Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

2 CHRONICLES 9:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 9:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:14 describes how, in addition to the wealth brought by traders and merchants, all the kings of Arabia and the regional governors also brought gold and silver as tribute to King Solomon. This verse highlights the extent of Solomon’s influence and the steady flow of riches into his kingdom from surrounding nations and leaders.

The verse is part of a passage listing the sources of Solomon’s wealth during his reign over Israel. The Chronicler is recording how Solomon’s prosperity was not just from local trade (from "chapmen" and "merchants") but also from foreign rulers and officials who recognized his power and sent him valuable gifts. This paints a picture of Solomon as a king whose reputation and authority reached far beyond Israel’s borders.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:14

  • "Chapmen" (תָּרִים, tarim) and "merchants" (סֹחֵר, socher) both refer to people involved in trade, but the first word often means traveling traders or peddlers, while the second is more general for merchants. This distinction shows that Solomon’s wealth came from both local and international commerce.
  • "Kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) of "Arabia" (עֲרָב, arav) refers to rulers from the Arabian region, indicating that even distant leaders acknowledged Solomon’s prominence.
  • "Governors" (פַּחוֹת, pachot) of the "country" (אֶרֶץ, eretz) points to regional officials or provincial rulers, suggesting a broad network of tribute from various territories.
  • "Gold" (זָהָב, zahav) and "silver" (כֶּסֶף, kesef) are the specific treasures brought, underlining the material wealth and luxury associated with Solomon’s reign.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s wealth was not just from trade within Israel but also from international tribute, showing his far-reaching influence.
  • The mention of both "kings of Arabia" and "governors of the country" emphasizes the wide range of people who honored Solomon, highlighting his political and economic power.
  • In the larger context, this detail supports the Chronicler’s portrayal of Solomon’s reign as a high point in Israel’s history, marked by prosperity, respect from other nations, and effective leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Arabia” Hebrew H6152 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 21:13 The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
  • Jeremiah 25:24 And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,
  • Ezekiel 27:21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants.

“merchants” Hebrew H5503 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“chapmen” Hebrew H8446 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 10:33 And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
  • Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

“governors” Hebrew H6346 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.
  • Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
  • Jeremiah 51:57 And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.