not including the revenue from the merchants and tradersThis phrase highlights the vast wealth that Solomon accumulated, which was not solely dependent on trade. In the ancient Near East, trade was a significant source of wealth, with merchants and traders dealing in goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. Solomon's wealth was so extensive that it surpassed even the substantial income from these commercial activities. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon of unparalleled wisdom and wealth (
1 Kings 3:13). The mention of merchants and traders also underscores the economic prosperity of Israel during Solomon's reign, as the kingdom was strategically located along major trade routes connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.
And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon
This phrase indicates the political influence and diplomatic relationships Solomon maintained with surrounding nations. The Arabian kings likely refer to rulers from the Arabian Peninsula, a region known for its wealth in spices and precious metals. The act of bringing gold and silver can be seen as a form of tribute or alliance, acknowledging Solomon's supremacy and seeking favor or protection. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon's kingdom renowned and respected (1 Kings 4:21). The mention of "governors of the land" suggests local rulers or officials who also contributed to Solomon's wealth, indicating a well-organized and expansive administration. This wealth and influence can be seen as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate reign of Jesus, who will be recognized by all nations (Philippians 2:10-11). Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, serves as a precursor to the messianic kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem.
2.
Merchants and TradersThese individuals were involved in commerce and trade, contributing to the wealth of Solomon's kingdom through their activities.
3.
Arabian KingsRulers from the Arabian Peninsula who brought tributes to Solomon, acknowledging his influence and seeking alliances.
4.
Governors of the LandLocal rulers or officials who managed regions within Solomon's expansive kingdom, contributing to its prosperity.
5.
Gold and SilverPrecious metals that symbolized wealth and prosperity, often used in trade, tribute, and the construction of the Temple.
Teaching Points
The Source of True WealthWhile Solomon's wealth was immense, true wealth is found in spiritual riches and a relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God.
The Influence of Godly LeadershipSolomon's wisdom and leadership attracted wealth and alliances. Godly leadership can lead to blessings and influence, impacting nations and communities positively.
The Temporary Nature of Earthly RichesDespite Solomon's wealth, it serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly riches. Believers are called to focus on eternal treasures.
The Importance of StewardshipSolomon's wealth required wise management. Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources God provides, using them for His glory and the benefit of others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 9:14?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 9:14 reflect God's provision for Solomon's kingdom?
3.What does Solomon's wealth teach about God's blessings and responsibilities?
4.How can we apply Solomon's stewardship to our financial management today?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Solomon's wealth and God's covenant with Israel?
6.How does Solomon's wealth challenge our understanding of material blessings in faith?
7.How does 2 Chronicles 9:14 reflect the wealth and influence of King Solomon's reign?
8.What does 2 Chronicles 9:14 reveal about the economic practices in ancient Israel?
9.How does the tribute in 2 Chronicles 9:14 relate to God's covenant with Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 9?
11.How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)
12.If Solomon truly surpassed all other kings in riches and wisdom (2 Chronicles 9:22), why is this not clearly reflected in other ancient Near Eastern records?
13.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?
14.How many stalls for horses did Solomon have? Forty thousand (I Kings 4:26) Four thousand (2 chronicles 9:25)What Does 2 Chronicles 9:14 Mean
Not including the revenue from the merchants and traders“not including the revenue from the merchants and traders”
Solomon’s treasury swelled far beyond the yearly 666 talents of gold already noted in2 Chronicles 9:13. Here the writer pauses to be sure we understand that the figure in v. 13 leaves out an entire stream of income. Consider what this means:
• Everyday commerce poured additional wealth into Jerusalem. International caravans passed through Israel’s strategic crossroads (see1 Kings 10:28–29), and each transaction generated duties and tariffs.
• Local merchants—think of the bustling marketplace near the Temple—paid fees and taxes, funneled straight to the crown (compareNehemiah 13:15–16 for a picture of market activity centuries later).
• Maritime trade added still more. Solomon’s fleet, launched from Ezion-Geber, brought in gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks from Ophir (1 Kings 9:26–28; 10:22).
By inserting this parenthetical note, the chronicler underscores God’s promise of abundance to an obedient king (Deuteronomy 28:12). Material blessing was never meant to be merely personal luxury; it positioned Israel to showcase God’s glory before the nations (1 Kings 4:34).
And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon“And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon”
The circle widens from commerce to diplomacy:
• “Arabian kings” refers to tribal rulers across the desert regions east and south of Judah (see1 Kings 10:15). Their gifts functioned as tribute, acknowledging Solomon’s supremacy and seeking peaceful relations.
• “Governors of the land” points to provincial officials—likely Edomite, Moabite, and other local leaders—who followed suit.
Why did they pay?
– Military deterrence: Solomon controlled key trade routes (1 Kings 4:21–24). Tribute was cheaper than conflict.
– Mutual benefit: A stable, prosperous Israel meant safe passage for caravans (Isaiah 60:6 pictures a similar flow of wealth in future glory).
