Craving for Gold

Do you ever wonder why having more never seems to be enough? Even Solomon, the richest king on earth, couldn’t fill that space with gold.

“The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and the governors … brought gold … to Solomon” (2 Chronicles 9:13–14). 

Gold became a kind of obsession for Solomon. It was needed as a central component for building the Temple and making its many objects. But even before work began on the Temple, gold was plentiful (2 Chronicles 1:15). And after the Temple was completed, Solomon still craved gold.

Many rulers, including “all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land,” came to Solomon, bringing him more gold. Still he wasn’t satisfied, and “once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold.” He became richer than all the kings of the earth (2 Chronicles 9:21–24). In a single year, he gained 666 talents of gold – in today’s terms, about 23 metric tons, worth more than $3 billion!

This gold may have made Solomon and Israel wealthy, but it also made them vulnerable – the target of lusting nations and neighboring rulers. Finally, Babylon took away “all the vessels of gold” (2 Kings 24:13).

Writing in Proverbs, Solomon could look back and warn that gold doesn’t satisfy. It is better “to get wisdom than gold,” Proverbs 16:16 says.

Today, remember that your earthly treasures eventually will rust and be destroyed. On earth, thieves will “break in and steal.” Instead, seek to store up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Invest your life and resources in the Kingdom that will last forever.

Reflection Question: Ask God to give you a deeper desire for eternal things.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much would Solomon’s gold be worth today?

Estimates vary with gold’s fluctuating price, but 666 talents (roughly 23 metric tons) would be worth several billion dollars at current market rates—a staggering sum that still didn’t satisfy him.

If gold “doesn’t satisfy,” why did God allow Solomon to have so much?

Solomon’s wealth wasn’t the problem; his heart’s attachment to it was. Proverbs 16:16, written by Solomon himself in hindsight, shows he learned this the hard way.

What does “storing up treasures in heaven” look like practically?

It means investing time, relationships, and resources in things that outlast this life—people, faith, and Kingdom work—rather than only accumulating what can be lost or stolen.