2 Chronicles 9:7

How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!

Study Bible

How blessed
The Hebrew word for "blessed" here is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), which conveys a sense of happiness, fortune, and divine favor. In the context of Solomon's court, this blessing is not merely material but spiritual and intellectual, as it is tied to the wisdom of Solomon, a gift from God. The use of "blessed" underscores the privilege and joy of being in the presence of divine wisdom, reflecting the broader biblical theme that true happiness is found in alignment with God's will and wisdom.

are your men
This phrase refers to those who are part of Solomon's court, including his officials and attendants. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by unprecedented prosperity and peace, making his court a place of great privilege. The men in his service were not only witnesses to his wisdom but also participants in the administration of a kingdom that was a model of God's blessing and order. This highlights the biblical principle that those who serve under godly leadership are themselves blessed.

How blessed are these servants of yours
The repetition of "blessed" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of their position. The term "servants" (עֲבָדֶיךָ, avadekha) in Hebrew can denote both servitude and honor, depending on the context. In Solomon's court, these servants were not mere laborers but esteemed members of a royal administration. This reflects the biblical view that true service, especially in the context of God's kingdom, is a place of honor and blessing.

who stand continually before you
To "stand continually" implies a position of readiness and attentiveness. In ancient Near Eastern courts, standing before a king was a sign of respect and duty. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's posture before God—always ready to listen, serve, and obey. The constancy of their position suggests a life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and service, a model for Christian discipleship.

and hear your wisdom
The Hebrew word for "hear" (שׁוֹמְעִים, shom'im) implies not just listening but understanding and obeying. Solomon's wisdom, a divine gift, was renowned throughout the ancient world, and those who heard it were considered fortunate. This phrase highlights the transformative power of divine wisdom, which is a central theme in the Bible. For Christians, it points to the importance of seeking and adhering to God's wisdom as revealed in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The King of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history.

2. Queen of Sheba
A monarch who visited Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. Her visit highlights Solomon's fame and the international recognition of his wisdom.

3. Servants of Solomon
The individuals who served in Solomon's court, benefiting from his wisdom and leadership.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's court was located and where the Queen of Sheba visited.

5. Event of the Queen's Visit
The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a significant event that demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to give Solomon wisdom and wealth.

Teaching Points

The Blessing of Wisdom
True wisdom is a blessing from God. Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and those around him were blessed by it. We should seek wisdom from God in our own lives.

The Influence of Godly Leadership
Solomon's leadership and wisdom had a profound impact on those around him. As Christians, we should strive to lead with godly wisdom, influencing others positively.

The Importance of Being in the Right Environment
The servants of Solomon were blessed because they were in an environment where wisdom was valued and shared. We should seek to surround ourselves with godly influences and environments that encourage spiritual growth.

The Role of Servanthood
The servants of Solomon were blessed through their service. Serving others in a godly manner can lead to blessings and personal growth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the wisdom of Solomon reflect the character of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our pursuit of wisdom today?

2. In what ways can we create environments in our homes, workplaces, or communities that reflect the blessedness of Solomon's court?

3. How can we, like Solomon's servants, position ourselves to continually receive and apply godly wisdom in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate godly leadership and influence in our spheres of influence?

5. Reflecting on James 1:5, how can we actively seek God's wisdom in our decision-making processes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 10:8
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 9:7, emphasizing the blessedness of Solomon's servants who continually hear his wisdom.

Proverbs 3:13
This verse speaks to the blessedness of those who find wisdom, connecting to the idea that Solomon's servants are blessed by being in the presence of his wisdom.

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, reflecting the divine source of Solomon's wisdom.