1 Chronicles 9
2 Chronicles 9 is a chapter that shows King Solomon’s reign—his prosperity, wisdom, and the height of his wealth. The first half (verses 1–12) reveals the visit of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon’s response to her, and Solomon’s outstanding wisdom and glory. The second half (verses 13–31) summarizes Solomon’s amassed wealth and glory, the notable events during his reign, and his death and what followed after.
1verseSo all Israel were listed by genealogies; and behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their disobedience.
2verseNow the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
3verseIn Jerusalem, there lived of the children of Judah, of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh:
4verseUthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah.
5verseOf the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.
6verseOf the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their brothers, six hundred ninety.
7verseOf the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;
8verseand Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri; and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;
9verseand their brothers, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these men were heads of fathers’ households by their fathers’ houses.
10verseOf the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin,
11verseand Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house;
12verseand Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;
13verseand their brothers, heads of their fathers’ houses, one thousand seven hundred sixty; they were very able men for the work of the service of God’s house.
14verseOf the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
15verseand Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph,
16verseand Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
17verseThe gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief),
18versewho previously served in the king’s gate eastward. They were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi.
19verseShallum was the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent. Their fathers had been over the LORD’s camp, keepers of the entry.
20versePhinehas the son of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
21verseZechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the Tent of Meeting.
22verseAll these who were chosen to be gatekeepers in the thresholds were two hundred twelve. These were listed by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer ordained in their office of trust.
23verseSo they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the LORD’s house, even the house of the tent, as guards.
24verseOn the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25verseTheir brothers, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them,
26versefor the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house.
27verseThey stayed around God’s house, because that was their duty; and it was their duty to open it morning by morning.
28verseCertain of them were in charge of the vessels of service, for these were brought in by count, and these were taken out by count.
29verseSome of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
30verseSome of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices.
31verseMattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.
32verseSome of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
33verseThese are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service, for they were employed in their work day and night.
34verseThese were heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men. They lived at Jerusalem.
35verseJeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon.
36verseHis firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,
37verseGedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.
38verseMikloth became the father of Shimeam. They also lived with their relatives in Jerusalem, near their relatives.
39verseNer became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
40verseThe son of Jonathan was Merib-baal. Merib-baal became the father of Micah.
41verseThe sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.
42verseAhaz became the father of Jarah. Jarah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.
43verseMoza became the father of Binea, Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
44verseAzel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (Verses 1–12)
The Queen of Sheba hears about Solomon’s fame and visits Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. Solomon answers all her questions, and the queen, amazed by his wisdom, palace, and abundance, praises Solomon and gives glory to God. She presents Solomon with valuable gifts, and Solomon also welcomes her with precious gifts in return. This event symbolizes that Solomon’s wisdom became known even to faraway nations.
Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor (Verses 13–28)
In this passage, it describes in detail how extraordinary Solomon’s wealth and honor were. The weight of gold that came in year after year, everyday utensils made of gold and silver, the splendid royal throne, thriving trade, and the king’s great prosperity all display an unprecedented level of flourishing in Israel’s history. Through this, we can see how abundantly prosperous Solomon’s days were.
Solomon’s Death and What Came After (Verses 29–31)
In the final section, it mentions that the remaining records of Solomon’s deeds were written in the books of the prophet Nathan, Ahijah the Shilonite, and Iddo the seer. Then it briefly summarizes that after Solomon reigned for 40 years in Jerusalem, he rested from his labors, and his son Rehoboam took over the throne. It announces that after a long season of prosperity, a turning point in history begins.
Points for Reflection
- You can reflect on where Solomon’s wisdom and wealth came from. Just as even the Queen of Sheba saw Solomon and gave glory to God, think about who is the source of all the “glory.”
- You also need to consider God’s purposes and providence that flow behind even life’s most brilliant moments and times of prosperity.
Apply It to Me
- Let’s look back and review where the wisdom, resources, and opportunities given to me came from, and check whether, in the place where that is revealed, I can have not pride but a humble and grateful heart.
- We will also be able to reflect on whether I am living a “life that reveals God” through my own life, and how I am influencing the people around me for good.
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