– Spiritual witness: Solomon’s wisdom and the Temple’s fame drew rulers to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 9:1, 12). Their offerings highlighted the fulfillment ofPsalm 72:10–11, where the nations bring gifts to the king.
In real time this verse signals the reach of God’s covenant blessing to Abraham—“all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Even Arab tribes, historically distant from Israel, honor the son of David, foreshadowing the final King who will receive global homage (Revelation 21:24).
summary2 Chronicles 9:14 emphasizes the sheer breadth of Solomon’s wealth. Beyond the vast annual gold intake, constant commercial revenue and diplomatic tribute flowed in. The verse testifies that when God’s anointed king walks in wisdom, the nations notice, resources converge, and God’s glory is magnified on the world stage.
(14)
Besides that which chapmen and merchants brought.--The Hebrew is difficult, and probably corrupt. Literally it seems to run,
besides the men of the itinerants (a strange phrase),
and that which the merchants were bringing; or, perhaps,
apart from the men of the itinerants and the merchants bringing. The last word may be a clerical error, as it occurs again directly. The conjecture of Thenius on
1Kings 10:15 seems to be borne out by the ancient Versions. He would read instead of
'anshe ha-t?rim, "men of the travellers,"
'onshe ha-r'd-yim, "fines or tributes
of the subjects." The Syriac of Chronicles has "tributes of the cities." Perhaps, therefore, the true original reading was
'onshe he'arim. The Vulg. renders "envoys of divers peoples;" but the LXX., "
men of the subjected (states)."
For the second half of the phrase Kings has, "and the merchandise of the pedlars."
The kings of Arabia.--Kings, "the kings of the mixed tribes;" that is, theBedawis, bordering on andmingling with Israel. (Comp.Exodus 12:38.) The difference depends on the vowel pointing only. (Comp.Jeremiah 25:24, where both words occur; andEzekiel 30:5.)
Governors.--Pachoth, i.e., pashas. Thenius is wrong in supposing this word to be a token of the "later composition of the section." (See Note on2Kings 18:24.) . . .
Verse 14. - Beside, etc. The preposition (In.) left both here and in the parallel, before the words "men of," etc., in the compound English word
chapmen (Authorized Version), shows clearly the construction of this and the following sentence; from the previous verse needs to come the words, after our "beside," "the weight of gold which came," etc. This gold probably came by way of tax payments from the merchant travellers, and as tribute money from the kings of the part of Arabia where the blood was mingled, Jewish and Arabian, and not exclusively and independently Arabian (see the word used in place of our Arabian in the parallel, and
Jeremiah 25:24), and from those governors (perhaps in some cases superseding older kings) of adjacent countries, that had become in some part tributary to Solomon.
Governors. For this unusual and un-Hebrew word (
פַחות) see
Ezra 5:6;
Haggai 1:1;
Nehemiah 5:14. Gesenius mentions Turkish, Persian, and Sanscrit derivations that would well suit it. It is very noticeable that it is employed also by the writer of Kings. It is used of a ruler in the Assyrian empire (
2 Kings 18:24;
Isaiah 36:9), in the Chaldean (
Ezekiel 23:6, 23;
Jeremiah 51:23), in the Persian (
Esther 8:9;
Esther 9:3), specially of the Persian governor of Judaea (
Haggai 1:1, 14;
Haggai 2:2, 21;
Nehemiah 5:14, 18;
Nehemiah 12:26;
Malachi 1:8); while Gesenius reads this passage in our present text and its parallel, to speak of governors of
Judaea (
thecountry). See also
1 Kings 20:24, where the word is translated (Authorized Version) "captains," and is in the Syrian king's mouth. The word is not used before Kings. It is used by the writer of Kings three times; of Chronicles, once; by Ezra, six times; in Nehemiah, eight times; in Esther, three times; in Daniel, four times; and in the remaining prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Malachi, ten times in all. The Authorized Version, out of the whole number of these occurrences of the word, has rendered it "captains" thirteen times; "deputies," twice; and "governors," twenty times.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
not includingלְבַ֞ד(lə·ḇaḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 905:Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief ofthe revenueמְבִיאִ֑ים(mə·ḇî·’îm)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gofrom the merchantsמֵאַנְשֵׁ֧י(mê·’an·šê)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personand traders.וְהַסֹּחֲרִ֖ים(wə·has·sō·ḥă·rîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5503:To go around or about, travel aboutAnd allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe Arabianעֲרַב֙(‘ă·raḇ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6152:Arabia -- 'steppe-dwellers', a country East of Israelkingsמַלְכֵ֤י(mal·ḵê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A kingand governorsוּפַח֣וֹת(ū·p̄a·ḥō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6346:A governorof the landהָאָ֔רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landalso broughtמְבִיאִ֛ים(mə·ḇî·’îm)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gogoldזָהָ֥ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyand silverוָכֶ֖סֶף(wā·ḵe·sep̄)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyto Solomon.לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה׃(liš·lō·mōh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 9:14 Besides that which the traders and merchants (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
