So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. So King SolomonThe name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon's reign is often characterized by peace and prosperity, a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the temple and reign in peace. Solomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, as seen in earlier chapters where God grants Solomon wisdom because he asked for it above all else ( 1 Kings 3:9-12). surpassed
The Hebrew root for "surpassed" is "gadal," which means to grow, become great, or be magnified. This word indicates not just a quantitative measure but a qualitative one, suggesting that Solomon's greatness was recognized universally. His surpassing of other kings was not merely in material wealth but in the divine wisdom that God had bestowed upon him, setting him apart as a ruler. all the kings of the earth
This phrase emphasizes the extent of Solomon's renown. The phrase "all the kings of the earth" suggests a hyperbolic expression common in ancient Near Eastern texts to denote supremacy. Historically, Solomon's kingdom was strategically located, facilitating trade and cultural exchange, which contributed to his fame. The biblical narrative underscores that Solomon's wisdom and wealth were unparalleled, drawing visitors like the Queen of Sheba, who came to test his wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-13). in riches
The Hebrew word for "riches" is "osher," which encompasses wealth, abundance, and prosperity. Solomon's riches were not solely for personal gain but were a testament to God's blessing upon Israel. The wealth of Solomon's kingdom is detailed in the preceding verses, describing the gold, precious stones, and exotic goods that flowed into his kingdom, symbolizing God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. and wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "chokmah," which implies not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in governance and daily life. Solomon's wisdom was divinely granted, as seen in his ability to make just decisions, compose proverbs, and understand the natural world. His wisdom was a reflection of God's own wisdom, serving as a model for righteous leadership and pointing to the ultimate wisdom found in Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history. 2. The Kings of the EarthThis phrase refers to the rulers of other nations during Solomon's time. It highlights the extent of Solomon's fame and the global recognition of his wisdom and wealth. 3. The Kingdom of IsraelUnder Solomon's rule, Israel reached unprecedented levels of prosperity and influence, becoming a center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. Teaching Points The Source of True Wisdom and WealthSolomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, reminding us that true wisdom and prosperity come from Him. We should seek God's wisdom above all else. The Danger of Earthly RichesWhile Solomon's wealth was a blessing, it also became a snare, leading to idolatry and eventual division in the kingdom. We must guard our hearts against the love of money. The Importance of HumilityDespite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marked by pride and disobedience. Humility and obedience to God are crucial for maintaining His blessings. The Legacy of LeadershipSolomon's reign teaches us about the impact of leadership. Our actions and decisions can have lasting effects on those we lead and influence. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's wisdom and wealth reflect God's promises to him, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness? 2. In what ways can the pursuit of wealth and wisdom become a stumbling block in our spiritual lives, as seen in Solomon's account? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership that can be applied to our roles in our families, workplaces, and communities? 5. How does the comparison of Solomon's splendor to God's provision in Matthew 6:29 challenge our perspective on material wealth and God's care for us? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:12-13This passage describes God's promise to Solomon, granting him unparalleled wisdom and wealth, which is fulfilled in 1 Kings 10:23. 2 Chronicles 9:22This verse parallels 1 Kings 10:23, reinforcing the idea of Solomon's unmatched wisdom and wealth. Matthew 6:29Jesus refers to Solomon's splendor, using it as a comparison to illustrate God's provision and the beauty of creation. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Exceeded, Excelled, Greater, Kings, Riches, Solomon, Thus, Wealth, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:23 5503 rich, the
5776 achievement 1 Kings 10:23-24 3050 Holy Spirit, wisdom 1 Kings 10:23-25 5366 king 1 Kings 10:23-27 8780 materialism, and sin 1 Kings 10:23-29 8701 affluence Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:23 NIV1 Kings 10:23 NLT1 Kings 10:23 ESV1 Kings 10:23 NASB1 Kings 10:23 KJV
1 Kings 10:23 Commentaries
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