2 Chronicles 9 primarily details the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon and the subsequent accounts of Solomon’s wealth and wisdom, concluding with his death.

1. The Queen of Sheba’s Visit (Verses 1-12): The chapter begins with the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon in Jerusalem. She had heard of Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth, which prompted her to come with hard questions to test him (verse 1). Solomon answered all her questions, and the Queen was overwhelmed by his wisdom, the splendor of his palace, his servants, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord (verses 2-4). She acknowledged the greatness of Solomon’s God and praised Solomon for his wisdom and the happiness of his people (verses 5-8). She gave him a great deal of gold, spices, and precious stones, and Solomon, in return, gave her everything she desired and asked for (verses 9-12).
2. Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor (Verses 13-28): The narrative then describes Solomon’s immense wealth. Annually, he received 666 talents of gold, excluding other revenues (verse 13). He made large shields of hammered gold and a great ivory throne overlaid with pure gold, signifying his power and prosperity (verses 15-19). His drinking vessels were also made of gold, and silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days (verse 20). Solomon’s trade ventures brought even more wealth and exotic animals like apes and peacocks to his kingdom (verses 21-22). He became greater in riches and wisdom than all other kings of the earth, with people from all over seeking to hear his wisdom (verses 22-23). Solomon accumulated chariots and horses from Egypt and other lands, further showcasing his wealth and power (verses 25-28).
3. The Death of Solomon (Verses 29-31): The chapter concludes with the account of Solomon’s death. The acts of Solomon, from beginning to end, were written in the records of Nathan the prophet, Ahijah the Shilonite, and Iddo the seer (verse 29). Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years (verse 30). Upon his death, he was buried in the city of David, and his son Rehoboam succeeded him as king (verse 31).

Life Applications from 2 Chronicles 9

1. Seek Wisdom and Understanding (Verses 1-2, 23): The Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to hear Solomon’s wisdom, demonstrating a strong desire for understanding and knowledge. This illustrates the importance of seeking wisdom and learning, even if it requires effort or sacrifice. Today, we can apply this by seeking wisdom from God through prayer, studying the Bible, and learning from others who have insight and understanding.
2. Acknowledge God’s Blessings (Verses 5-8): The Queen of Sheba recognized that Solomon’s wisdom and prosperity were blessings from God. Acknowledging God’s blessings in our lives encourages gratitude and humility. We should remember to thank God for the gifts and opportunities He provides and recognize His hand in our success.
3. Generosity in Response to Blessings (Verses 9-12): Solomon generously gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired. This reciprocal generosity teaches us to be open-handed with what we have, especially when we have been blessed abundantly. It reminds us to share our blessings with others, fostering a spirit of generosity and kindness.
4. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wealth (Verses 13-28): Despite Solomon’s great wealth and splendor, his life came to an end, and his riches could not extend his reign. This serves as a reminder that material wealth and earthly achievements are temporary. We should focus on storing treasures in heaven, where they last forever (Matthew 6:19-21).
5. The Importance of Legacy (Verses 29-31): Solomon’s life and reign were documented, and his actions left a lasting legacy. This prompts us to consider what kind of legacy we are leaving behind. Are we living in a way that honors God and impacts others positively? Reflecting on our actions and their long-term effects can guide us in making choices that align with our values and faith.