2 Chroniques - Caput 9

2 Chroniques 9.1 regina quoque Saba cum audisset famam Salomonis venit ut temptaret eum enigmatibus in Hierusalem cum magnis opibus et camelis qui portabant aromata et auri plurimum gemmasque pretiosas cumque venisset ad Salomonem locuta est ei quaecumque erant in corde suo 2 Chroniques 9.2 et exposuit ei Salomon omnia quae proposuerat nec quicquam fuit quod ei non perspicuum fecerit 2 Chroniques 9.3 quod postquam vidit sapientiam scilicet Salomonis et domum quam aedificaverat 2 Chroniques 9.4 necnon cibaria mensae eius et habitacula servorum et officia ministrorum eius et vestimenta eorum pincernas quoque et vestes eorum et victimas quas immolabat in domo Domini non erat prae stupore ultra in ea spiritus 2 Chroniques 9.5 dixitque ad regem verus sermo quem audieram in terra mea de virtutibus et sapientia tua 2 Chroniques 9.6 non credebam narrantibus donec ipsa venissem et vidissent oculi mei et probassem vix medietatem mihi sapientiae tuae fuisse narratam vicisti famam virtutibus tuis 2 Chroniques 9.7 beati viri tui et beati servi tui hii qui adsistunt coram te in omni tempore et audiunt sapientiam tuam 2 Chroniques 9.8 sit Dominus Deus tuus benedictus qui voluit te ordinare super thronum suum regem Domini Dei tui quia diligit Deus Israhel et vult servare eum in aeternum idcirco posuit te super eum regem ut facias iudicia atque iustitiam 2 Chroniques 9.9 dedit autem regi centum viginti talenta auri et aromata multa nimis et gemmas pretiosissimas non fuerunt aromata talia ut haec quae dedit regina Saba regi Salomoni 2 Chroniques 9.10 sed et servi Hiram cum servis Salomonis adtulerunt aurum de Ophir et ligna thyina et gemmas pretiosissimas 2 Chroniques 9.11 de quibus fecit rex de lignis scilicet thyinis gradus in domo Domini et in domo regia citharas quoque et psalteria cantoribus numquam visa sunt in terra Iuda ligna talia 2 Chroniques 9.12 rex autem Salomon dedit reginae Saba cuncta quae voluit et quae postulavit multo plura quam adtulerat ad eum quae reversa abiit in terram suam cum servis suis 2 Chroniques 9.13 erat autem pondus auri quod adferebatur Salomoni per annos singulos sescenta sexaginta sex talenta auri 2 Chroniques 9.14 excepta ea summa quam legati diversarum gentium et negotiatores adferre consueverant omnesque reges Arabiae et satrapae terrarum qui conportabant aurum et argentum Salomoni 2 Chroniques 9.15 fecit igitur rex Salomon ducentas hastas aureas de summa sescentorum aureorum qui in hastis singulis expendebantur 2 Chroniques 9.16 trecenta quoque scuta aurea trecentorum aureorum quibus tegebantur scuta singula posuitque ea rex in armamentario quod erat consitum nemore 2 Chroniques 9.17 fecit quoque rex solium eburneum grande et vestivit illud auro mundissimo 2 Chroniques 9.18 sexque gradus quibus ascendebatur ad solium et scabillum aureum et brachiola duo altrinsecus et duos leones stantes iuxta brachiola 2 Chroniques 9.19 sed et alios duodecim leunculos stantes super sex gradus ex utraque parte non fuit tale solium in universis regnis 2 Chroniques 9.20 omnia quoque vasa convivii regis erant aurea et vasa domus saltus Libani ex auro purissimo argentum enim in diebus illis pro nihilo reputabatur 2 Chroniques 9.21 siquidem naves regis ibant in Tharsis cum servis Hiram semel in annis tribus et deferebant inde aurum et argentum et ebur et simias et pavos 2 Chroniques 9.22 magnificatus est igitur Salomon super omnes reges terrae divitiis et gloria 2 Chroniques 9.23 omnesque reges terrarum desiderabant faciem videre Salomonis ut audirent sapientiam quam dederat Deus in corde eius 2 Chroniques 9.24 et deferebant ei munera vasa argentea et aurea et vestes et arma et aromata equos et mulos per singulos annos 2 Chroniques 9.25 habuit quoque Salomon quadraginta milia equorum in stabulis et curruum equitumque duodecim milia constituitque eos in urbibus quadrigarum et ubi erat rex in Hierusalem 2 Chroniques 9.26 exercuit etiam potestatem super cunctos reges a fluvio Eufraten usque ad terram Philisthinorum id est usque ad terminos Aegypti 2 Chroniques 9.27 tantamque copiam praebuit argenti in Hierusalem quasi lapidum et cedrorum tantam multitudinem velut sycaminorum quae gignuntur in campestribus 2 Chroniques 9.28 adducebantur autem ei equi de Aegypto cunctisque regionibus 2 Chroniques 9.29 reliqua vero operum Salomonis priorum et novissimorum scripta sunt in verbis Nathan prophetae et in libris Ahiae Silonitis in visione quoque Iaddo videntis contra Hieroboam filium Nabath 2 Chroniques 9.30 regnavit autem Salomon in Hierusalem super omnem Israhel quadraginta annis 2 Chroniques 9.31 dormivitque cum patribus suis et sepelierunt eum in civitate David regnavitque pro eo Roboam filius eius

