2 Chronicles 9:1 - Meaning and Application

This passage was already covered at length in Kings, but since our Lord pointed to it as an example for us when we seek him (Matthew 12:42), we should pause over it again.

Those who honor God, he will honor too (1 Samuel 2:30). Solomon had greatly honored God by building, decorating, and dedicating the temple. He used all his wisdom and wealth to make it a finished and beautiful work, and now God made that wisdom and wealth bring him great honor. If we want both the credit and the joy of our gifts and blessings, the safest way is to dedicate them to God and use them for him.

Those who truly know the value of wisdom will spare no effort or cost to gain it. The queen of Sheba went to great trouble and expense to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and she found the journey worthwhile when she learned from him how to serve God and do her duty. Heavenly wisdom is like a pearl of great value, a treasure worth buying even if we must give up everything else for it.

As each person has received a gift, so each should use it to help others when the chance comes. Solomon shared his wisdom and was willing to teach others what he knew. He had received freely from God, and he gave freely to others. Those who are rich in wisdom, as well as those who are rich in money, should learn to do good and be ready to share. Give to everyone who asks.

Good order in a household, especially in a large one, and careful attention to God’s worship are both very fitting and worthy of admiration wherever they are found. The queen of Sheba was deeply impressed by the way Solomon’s servants served him, and by the way both he and they attended to the house of God. David also found it pleasant and moving to go up to the house of the Lord (Psalm 42:4).

Happy are those who have the chance to spend time with people who are wise, knowledgeable, and good. The queen of Sheba thought Solomon’s servants were blessed because they could constantly hear his wisdom, and it seems he shared it with them as well. It is worth noticing that the descendants of some who served in Solomon’s court later wanted to be known as the children of Solomon’s servants (Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57). His house was so honorable that it was enough distinction to be named after it.

We should rejoice and thank God for the gifts, grace, and usefulness of others. The queen of Sheba praised God for the honor he gave Solomon and for the good he did to Israel in making him king (2 Chronicles 9:8). When we give God credit for another person’s prosperity, we share in its comfort. But if we envy another person’s success, we lose even the comfort of our own blessings. She traced the happiness of both king and kingdom back to the true source of all good, God’s favor. It was because God loved Solomon and because he loved Israel. Blessings are twice sweet when we can see God’s kindness in them as our God.

It is right for wise and good people to be generous in keeping with their position and ability. The queen of Sheba gave generously to Solomon, and Solomon did the same to her (2 Chronicles 9:9, 2 Chronicles 9:12). Both of them valued wisdom, so neither was tight with money. Their gifts helped strengthen the friendship they had formed. Our Lord Jesus has promised to give us whatever is truly good for us: Ask, and it will be given to you. So let us think about what we can offer him, and never count anything too much to do, suffer, or give up for him.