He was wiser than all men--wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. For he was wiser than all menThis phrase sets the stage for understanding the unparalleled wisdom of Solomon. The Hebrew word for "wiser" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which implies not just intellectual acumen but also practical skills and moral insight. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with the ability to govern effectively and live righteously. Solomon's wisdom is a divine gift, as seen earlier in 1 Kings 3:12, where God grants him a wise and discerning heart. This wisdom surpasses that of all other men, indicating a unique, God-given ability to understand and apply knowledge. wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite
Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned here as a benchmark of wisdom. The Ezrahites were known for their wisdom and musical abilities, as seen in Psalm 89, attributed to Ethan. The mention of Ethan highlights the high standard of wisdom that Solomon exceeded. The Hebrew root "אֵיתָן" (Ethan) means "enduring" or "strong," suggesting that Ethan's wisdom was well-established and respected. Yet, Solomon's wisdom surpassed even this enduring reputation. and Heman, Calcol, and Darda
These individuals are listed as further examples of renowned wise men. Heman is also noted in 1 Chronicles 15:19 as a musician and seer, indicating that wisdom in this context includes artistic and spiritual insight. Calcol and Darda are less well-known, but their inclusion suggests they were part of a tradition or school of wisdom. The Hebrew names "כַּלְכֹּל" (Calcol) and "דַּרְדַּע" (Darda) may imply meanings related to calculation and knowledge, respectively, reinforcing the idea that these men were esteemed for their intellectual contributions. the sons of Mahol
The term "sons of Mahol" could refer to a literal family or a figurative school of thought. "מָחוֹל" (Mahol) means "dance" or "circle," which might suggest a community or guild of wise men, possibly involved in the arts or scholarly pursuits. This phrase indicates that Solomon's wisdom was not only greater than individuals but also surpassed entire groups known for their intellectual and artistic achievements. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations
Solomon's wisdom was not confined to Israel; it was recognized internationally. The Hebrew word for "fame" is "שֵׁם" (shem), meaning "name" or "reputation." This suggests that Solomon's wisdom was a defining characteristic of his identity and reign. The phrase "surrounding nations" indicates the geopolitical context of Solomon's time, where Israel was a significant power. His wisdom attracted leaders and scholars from other nations, as seen in the visit of the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10. This international recognition underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon renowned and respected. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Ethan the EzrahiteKnown for his wisdom, Ethan is traditionally credited with writing Psalm 89. His mention here highlights Solomon's superior wisdom. 3. HemanAnother wise man, possibly the same Heman mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:33 as a musician in the service of King David. 4. Calcol and DardaSons of Mahol, these men were known for their wisdom, though little else is known about them. 5. MaholLikely a family or clan name, indicating a lineage known for wisdom. Teaching Points The Source of True WisdomSolomon's wisdom was a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from seeking God and His guidance. The Value of WisdomWisdom is more valuable than riches or power, as it leads to righteous living and good judgment. Fame and InfluenceSolomon's wisdom brought him fame and influence, illustrating how godly wisdom can impact those around us and extend beyond our immediate circles. Comparative WisdomThe comparison to other wise men highlights the uniqueness of God-given wisdom, which surpasses human understanding. Legacy of WisdomSolomon's wisdom left a lasting legacy, encouraging us to seek wisdom that will positively impact future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:5-14 demonstrate his priorities, and how can we apply this to our own prayer life? 2. In what ways does the wisdom of Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 4:31, reflect the characteristics of wisdom found in Proverbs 1:1-7? 3. How can we discern and apply godly wisdom in our daily decisions, and what role does prayer play in this process? 4. What are some practical ways we can seek to influence others positively through the wisdom God grants us? 5. Reflect on a time when you relied on human wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently now? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:1-7These verses introduce the Proverbs of Solomon, emphasizing the value of wisdom and understanding, which aligns with Solomon's reputation as the wisest man. 1 Kings 3:5-14This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is granted, leading to his renowned wisdom. Ecclesiastes 1:12-18Solomon reflects on his pursuit of wisdom, providing insight into his understanding and the limitations of human wisdom. 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 Calcol, Chalcol, Darda, Ethan, Ezrahite, Ez'rahite, Fame, Heman, Including, Mahol, Nations, Round, Sons, Spread, Surrounding, WiserDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:31 5857 fame 1 Kings 4:29-34 3050 Holy Spirit, wisdom
5366 king
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 4:31 NIV1 Kings 4:31 NLT1 Kings 4:31 ESV1 Kings 4:31 NASB1 Kings 4:31 KJV
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