2 Chroniques : Caput 9

The Wisdom and Glory of Solomon

Chapter 9 of the book of 2 Chronicles presents us with the height of the reign of Solomon, a king whose wisdom and wealth marked the history of Israel. This fascinating text invites us to reflect on the impact of wisdom on a nation and how it can shape the destiny of a people.

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

This chapter recounts the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who, attracted by Solomon's fame, travels to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. Her arrival underscores Solomon's international reputation, who is perceived as a wise man and a king blessed by God. Israel's prosperity at this time is presented as a divine blessing, testifying to the fulfillment of God's promises to his people.

Increased Prestige

Solomon's fame attracted leaders from around the world, thus increasing Israel's prestige. This chapter concludes by highlighting the unique and exceptional nature of Solomon's reign, which is an example of how wisdom can enrich a nation.

Five Correlated Biblical Passages

To enrich our understanding of this glorious chapter, let us consider five biblical passages that resonate with its central themes:

1. 1 Kings 10:1-13

"When the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame Solomon had achieved through the name of the Lord, she went to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. [...] Then she said to the king, 'All that I heard in my own country about your accomplishments and your wisdom was true.' [...]"

This parallel passage in 1 Kings provides additional details about the Queen of Sheba's visit, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 9, and reminds us of the importance of wisdom in leadership.

2. Matthew 12:42

"The queen of the south will rise up in judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now one greater than Solomon is here."

Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, using it as an example of the search for wisdom, thus illustrating the continuity of this quest throughout the ages.

3. Proverbs 2:6

"For the Lord is the giver of wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

This verse reminds us that Solomon's wisdom is of divine origin, emphasizing that all knowledge and understanding come from the Lord.

4. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

"I have done great things: I have built houses and planted vineyards. [...] But when I considered all that my hands had wrought, I realized that it was all in vain; I was chasing the wind; there is no profit in anything done under the sun."

This reflection on Solomon in Ecclesiastes offers additional perspective on his accomplishments, prompting us to consider the true value of our efforts.

5. James 1:5

"If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives wisdom to all freely and willingly, and it will be given to you."

This verse echoes the theme of divine wisdom, central to the story of Solomon in 2 Chronicles 9, reminding us that wisdom is a gift we can ask of God.

Conclusion

Contemplating Solomon's reign and the wisdom that accompanied it, we are called to seek wisdom in our own lives. May we, like the Queen of Sheba, be drawn to divine wisdom and recognize God's hand in our lives and our nations.