And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. And God gave Solomon wisdomThe phrase begins with the acknowledgment that wisdom is a divine gift. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of that knowledge in practical life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, often associated with the ability to govern effectively and make just decisions. Solomon's wisdom is a fulfillment of God's promise to him in 1 Kings 3:12, where God grants him a wise and discerning heart. This divine endowment sets Solomon apart as a king who can lead Israel with justice and righteousness. exceedingly deep insight
The Hebrew term for "insight" is "תְּבוּנָה" (tevunah), which implies understanding or discernment. The phrase "exceedingly deep" suggests a profound level of comprehension that goes beyond surface knowledge. This depth of insight is crucial for a ruler, as it allows Solomon to perceive the underlying principles and truths in complex situations. In a broader biblical context, such insight is often linked to the fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. and understanding beyond measure
The word "understanding" in Hebrew is "בִּינָה" (binah), which refers to the ability to discern or distinguish between things. The phrase "beyond measure" indicates an immeasurable or infinite quality, suggesting that Solomon's understanding was vast and unparalleled. This kind of understanding is essential for making wise judgments and decisions, particularly in the context of leading a nation. It reflects the biblical ideal of a leader who can discern God's will and apply it to the governance of His people. like the sand on the seashore
This simile is a common biblical expression used to denote vastness or innumerability, as seen in God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17. The imagery of sand on the seashore conveys the idea of abundance and inexhaustibility. In the context of Solomon's wisdom, it suggests that his capacity for knowledge and understanding was as vast and boundless as the grains of sand. This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Solomon's God-given wisdom, setting a standard for the ideal king in Israel's history. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he reigned during a time of peace and prosperity. 2. GodThe sovereign Lord who granted Solomon his wisdom. This divine gift was a fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon when he asked for wisdom to govern the people. 3. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon's rule, experiencing a golden age of peace and prosperity due to Solomon's wise leadership. 4. The Sand on the SeashoreA metaphor used to describe the vastness and immeasurability of Solomon's wisdom and understanding. Teaching Points Divine Source of WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God. Just as Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, we too should seek wisdom from Him in our daily lives. The Value of WisdomWisdom is more valuable than riches or power. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity because of his wise decisions. God's GenerosityGod is generous and willing to give wisdom to those who ask. We should approach Him with humility and faith, trusting in His provision. Wisdom and LeadershipEffective leadership is rooted in wisdom and understanding. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we should strive to lead with godly wisdom. The Immeasurable Nature of God's GiftsGod's gifts, like Solomon's wisdom, are often beyond human comprehension. We should be grateful and use them for His glory. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:5-14 demonstrate his priorities as a leader? How can we apply this to our own leadership roles? 2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions, and how does James 1:5 encourage us in this pursuit? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's wisdom in a challenging situation. How did it impact the outcome? 4. How does the metaphor of "the sand on the seashore" help us understand the vastness of God's gifts? What other biblical metaphors convey similar ideas? 5. Considering Proverbs 2:6, how can we cultivate a heart that is open to receiving wisdom from God? What practical steps can we take to grow in wisdom? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:5-14This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God and God's promise to grant him not only wisdom but also wealth and honor. Proverbs 2:6This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault. People Abda, Abel, Abiathar, Abinadab, Adoniram, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahilud, Ahimaaz, Ahinadab, Ahishar, Amorites, Argob, Asher, Azariah, Baana, Baanah, Basmath, Ben, Benaiah, Benjamin, Calcol, Chalcol, Dan, Darda, Dekar, Elah, Elihoreph, Elon, Ethan, Geber, Hanan, Heman, Hepher, Hesed, Hur, Hushai, Iddo, Issachar, Jair, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Mahol, Manasseh, Naphtali, Nathan, Og, Paruah, Shimei, Shisha, Sihon, Solomon, Taphath, Uri, Zabud, ZadokPlaces Abel-meholah, Argob, Arubboth, Bashan, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Dan, Egypt, Elonbeth-hanan, Euphrates River, Gaza, Gilead, Hepher, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Jokmeam, Lebanon, Mahanaim, Makaz, Megiddo, Naphath-dor, Ramoth-gilead, Shaalbim, Socoh, Taanach, Tiphsah, ZarethanTopics Beyond, Breadth, Discernment, Edge, Exceeding, Giveth, Heart, Insight, Largeness, Measure, Measureless, Mind, Range, Sand, Seashore, Sea-shore, Seaside, Sense, Shore, Solomon, Store, Understanding, Wide, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:29 4360 sand
4803 breadth
5120 Solomon, character
8355 understanding 1 Kings 4:29-34 3050 Holy Spirit, wisdom
5366 king
5481 proverb
7730 explanation
8281 insight
8367 wisdom, importance of Library The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether He who Raises the Unworthy to Orders Commits a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that he who raises the unworthy to orders commits no sin. For a bishop needs assistants appointed to the lesser offices. But he would be unable to find them in sufficient number, if he were to require of them such qualifications as the saints enumerate. Therefore if he raise some who are not qualified, he would seem to be excusable. Objection 2: Further, the Church needs not only ministers for the dispensation of things spiritual, but also for the supervision of temporalities. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica 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 Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible 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 4:29 NIV1 Kings 4:29 NLT1 Kings 4:29 ESV1 Kings 4:29 NASB1 Kings 4:29 KJV
1 Kings 4:29 Commentaries
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