowed them to sail long distances in the open sea.
• and peacocks: The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain. Solomon was so great that he imported fine goods and exotic animals from the farthest reaches of the known world.
9:29 n The Chronicler apparently used prophetic anthologies or annals as part of his source material; the works of individual prophets may have been incorporated into larger collections. These sources no longer exist. Nathan and Ahijah were active during the reigns of David and Solomon. Iddo is otherwise unknown.
9:30 o Solomon reigned from 971 to 931 BC.
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