Largeness of heart - What we call “great capacity.” The expression which follows is common in reference to numerical multitude 1 Kings 4:20, but its use here to express mere amplitude or greatness is unique. read more
Children of the east country - Rather, “of the East” - the Beni Kedem - a distinct tribe, who occupied both sides of the Euphrates along its middle course (marginal reference). They were mostly nomads, who dwelt in tents Jeremiah 49:28-29. Job belonged to them Job 1:3, as did probably his three friends; and, perhaps, Balsam Numbers 23:7. They must have been either Arabs or Aramaeans. We may see in the Book of Job the character of their “wisdom.” Like Solomon’s, it was chiefly gnomic but... read more
It is most probable that the persons with whom Solomon is compared were contemporaries, men noted for “wisdom,” though there is no other mention of them.His fame was in all nations - See below, 1 Kings 10:0. read more
1 Kings 4:29-30. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much Knowledge of a great variety of things, and prudence in the administration of the government. And largeness of heart Vastness of understanding, or a very comprehensive mind, capable of receiving the knowledge of all things, both divine and human. As the sand that is on the sea-shore As the sand there encloses a vast body of waters, so his mind contained an ocean of knowledge, as the Lord Bacon somewhere speaks. ... read more
1 Kings 4:31. He was wiser than all men Either of his nation, or of his time: or, of all times and nations, whether of the East, or any other country, excepting only the first and second Adam. Ethan, &c. Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned 1 Chronicles 2:6; 1 Chronicles 15:19; 1 Chronicles 25:4; Psalms 88:0., title, and 89., title. Chalcol, &c. Of whom see 1 Chronicles 2:6. read more
The administration of the kingdom (4:1-34)Details are now given of how Solomon administered Israel. First the leading religious, civil and army officials are listed (4:1-6). Solomon revised the taxation system by dividing the country into twelve zones, each of which had to provide the royal household with all its food supplies for one month of the year. These twelve zones apparently replaced the former tribal areas (7-19).Neighbouring nations that had become part of the Israelite empire also... read more
exceeding great = very great. read more
all men = any man. men. Hebrew. 'adam, with Art. ( App-14 ) = any human being. Ethan. The same four names occur among the sons of Zerah the son of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:6 ), except Dara for Darda; but compare 1 Chronicles 6:44 and 1 Chronicles 6:33 . fame = name. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 4:31
The greatest, wisest, meanest of mankind. It is a spirited and glowing description which the historian here gives of Solomon's wisdom. We may believe that it was not without a pardonable pride that he recounted the rich endowments and the widespread fame of Israel's greatest monarch. But it is really one of the saddest chapters in the whole of Scripture—and one of the most instrucfive. Manifold as were his gifts, marvellous as was his wisdom, they did not preserve him from falling. It is a... read more