The servants of Hiram and of SolomonThis phrase highlights the collaboration between King Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon of Israel. Hiram was a Phoenician king who had a strong alliance with Solomon, providing materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This partnership reflects the broader theme of international cooperation and trade in the ancient Near East. The alliance also signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the Temple, as Hiram's resources were crucial for this endeavor.
who brought gold from Ophir
Ophir is a region mentioned several times in the Bible, renowned for its wealth and fine gold. Its exact location remains uncertain, though it is often associated with areas in Arabia, East Africa, or India. The mention of Ophir underscores the extensive trade networks of the time and Solomon's wealth and wisdom in securing such valuable resources. This gold was used in the Temple, symbolizing the glory and splendor of God's dwelling place on earth.
also brought algum wood
Algum wood, also known as almug or sandalwood, was a rare and valuable material used in the construction of the Temple and Solomon's palace. Its mention indicates the luxurious and high-quality materials that were employed in these projects. The wood was likely used for musical instruments, pillars, and other decorative elements, enhancing the beauty and grandeur of the structures. This reflects the biblical theme of offering the best to God.
and precious stones
Precious stones were used extensively in the Temple's construction and decoration, symbolizing beauty, wealth, and divine favor. These stones were likely used in the priestly garments, the Temple's interior, and Solomon's palace. The use of such materials points to the heavenly reality that the Temple represented, as described in Revelation, where the New Jerusalem is adorned with precious stones. This connection emphasizes the idea of God's presence and glory being reflected in the earthly Temple.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HiramThe king of Tyre, a friend and ally of King Solomon, who provided materials and skilled laborers for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
2.
SolomonThe son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
3.
OphirA region famous for its wealth, particularly gold. Its exact location is unknown, but it is often associated with the wealth and trade routes of the ancient world.
4.
Algum WoodA rare and valuable type of wood, possibly sandalwood, used in the construction of the Temple and other significant projects.
5.
Precious StonesGems that were highly valued in ancient times, used for decoration and possibly for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and BlessingThe wealth and resources brought to Solomon illustrate God's provision and blessing upon his reign. Reflect on how God provides for His people today.
Wisdom in StewardshipSolomon's use of resources for the Temple shows the importance of wise stewardship. Consider how we can wisely use the resources God has entrusted to us.
The Role of AlliancesThe partnership between Hiram and Solomon demonstrates the value of godly alliances. Evaluate the relationships in your life and their impact on your spiritual journey.
Symbolism of WealthThe gold, wood, and stones symbolize the richness of God's kingdom. Contemplate the spiritual riches available to believers through Christ.
Legacy of FaithSolomon's building projects left a lasting legacy. Think about the spiritual legacy you are building for future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 9:10?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 9:10 illustrate God's provision through Solomon's wealth?
3.What role did the servants play in acquiring gold and algum wood?
4.How can we use our resources to honor God like Solomon did?
5.Compare Solomon's wealth in 2 Chronicles 9:10 with God's blessings in Deuteronomy 28.
6.How does Solomon's use of resources reflect stewardship principles in the New Testament?
7.What significance does 2 Chronicles 9:10 hold in the context of Solomon's wealth and wisdom?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 9:10 reflect the historical trade relationships during Solomon's reign?
9.What theological implications arise from the gifts mentioned in 2 Chronicles 9:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 9?
11.What is Ophir's significance in the Bible?
12.In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11-13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate?
13.2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?
14.In 1 Kings 10:14, how plausible is Solomon receiving 666 talents of gold in one year, and does any archeological data support such immense wealth?What Does 2 Chronicles 9:10 Mean
The servants of Hiram and of Solomon- Godly partnership: Hiram of Tyre and Solomon formed a covenant friendship (1 Kings 5:12, “the LORD had given Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty”).
- Shared mission: Their servants sailed together, modeling how the people of God can work with allies to fulfill divine purposes. Compare Paul’s co-laborers inRomans 16:3–4.
- Faithful service: These men obeyed their kings, echoingColossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.”
who brought gold from Ophir- Ophir’s gold was famed for purity and abundance (1 Kings 9:28, “They went to Ophir and brought back 420 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon”).
- Gold symbolizes glory; here it enriches Solomon’s kingdom just as the Lord promised inDeuteronomy 28:11–12 that obedience brings material blessing.
- Picture of Christ’s kingdom:Revelation 21:18 describes the New Jerusalem’s walls as “jasper, and the city was pure gold,” connecting the earthly wealth of Solomon to the greater splendor ahead.
also brought algum wood- Rare and beautiful:1 Kings 10:11–12 notes that almug (algum) wood was crafted into “supports for the house of the LORD and for the royal palace, and lyres and harps for the singers.”
- Worship focus: Instruments fashioned from this wood enhanced Temple praise, fulfillingPsalm 150:3–5—“Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet… with strings and flute.”
