2 Chronicles 9:13 - Meaning and Application

We have here Solomon on his throne and Solomon in his grave, because the throne could not keep him from the grave. Death tears the scepter from one hand just as it tears the spade from another.

Solomon ruled with wealth and power, with comfort and fullness, in a way that, as far as we know, no other king has matched. It is hard to compare his greatness with the great rulers of the earth, but this much stands out: the most famous kings were known for war, while Solomon ruled for forty years in deep peace. Some rulers tried to seem greater by staying far away from people, so no one could approach them. Solomon, by contrast, moved about freely and handled public affairs. In every way, God kept his promise to give him riches, wealth, and honor such as no king had before or after him (2 Chronicles 1:12).

No prince ever appeared in public with more splendor than Solomon did, and that would have strongly impressed people who judge by outward appearance, as most do. He had 200 targets and 300 shields of beaten gold carried before him (2 Chronicles 9:15-16), and he sat on a magnificent throne (2 Chronicles 9:17-19). Nothing like it had been seen in any kingdom. Yet all that outward glory pointed ahead to the spiritual glory of the Messiah’s kingdom, and it was only a faint picture of his throne, which is above every throne. Solomon’s display was artificial, made by human skill, so our Lord says the lilies of the field are more beautiful than all of it. Jesus said that Solomon, in all his glory, was not dressed like one of them (Matthew 6:29).

No prince ever had greater supplies of gold and silver, even though his own kingdom had no gold or silver mines. Either Solomon gained control of mines in other lands and used many workers to dig the precious metals, or he traded the produce of his fertile land and brought back gold and silver in return. That is the wealth described here (2 Chronicles 9:13-21).

No prince ever received such gifts from neighboring rulers as Solomon did. All the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought him gold and silver (2 Chronicles 9:14). This was not tribute forced from them. It was a free gift, meant to win his favor, or perhaps exchanged for the produce of his farms, such as grain or cattle. In fact, all the kings of the earth brought him gifts, meaning all the kings in those parts of the world (2 Chronicles 9:24, 2 Chronicles 9:28), because they wanted his friendship and company. In this, Solomon pointed to Christ. When Jesus was born, the wise men from the east brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). And all who belong to him must bring their gifts to him as well (Psalm 76:11; Romans 12:1).

No prince was ever so widely known for wisdom, so sought after, so consulted, and so admired as Solomon was (2 Chronicles 9:23). The kings of the earth, since this was too great an honor for ordinary people to ask for, came to hear his wisdom. They may have wanted his knowledge of the natural world, medicine, statecraft, wise living, or even the principles of his religion and the reasons behind it. Their eagerness to hear Solomon should shame people who ignore Christ and his gospel. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, yet none of the rulers of this age want to know them, because to them they seem foolish (1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Now we see Solomon dying, stripped of all his glory and leaving behind all his wealth and power. He did not leave it to someone whose wisdom he did not know, as in the case he once spoke about (Ecclesiastes 2:19), but to one he knew would be a fool. That made life seem not only empty, but painful too (2 Chronicles 9:29-31).

It is very worth noticing that this passage says nothing about Solomon’s later turning away from God. Not the least hint is given of it. One reason is that the Holy Spirit teaches us not to enjoy repeating the faults and foolishness of others. If people of good reputation fail, it may be useful to notice their wrong actions as a warning to ourselves and others, but we should not be eager to keep talking about them. Once is enough. Why keep striking that sad string again? We should instead follow the example of this sacred writer and speak fully of what is worthy of praise, without bringing up a person’s blemishes, even if those blemishes were serious and plain to see. That is only doing to others what we would want done to us.

Another reason is that, though Solomon fell, he was not lost forever. His sin is not mentioned again because it was repented of, forgiven, and treated as though it had never been. The silence of Scripture can speak clearly. I am glad to think that its silence here about Solomon’s sin suggests that none of his sins were held against him (Ezekiel 33:16). When God forgives sin, he puts it behind him and remembers it no more.