1 Kings 4:29-34

Solomon’s Wisdom

29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.

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

31 He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

33 He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.

34 From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.^[a]

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.

Cross References

• 1. S 1 Kings 3:12
• 2. S Genesis 32:12
• 3. S Genesis 25:6; S Judges 6:3; Daniel 1:20; Matthew 2:1
• 4. Isaiah 19:11; Acts 7:22
• 5. S 1 Kings 3:12; 1 Chronicles 2:6; 1 Chronicles 6:33; 1 Chronicles 15:19; Psalms 89 Title
• 6. Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 25:1; Ecclesiastes 12:9
• 7. Psalms 78:63; Song of Songs 1:1; Ezekiel 33:32
• 8. S Leviticus 14:49
• 9. 1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles 9:23

Footnotes

• [a]. In Hebrew texts 4:21-34 is numbered 5:1-14.