- Provision beyond expectation: God supplied not just necessities but artistic materials, reflectingEphesians 3:20, “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
and precious stones- Stones for beauty and priestly adornment recallExodus 28:17–20, where twelve gemstones represent Israel on the high priest’s breastpiece.
- Solomon used them to decorate the Temple (1 Chronicles 29:2, “gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze… and precious stones of various colors”).
- Foretaste of heavenly splendor:Revelation 21:19–20 lists twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, showing continuity between earthly worship and eternal glory.
summary2 Chronicles 9:10 records more than exotic cargo; it showcases God’s faithful provision through cooperative service, abundant wealth, artistic resources, and radiant beauty—all devoted to His worship. The verse reminds us that when God’s people labor together under His covenant, He supplies everything necessary—material and artistic—to magnify His name and foreshadow the glory of His coming kingdom.
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And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon.--Kings, "And the fleet also of Huram which carried gold from Ophir." The phrase is altered here to correspond with
2Chronicles 8:18.
Brought algum trees.--See2Chronicles 2:8. LXX.,???? ???????; Vulg., "ligna thyina;" Syriac, "acacia (?) wood" ('eshkor'?); Kings, "brought from Ophiralmug trees in great abundance." In the Mishna 'alm-g is "coral;" and the Rabbis ascribe ared colour to the algum wood. ThePterocarpus Santalinus has blood-red wood with black streaks, is fragrant, and is used in works of art, as well as for burning. The tree calledValgu orValgum is theSantalum album, which produceswhite andyellow sandalwood. Thenius doubts whether the algum wood of Solomon was not the teak (Cytharexylon Tectona), which abounds in East India, and is a hard, yellow-streaked, strongly-scented wood, used in India for temple building.
Verses 10, 11. - Either these two verses are misplaced (with their parallel,
1 Kings 10:11, 12), or they ought to have, though unstated, some occult bearing on the queen. There are some slight indications pointing to this, and the meaning is perhaps that the terraces, balustrades, stairs (which possibly is the idea in the "ascent," ver. 4), pillars, etc., made of the wood which Hiram's and Solomon's servants had
formerly brought with gold, were the artificial-work wonders which helped to astound the queen.
Terraces to the house of the Lord, and to the king's palace. These so rendered
terraces were probably stairs, and, as already intimated, may have composed the "ascent" (ver. 4), and explain the mention of it in ver. 4.
The algum trees. This is the Hebrew text order of the
lamed and
gimel alphabet characters, as the Authorized Version order in the parallel
almug is also the order of its Hebrew. The tree is mentioned only six times - three times in Chronicles (
2 Chronicles 2:8;
2 Chronicles 9:10, 11) and three times in Kings (
1 Kings 10:11, 12). Apparently this wood did grow in Lebanon (
2 Chronicles 2:8), though we think this not certain. Kimchi thinks it was the bukkum (Arabic word), which Europeans call Brazil wood, and which (Keil) was found in Ethiopia, as well as India. Some think it the sandal-wood of Malabar. Whatever it was, it no doubt was to be purchased at the emporium of Ophir. The intrinsic nature of the wood, and its intrinsically valuable nature, may easily be inferred from its use for the woodwork and sounding-board woodwork of musical instruments like the
harp and
psaltery. This fact would much incline to the view that the
red sandal-wood is what is here called algum. The 'Speaker's Commentary' quotes Max Muller ('Lectures on Language,' 1st series, p. 191) for the statement that the vernacular for this wood in India is
valguka.
Harps... psalteries (see our Exposition on 2 Chronicles 5:12, and articles in Smith's 'Dictionary of the Bible,' and others. The sentence,
there were none such seen in the land of Judah, may Be read as an indication that they had been part of the exhibition made to the Queen of Sheba.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
(The servantsעַבְדֵ֤י(‘aḇ·ḏê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantof Hiramחוּרָם֙(ḥū·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2438:Hiram -- a Benjamite, also two Arameans (Syrians)[and]וְעַבְדֵ֣י(wə·‘aḇ·ḏê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantof Solomon,שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה(šə·lō·mōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his thronewhoאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatbroughtהֵבִ֥יאוּ(hê·ḇî·’ū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gogoldזָהָ֖ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyfrom Ophir,מֵאוֹפִ֑יר(mê·’ō·w·p̄îr)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 211:Ophir -- a son of Joktan, also his descendants, also a region from which gold comesalsoוְגַם־(wə·ḡam-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andbroughtהֵבִ֛יאוּ(hê·ḇî·’ū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goalgumאַלְגּוּמִּ֖ים(’al·gūm·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 418:Perhaps a sandalwood treewoodעֲצֵ֥י(‘ă·ṣê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodand preciousיְקָרָֽה׃(yə·qā·rāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3368:Precious, rare, splendid, weightystones.וְאֶ֥בֶן(wə·’e·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68:A stone
Links
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 9:10 The servants also of Huram and (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
