23 And all the kings of the earth came to see Solomon and to give ear to his wisdom, which God had put into his heart.
Do not be turned from the right way, dear brothers. Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning.
By him times and years are changed: by him kings are taken away and kings are lifted up: he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those whose minds are awake: He is the unveiler of deep and secret things: he has knowledge of what is in the dark, and the light has its living-place with him. I give you praise and worship, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and strength, and have now made clear to me what we were requesting from you: for you have given us knowledge of the king's business.
But I had no faith in what was said about you, till I came and saw for myself; and truly, word was not given me of half your great wisdom; you are much greater than they said. Happy are your wives and happy these your servants whose place is ever before you, hearing your words of wisdom.
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in before this people: for who is able to be the judge of this great people of yours? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you did not make request for money, property, or honour, or for the destruction of your haters, or for long life; but you have made request for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, so that you may be the judge of my people over whom I have made you king: Wisdom and knowledge are given to you; and I will give you wealth and honour, such as no king has had before you or ever will have after you.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » John Gill's Exposition of the Bible » Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 9 John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 9
The ninth chapter is the same with 1 Kings 10:1 excepting 2 Chronicles 9:26, which agrees with 1 Kings 4:21, the same with 1 Kings 11:41, only in 2 Chronicles 9:29 it is more largely expressed that the acts of Solomon's reign were written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer, against Jeroboam the son of Nebat; or rather "concerning Jeroboam", as the Septuagint and some other versionsF2 , in which Iddo is called Joel; and by Theodoret said to be the same that prophesied of Jeroboam and his altar, See Gill on 1 Kings 13:1; the books mentioned are since lost.F2 צל περι Sept. de, Junius & Tremellias, Piscator.
See Chapter Introduction