And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just boast about Solomon's wealth; it highlights how God's blessing changed the very landscape of daily life. What was once precious and rare – silver and cedar – became so abundant it was no longer special, used for mundane, everyday purposes. It shows how true prosperity, when it comes from God, can redefine what's ordinary.
And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the end of the account of King Solomon's incredible wealth and prestige, particularly after his visit from the Queen of Sheba. The narrative has just detailed his vast riches, international trade, and opulent lifestyle. Immediately following this, the text pivots to describe how Solomon's reign eventually declined due to his many foreign wives and their influence, marking a stark contrast to the glory described here.
Imagine a world where precious metals are as common as pebbles! Solomon's reign saw an explosion of wealth, but what was the source, and what does it tell us about God's blessing?
1 Kings 10:27 paints a picture of incredible abundance, directly linking it to the visit of the Queen of Sheba (v. 10-13) and the vast trade Solomon managed.
A Flood of Riches
Solomon's wealth wasn't just about gold; it was about transforming the everyday. Silver, a highly valuable commodity, became as common as stone in Jerusalem. Cedarwood, crucial for building and valuable in its own right, was as plentiful as the sycamore trees that grew in the lowlands (the Shephelah).
More Than Just Money
This wasn't just Solomon being a good economist; it reflects God's covenant promise to bless Israel when they obeyed Him. This level of prosperity was a sign of divine favor and a demonstration of God's power to His people and surrounding nations.
However, we also see a seed of future trouble here. Such extreme wealth and reliance on international trade would eventually lead to complications and a drifting away from God.
Solomon was famous for his wisdom. How did this supernatural wisdom translate into tangible, earthly success and the management of such immense resources?
The unparalleled wealth described in 1 Kings 10:27 is a direct outflow of Solomon's God-given wisdom, which he famously requested from the Lord early in his reign (1 Kings 3:5-14).
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Wisdom in Governance
God granted Solomon wisdom and understanding to rule justly and to discern good from evil. This wisdom wasn't just theoretical; it enabled him to manage a vast kingdom, establish profitable trade routes, and oversee complex building projects.
The Result: Commonplace Luxury
When we see silver as common as stone and cedar as plentiful as sycamore, we're seeing the results of that wisdom applied. He knew how to acquire resources, how to trade effectively, and how to manage the influx of wealth so that it permeated the very fabric of Jerusalemite society. This wasn't just luck; it was wise stewardship and strategic management, empowered by God.
Understand the original words
kesep · Hebrew Noun
A valuable, precious metal often used as currency or for ornamentation; it frequently symbolizes wealth, but can also represent that which is purified through testing.
erez · Hebrew Noun
A durable, aromatic, and prestigious wood imported from Lebanon; it was famously used in the construction of the Temple and the king's palace, symbolizing majesty and permanence.
shephelah · Hebrew Noun
The lowland region between the Judean mountains and the Mediterranean coastal plain, known for its fertility and agricultural productivity.
This verse paints a vivid picture of the unprecedented economic prosperity and material abundance experienced by Israel during Solomon's reign, fueled by extensive trade and the immense wealth flowing into the kingdom, particularly for his grand building projects.
c. 970 BC
Reign of Solomon Begins
Solomon inherits the throne of Israel from his father David, inheriting a unified kingdom and a strong alliance with Hiram of Tyre.
c. 967 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon begins the ambitious and costly project of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a massive undertaking requiring vast resources and labor.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completion
After seven years of construction, the magnificent Temple is completed, symbolizing Israel's religious and economic peak under Solomon's reign.
During Solomon's Reign— this verse
Extensive Trade and Wealth Accumulation
Solomon develops a vast international trade network, including maritime trade from Ezion-Geber and land routes, bringing immense quantities of gold, silver, precious stones, and exotic goods into the kingdom.
During Solomon's Reign
Massive Royal Building Projects
Beyond the Temple, Solomon undertakes numerous other grand construction projects throughout Israel, including palaces, fortifications, and cities, demonstrating his immense wealth and power.
This passage describes David's massive preparations for the Temple, gathering enormous quantities of precious metals, showing a similar kingly abundance and focus on building God's house.
Psalm 72:7This psalm prophesies about a righteous king who will reign, and it specifically mentions that 'in his days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endures,' echoing Solomon's era of prosperity and peace.
Haggai 2:8-9This prophecy speaks of a future glory for the second Temple that will surpass the first, where 'the silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' indicating God's ultimate ownership and provision for His dwelling place, mirroring the wealth seen in Solomon's time.
Ecclesiastes 2:8-9Solomon himself reflects on his reign, acknowledging the vast wealth and possessions he accumulated, stating, 'I also amassed for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and the provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds.' This offers a personal perspective on the abundance described in 1 Kings 10.
This verse doesn't just boast about Solomon's wealth; it highlights how God's blessing changed the very landscape of daily life. What was once precious and rare – silver and cedar – became so abundant it was no longer special, used for mundane, everyday purposes. It shows how true prosperity, when it comes from God, can redefine what's ordinary.
This verse comes at the end of the account of King Solomon's incredible wealth and prestige, particularly after his visit from the Queen of Sheba. The narrative has just detailed his vast riches, international trade, and opulent lifestyle. Immediately following this, the text pivots to describe how Solomon's reign eventually declined due to his many foreign wives and their influence, marking a stark contrast to the glory described here.
This verse comes at the end of the account of King Solomon's incredible wealth and prestige, particularly after his visit from the Queen of Sheba. The narrative has just detailed his vast riches, international trade, and opulent lifestyle. Immediately following this, the text pivots to describe how Solomon's reign eventually declined due to his many foreign wives and their influence, marking a stark contrast to the glory described here.
"And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah." — This verse doesn't just boast about Solomon's wealth; it highlights how God's blessing changed the very landscape of daily life. What was once precious and rare – silver and cedar – became so abund…
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Last reviewed October 2026