1 Kings 4

22–28 These verses list the daily provisions required by Solomon’s household,²³ not to mention the barley and straw for his twelve thousand horses (verse 26). The provisions listed here were sufficient to feed five thousand people each day. The people of Israel at first seemed content to provide their king with whatever he required; in return, he provided them with peace and safety extending from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south (verse 25)—and the people were happy (verse 20).Lateron,however,thesupplyingofsuch a large quantity of provisions would becomeincreasinglyburdensometothepeople and eventually contribute to the division of the kingdom after Solomon’s death.

Solomon’s Wisdom (4:29–34)

29–31 Here the writer describes Solomon’s wisdom in glowing terms. It was greater than that of any other man who ever lived²⁴ —that is, until the coming of Christ. However, we must remember that the basis of all such wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10); only those who fear God can receive God’s wisdom.

32–34 Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs, some of which are preserved in the book of Proverbs. Two of his songs are also preserved: Psalms 72 and 127; the came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, Song of Songs is also attributed to Solothe best known of whom was the queen mon. Men (and women) of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, the best known of whom was the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13).