2 Chronicles 9:27
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones
This phrase highlights the immense wealth and prosperity during King Solomon's reign. Silver, a precious metal, was so abundant that it was likened to the commonality of stones, which were plentiful in the region. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon of unparalleled wealth and wisdom (1 Kings 3:13). The economic prosperity can be attributed to Solomon's extensive trade networks and alliances, particularly with Hiram of Tyre, which brought in vast amounts of wealth (1 Kings 10:22). This abundance of silver also signifies the peace and stability of Solomon's kingdom, as wealth often correlates with a lack of conflict and strong governance.

and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills
Cedar wood, especially from Lebanon, was highly prized in the ancient Near East for its quality and durability. Solomon's use of cedar in construction, notably in the Temple and his palace, underscores the grandeur of his building projects (1 Kings 6:9-10). The comparison to sycamore, a more common and less valuable wood found in the lowlands, emphasizes the extraordinary availability of cedar during Solomon's reign. This abundance is a testament to Solomon's successful trade agreements and his ability to procure resources from distant lands. The use of cedar also has symbolic significance, as it was associated with strength and longevity, qualities attributed to Solomon's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The central figure in this passage, Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, Solomon's reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of the nation. Under Solomon's rule, it became a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing.

3. Silver and Cedar
These materials symbolize wealth and abundance. Silver was a valuable commodity, and cedar wood was prized for its quality and durability, often used in construction, including the Temple.

4. Sycamore in the Foothills
Sycamore trees were common in the lowlands of Israel. The comparison highlights the extraordinary abundance of cedar and silver during Solomon's reign.

5. The Reign of Solomon
This event marks a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace in Israel, attributed to Solomon's wisdom and God's blessing.
Teaching Points
God's Blessing and Prosperity
Solomon's wealth and the abundance of resources in Jerusalem are a testament to God's blessing. This serves as a reminder that true prosperity comes from God and is often linked to obedience and faithfulness.

The Temporary Nature of Material Wealth
While Solomon's reign was marked by material abundance, the Bible teaches that earthly wealth is temporary. Believers are encouraged to seek eternal treasures in heaven rather than focusing solely on material gain.

Wisdom in Stewardship
Solomon's ability to accumulate wealth and resources demonstrates the importance of wisdom in stewardship. Christians are called to manage their resources wisely, using them for God's glory and the benefit of others.

The Role of Leadership in National Prosperity
Solomon's leadership brought prosperity to Israel. This highlights the impact that wise and godly leadership can have on a nation, encouraging believers to pray for and support leaders who seek God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the abundance of silver and cedar during Solomon's reign reflect God's promises to Israel in Deuteronomy 28:1-14?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking eternal treasures over material wealth in our daily lives?

3. How does Solomon's reflection on wealth in Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 inform our understanding of the value of material possessions?

4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership about the importance of wisdom and godliness in positions of authority?

5. How can we practice wise stewardship of our resources in a way that honors God and benefits others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 10:27
This parallel passage also describes the abundance of silver and cedar during Solomon's reign, emphasizing the prosperity and wealth of Israel under his leadership.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14
These verses outline the blessings promised to Israel for obedience to God's commandments, which are reflected in the prosperity seen during Solomon's reign.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
Solomon reflects on his accomplishments and wealth, providing insight into his perspective on material abundance and its ultimate value.
Gold and SilverW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 9:13-20, 27
The Glory of SolomonT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 9:13-31
Grandeur Without GodlinessW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 9:21-31
People
Ahijah, David, Huram, Iddo, Jeroboam, Nathan, Nebat, Nehemiah, Ophir, Rehoboam, Solomon, Tarshish
Places
Arabia, Egypt, Euphrates River, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Tarshish
Topics
Abundance, Cedar, Cedars, Common, Foothills, Jerusalem, Low, Lowland, Lowlands, Maketh, Plains, Plentiful, Shephe'lah, Silver, Stone, Stones, Sycamore, Sycamore-fig, Sycamores, Sycamore-trees, Sycomore-trees, Trees
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 9:27

     4363   silver
     4366   stones
     4424   cedar
     4518   sycamore-fig tree
     4528   trees

2 Chronicles 9:26-27

     4303   metals

Library
The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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