2 Chronicles 9:23

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) All the kings of the earth.—Explanatory of “all the earth were seeking” (Kings). The earth, an expression defined in 2Chronicles 9:26.

Benson Commentary

2 Chronicles 9:23. All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon — All in those parts of the world. To hear his wisdom — Either his knowledge of the works of God in creation and providence, or his skill in physic, or his state-policy, or his rules of prudence for the conduct of human life, or perhaps the principles of his religion, and the evidences of it. That God put in his heart — Which was God’s supernatural gift to him, in answer to his prayer. The application which they then made, with such eagerness, to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, will aggravate, shame, and condemn men’s general contempt of Christ and his gospel, in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; but which none of the princes of this world desire to know, for they are foolishness to them, 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

9:13-31 The imports here mentioned, would show that prosperity drew the minds of Solomon and his subjects to the love of things curious and uncommon, though useless in themselves. True wisdom and happiness are always united together; but no such alliance exists between wealth and the enjoyment of the things of this life. Let us then acquaint ourselves with the Saviour, that we may find rest for our souls. Here is Solomon reigning in wealth and power, in ease and fulness, the like of which could never since be found; for the most known of the great princes of the earth were famed for their wars; whereas Solomon reigned forty years in profound peace. The promise was fulfilled, that God would give him riches and honour, such as no kings have had or shall have. The lustre wherein he appeared, was typical of the spiritual glory of the kingdom of the Messiah, and but a faint representation of His throne, which is above every throne. Here is Solomon dying, and leaving all his wealth and power to one who he knew would be a fool! Ec 2:18,19. This was not only vanity, but vexation of spirit. Neither power, wealth, nor wisdom, can ward off or prepare for the stroke of death. But thanks be to God who giveth the victory to the true believer, even over this dreaded enemy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

All the kings of the earth - Rather, "all the kings of the land:" all the monarchs, that is, whose dominions were included in So omon's empire (see 1 Kings 4:21).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

21. the king's ships went to Tarshish—rather, "the king's ships of Tarshish went" with the servants of Huram.

ships of Tarshish—that is, in burden and construction like the large vessels built for or used at Tarshish [Calmet, Fragments].

Matthew Poole's Commentary

No text from Poole on this verse.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

See Chapter Introduction

Geneva Study Bible

And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

23. all the kings of the earth] In 1 Kings, all the earth.

2 Chronicles 9:23

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

In 2 Chronicles 9:22-28, all that remained to be said of Solomon's royal glory, his riches, his wisdom, and his revenues, is in conclusion briefly summed up, as in 1 Kings 10:23-29. From 2 Chronicles 9:25 onwards, the account given in the Chronicle diverges from that in 1 Kings 10:26., in so far that what is narrated in 1 Kings 10:26-28 concerning Solomon's chariots and horses, and his trade with Egypt in horses, is here partly replaced by statements similar in import to those in 1 Kings 5, because the former matters had been already treated of in Chr. 2 Chronicles 1:14-17.