2 Chronicles 1:15
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Solomon didn't just accumulate wealth; he intentionally made precious materials so abundant they were considered ordinary, like common stones and trees. This wasn't just about showing off, but about establishing Jerusalem as a place where God's glory and provision were so evident they became the norm.
And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon, newly crowned and seeking God’s wisdom, has just received confirmation of God’s favor. This prosperity isn't just a blessing; it's a direct result of God granting his request and promising him immense wealth and honor. The verse describes the overflowing abundance that characterized his reign, setting the stage for the massive construction projects to come, most notably the temple.
Solomon's wealth is legendary, but what did it really mean? Was it just about having a lot of stuff?
This verse paints a picture of immense prosperity. Gold and silver were typically symbols of great value and status, reserved for royalty and the most sacred objects. By making them as common as stone, Solomon signifies a level of abundance that's almost unimaginable.
But this isn't just about Solomon being rich. It's about the foundation of his reign. God had just appeared to Solomon, offering him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people (1 Chronicles 1:10-12). God granted him wisdom and also promised him riches and honor, 'so that no ruler like you for all your days' (1 Chronicles 1:11-12). The commonness of gold and silver isn't the goal; it's a result of God's blessing on a wise and God-fearing king.
Beyond precious metals, Solomon also controlled the natural resources. What does this abundance of wood tell us about his kingdom?
Cedar was a prized wood, known for its durability and fragrance, often imported for building temples and palaces (as seen in the Temple Solomon built). Making cedar as plentiful as the sycamore – a common, fast-growing tree found in the lowlands (the Shephelah) – demonstrates Solomon's mastery over trade and natural resources.
This speaks to a kingdom that was not only wealthy but also highly organized and secure. Solomon had established extensive trade networks, bringing valuable materials into the land and making them readily available. This level of control and provision allowed him to undertake massive building projects and maintain a glorious court. It’s a sign of a stable, prosperous nation under God's favor, enabled by wise leadership.
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Understand the original words
shephelah · Hebrew Noun
A low-lying, rolling hill region between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Judah, known for its fertility and abundance of sycamore trees.
This verse highlights the peak of Israel's prosperity under Solomon, made possible by divine favor, extensive trade, and massive labor mobilization for his ambitious building projects, particularly the Temple.
c. 970 BC
David's Death and Solomon's Accession
Solomon inherited a unified kingdom and a strong economy from his father, David, setting the stage for his ambitious building projects and display of wealth.
c. 967 BC
Solomon's Request for Wisdom
God appeared to Solomon at Gibeon, offering him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people, which pleased God greatly.
c. 966 BC
God Grants Wisdom and Wealth
Because Solomon asked for wisdom, God not only granted him unparalleled wisdom but also immense riches and honor, which would be evident throughout his reign.
c. 966-960 BC— this verse
Construction of the Temple Begins
Solomon initiated the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project that required vast resources, skilled labor, and extensive trade networks.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Palace Completed
After the Temple, Solomon undertook the construction of his own opulent palace, which took thirteen years to build, further demonstrating his immense wealth and power.
c. 931 BC
Death of Solomon and Division of Kingdom
Solomon's reign ended with immense wealth but also significant burdens on the people. His death led to the division of the united kingdom into Israel and Judah.
This passage in Kings echoes the description of Solomon's wealth, emphasizing how widespread and abundant silver and cedar were during his reign, just as described in Chronicles.
Psalm 72:16This psalm, often attributed to Solomon, speaks prophetically of a king whose reign would be marked by overflowing abundance, with grain and fruitfulness like Lebanon's cedars, mirroring the material prosperity described in 2 Chronicles 1.
Proverbs 3:9-10While not about literal wealth, this proverb speaks to the principle of honoring God with one's 'firstfruits' and 'produce,' which brings overflowing abundance. This reflects the idea that such vast wealth in Jerusalem was a result of God's blessing on Solomon's wisdom and devotion.
Matthew 6:29-30Jesus uses the imagery of Solomon's splendor to contrast with the believer's focus on God's provision, showing that even the greatest earthly wealth pales in comparison to God's care for those who seek Him first.
Solomon didn't just accumulate wealth; he intentionally made precious materials so abundant they were considered ordinary, like common stones and trees. This wasn't just about showing off, but about establishing Jerusalem as a place where God's glory and provision were so evident they became the norm.
Solomon, newly crowned and seeking God’s wisdom, has just received confirmation of God’s favor. This prosperity isn't just a blessing; it's a direct result of God granting his request and promising him immense wealth and honor. The verse describes the overflowing abundance that characterized his reign, setting the stage for the massive construction projects to come, most notably the temple.
Solomon, newly crowned and seeking God’s wisdom, has just received confirmation of God’s favor. This prosperity isn't just a blessing; it's a direct result of God granting his request and promising him immense wealth and honor. The verse describes the overflowing abundance that characterized his reign, setting the stage for the massive construction projects to come, most notably the temple.
"And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah." — Solomon didn't just accumulate wealth; he intentionally made precious materials so abundant they were considered ordinary, like common stones and trees. This wasn't just about showing off, but about…
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Last reviewed October 2026
