2 Chronicles 9:1-12
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.
Copyright information for
TNotes