And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
2 CHRONICLES 9:20KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 9:20 mean?
2 Chronicles 9:20 describes how all of King Solomon’s drinking vessels and the items in the house of the forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold, and that silver was considered of little value during his reign. This verse highlights the extraordinary wealth and luxury of Solomon’s kingdom, where even everyday items were made from the finest materials.
The setting is the court of King Solomon, as described by the chronicler to show the peak of Israel’s prosperity and splendor under his rule. The “house of the forest of Lebanon” was a grand building used for royal functions, and the mention of gold over silver emphasizes just how abundant and impressive Solomon’s resources were at this time.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:20
- כֵּלִים (kelim, “vessels”): This word refers to containers or utensils, and its use here shows that not just ceremonial items, but even common drinking vessels, were made of gold.
- בֵּית יַעַר הַלְּבָנוֹן (beit ya’ar haLevanon, “house of the forest of Lebanon”): This was a significant palace or hall, named for its cedar pillars from Lebanon, underlining the grandeur and international connections of Solomon’s building projects.
- סָגוּר (sagur, “pure”): The word for “pure” gold stresses the quality, not just the quantity, of the materials used—these were not just gold-plated or mixed, but of the highest standard.
- חָשַׁב (chashav, “accounted”): This word means to consider or value; the verse points out that silver was not even counted as valuable in Solomon’s days, showing the extreme wealth and the standards of the time.
Why 2 Chronicles 9:20 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that Solomon’s wealth was exaggerated or only ceremonial; it shows that even practical, everyday objects were made from gold, not just treasures or temple items.
- The detail about silver being “not accounted of” highlights the immense prosperity and sets a contrast with other times in Israel’s history, where silver was valuable.
- By connecting to the larger narrative, this verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises to Solomon and Israel, and sets the stage for understanding the later decline after such a high point.