91 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon , she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions . She had a very large retinue , with camels carrying spices and a large amount of gold and precious stones ; and when she came to Solomon , she spoke with him about all that was on her heart . 2 Solomon answered all her questions ; nothing e was hidden from Solomon which he did not explain to her. 3 When the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon , the house which he had built , 4 the food at his table , the seating of his servants , the attendance of his ministers and their attire , his cupbearers and their attire , and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord , she was breathless e . 5 Then she said to the king , "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom . 6 "Nevertheless I did not believe their reports until e I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold , the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You surpass the report that I heard . 7 "How blessed are your men , how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom . 8 "Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the Lord your God ; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever , therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness ." 9 Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold and a very great amount of spices and precious stones ; there had never been spice like that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon . 10 The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir , also brought algum trees and precious stones . 11 From the algum trees the king made steps for the house of the Lord and for the king's palace , and lyres and harps for the singers ; and none like that was seen before in the land of Judah . 12 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested besides e a return for what she had brought to the king . Then she turned and went to her own land with her servants .
13 Now the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 e e talents of gold ,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9:1-13
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9:1-12
(Read 2 Chronicles 9:1-12)
This history has been considered, Matthew 12:42, we must not pass it over without observing, that those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains or cost to obtain it. The queen of Sheba put herself to a great deal of trouble and expense to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and yet, learning from him to serve God, and do her duty, she thought herself well paid for her pains. Heavenly wisdom is that pearl of great price, for which, if we part with all, we make a good bargain.
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9:13-31
(Read 2 Chronicles 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! Ecclesiastes 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.