Definition: Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 9:14. It's a really important passage about how much wealth was brought to King Solomon in Jerusalem! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God wanted to show off the incredible wealth of his chosen people – specifically, the Israelites – and to demonstrate His power. Let’s unpack it further: “Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought.” This part is a little tricky. “Chapmen” and “merchants” are basically businesspeople who traded goods. The word "beside" means "alongside." So, God was saying that besides the usual trade – like spices or textiles – there were significant amounts of gold and silver being brought to Jerusalem. “And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought.” This is the key part! It tells us that not just merchants, but kings and governors from across the entire Middle East – including Arabia (a region in modern-day Saudi Arabia) and many other countries – were bringing a huge amount of precious metals. So, what was it all about? It’s usually interpreted as a sign of God's favor towards Israel. It was a display of His power and the abundance of His kingdom. It shows that the Israelites were a prosperous and significant nation, and that God was pleased with their worship and leadership. In short, this verse tells us that Solomon received a massive influx of gold and silver from foreign lands, signifying God’s blessings on his people. Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Discuss its historical context? Explore the significance of the region it was happening in?