2Ch 9:13-22 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Chr 9:13-14: 9:13-14 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.

a9:13-14►

b9:15-16►

c9:17-19►

‏ 2 Chronicles 9:13-22

Summary for 2Chr 9:13-14: 9:13-14 ^a 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 ^b 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 ^c 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 ^d 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.