1 Kings 4:30

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:13-34

B. The Foundation of Solomon’s Reign 2:13-4:34The writer noted that Solomon’s sole reign began well. The things most responsible were God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon (the central section), his political decisions (the first section), and his administrative ability (the third section). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:29-34

Solomon’s skill 4:29-34Here is more evidence that God gave Solomon wisdom (Heb. hokmah) as He had promised (1 Kings 3:12). He was one of the outstanding sages of the ancient world. [Note: See John E. Johnson, "The Old Testament Offices as Paradigm for Pastoral Identity," Bibliotheca Sacra 152:606 (April-June 1995):182-200.] What Solomon received was the ability to make correct decisions. Even though he possessed this ability he did not always choose to use it. He made some very foolish... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 4:1-34

Solomon’s Officers and Court2. Azariah the son of Zadok] he was really the grandson of Zadok (1 Chronicles 6:8-9). 3. Shisha] also called Shavsha and Sheva. In David’s reign he filled the same office now discharged by his sons (2 Samuel 20:25). Scribes] i.e. the royal secretaries. Jehoshaphat] he had previously served David (2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24). Recorder] probably the keeper of the state archives (RM ’chronicler’), though some suppose that his function was to remind the king of state... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 4:30

(30) The wisdom of all the children of the east.—The phrase “children of the east” is apparently used (see Genesis 29:1; Judges 6:3; Judges 6:33; Judges 7:12; Judges 8:10) for the tribes of the country lying between the country of Israel and Mesopotamia. Of these “men of the east,” Job is expressly said to be one, and among the chief (Job 1:3), What their wisdom was, the utterances of Job and his friends may testify, showing as they do large knowledge of nature and of man, speculating on the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Kings 4:30-34

(30-34) The whole passage implies a general growth of wisdom, a largeness of knowledge, and an outburst of literature, of which, as usual with great men, Solomon is at once the child and the leader. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Kings 4:1-34

The Bunch of Hyssop 1 Kings 4:33 These words imply that the hyssop must have been a weak and insignificant plant. And it must have been weak and insignificant because of its contrast with the cedar. And yet it played a by no means trivial part in the Old Testament Church. It was with 'a bunch of hyssop' the Passover blood was sprinkled 'on the two side-posts and on the lintels of the houses'. I. Faith in Christ is a confession of helplessness. There was no particular virtue in the hyssop. It... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 4:1-34

SOLOMON’S COURT AND KINGDOM1 Kings 4:1-34."But what more oft in nations grown corrupt And by their vices brought to servitude, Than to love bondage more than liberty, Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty?" -Samson Agonistes.WHEN David was dead, and Solomon was established on his throne, his first thoughts were turned to the consolidation of his kingdom. He was probably quite a youth. He was not, nor did he ever desire to be, a warlike prince; but he was compelled to make himself secure from... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Kings 4:1-34

3. Solomon’s Princes and Officers The Prosperous Kingdom and the King’s Great Wisdom CHAPTER 4 1. The Princes (1 Kings 4:1-6 ) 2. The Officers (1 Kings 4:7-19 ) 3. The prosperous kingdom (1 Kings 4:20-28 ) 4. Solomon’s great wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34 ) “So King Solomon was king over all Israel.” A list of the princes and the twelve officers is given first. Their names fit in perfectly with the character of the kingdom, foreshadowing the coming and better kingdom of our Lord. We give the... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Kings 4:30

4:30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the {l} east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.(l) That is, the philosophers and astronomers who were judged most wise. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 4:1-34

SOLOMON'S ADMINISTRATION (vs.1-19) In Solomon's time peace was established in a way not seen in David's day, for there was continual turmoil while David reigned. Now Solomon was undisputed king over all Israel, and the unity of peace prevailed, for this is typical of the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus. However, Solomon's reign was not itself millennial, so that he had only eleven princes (vs.2-6), rather than twelve, which is the number of governmental completeness. Azariah is the first... read more

Group of Brands