1 Kings 4:29-34

Solomon's Wisdom and Literary Gifts

29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as [vast] as the sand on the seashore.

30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

31 He was wiser than anyone-wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite,^[a] and Heman, Calcol,^[b] and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.

32 Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005.

33 He described trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

34 People came from everywhere, [sent] by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, to listen to Solomon's wisdom.

1 Kings 4:29-34 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 4

As in the preceding chapter we have a proof of the wisdom and understanding which the Lord gave to Solomon, as promised, so in this an account is given of the riches and honour he was possessed of; of him, as king over all Israel, and of his princes, 1Ki 4:1-6; of the providers of food for his household in the several parts of the land, 1Ki 4:7-19; of the largeness and extent of his dominions, and of the peace and prosperity thereof, 1Ki 4:20,21,24,25; of his daily provisions for his household and for his cattle, 1Ki 4:22,23,26-28; and of his superior wisdom and knowledge to all others in all nations, which brought some out of all to hear it, 1Ki 4:29-34.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pss 88 and 89 superscriptions
• [b]. 1 Ch 2:6