9:1 Sheba May refer to an Arabian kingdom. See 1 Kgs 10:1 and note.

hard questions The Hebrew word used here, chidah, can describe a riddle or a teaching from elders (compare Judg 14:12–20; Prov 1:6; Psa 78:2).

9:4 his burnt offerings See 2 Chron 8:13 and note.

there was no longer any breath in her The Queen of Sheba is left breathless at the extravagance of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth.

9:8 put you on his throne The account in 1 Kings refers to the throne of Israel rather than the throne of God (1 Kgs 10:9). In 1–2 Chronicles, the reign of the Davidic king is closely related to God’s kingdom. See note on 1 Chr 17:14.

do justice and righteousness Solomon had asked for wisdom to govern the people wisely (2 Chron 1:10). The Queen of Sheba upholds Solomon as a king who judges justly and righteously. See note on Prov 1:3.

Justice

9:9 one hundred and twenty talents of gold This might be a tribute payment. See note on 1 Kgs 4:21.

9:10 Ophir See note on 2 Chr 8:18.

algum wood and precious stones The servants of Hiram and Solomon return (see 8:18). The kind of wood they bring is unknown, but it apparently was a luxury item.

9:11 steps See 1 Kgs 10:12 and note.

9:14 the governors of the land Leaders of Israel’s tribes (1 Chr 27:16–22).

9:15 two hundred shields of Refers to body-length shields. See 1 Kgs 10:16 and note.

9:16 three hundred small shields of Refers to smaller, handheld shields.

the House of the Forest of Lebanon Although Chronicles does not include a description of this house, it can be found in Kings. See 1 Kgs 7:1–12.

9:17 a large ivory throne Most likely wood with inlaid ivory. Such costly items were condemned by the prophet Amos (Amos 6:4 and note).

9:18 two lions Lions were associated with the tribe of Judah and the royal line of the David (see Gen 49:9 and note). They also were symbols of strength and courage (2 Sam 17:10; Prov 28:1).

9:19 there was nothing like it made See 1 Kgs 10:20 and note.

9:20 the House of the Forest of Lebanon See note on 2 Chron 9:16.

9:21 to Tarshish The Hebrew text here references Tarshish, a distant port (see note on Jonah 1:3).

apes, and peacocks The translation of the Hebrew words used here, qophim and thukkiyyim, is uncertain. They represent exotic animals, most likely different species of monkeys.

9:24 each of them brought his gifts Most likely a tribute. See note on 1 Kgs 4:21.

9:25 the chariot cities See 1 Kgs 10:26 and note.

9:26 from the River The boundaries given here correspond with God’s promise to Abraham. See Gen 15:7.

9:27 Shephelah A region of low hills between Jerusalem and the coastal plain.

9:28 And the horses were imported Importing horses, especially from Egypt, was forbidden in the law. See Deut 17:16 and note.

the words of Solomon from the first to the last A common epitaph for deceased kings (compare 1 Kgs 11:41; 14:19).

the visions of Iddo the seer See note on 2 Chr 13:22.

9:30 forty years An idealized number, indicating a successful reign. David also reigned for 40 years (1 Chr 29:27).

9:31 slept with his ancestors An idiom meaning “died peacefully.” It also can have a literal meaning, denoting burial in a family plot (e.g., Gen 47:29–30).