1 Kings 4:20-34
Summary for 1Kgs 4:20-21: 4:20-21 a God’s promise to Abraham (Gen 15:18-21 b; 17:8 c; 22:17 d) finds historical fulfillment in his blessing of Solomon. The surrounding lands conquered by David and Solomon (2 Chr 8:3 e) remained loyal to Solomon. They sent tribute money ... and continued to serve him throughout his long reign.Summary for 1Kgs 4:22-23: 4:22-23 f Solomon’s court was enormous and splendid, as indicated by its daily food requirements.
Summary for 1Kgs 4:24-25: 4:24-25 g each family had its own home and garden: Solomon’s subjects lived under ideal conditions that foreshadowed the coming messianic era (Mic 4:4 h), enjoying widespread prosperity and tranquility.
4:26 i 4,000 stalls: The number 4,000 reflects the parallel text in 2 Chr 9:25 j, a suitable number for Solomon’s 1,400 chariots (1 Kgs 10:26 k; 2 Chr 1:14 l).
• 12,000 horses: The Hebrew can be translated as “horsemen” (Exod 15:19-21 m) or “horses” (Joel 2:4 n). To be prepared for battles, Solomon built towns to accommodate his forces (1 Kgs 9:19 o).
Summary for 1Kgs 4:29-30: 4:29-30 p wise men of the East: Babylon was well-known for wise men. Yet Solomon’s God-given wisdom (3:9 q, 12 r, 28 s; Prov 1:7 t; Eccl 12:13 u) exceeded them all (1 Kgs 4:34 v).
4:31 w Ethan and Heman were among the musicians appointed by David (see 1 Chr 6:33-47 x; 15:16-19 y; Pss 88 z, 89 aa).
• The sons of Mahol were Temple singers, so Heman, Calcol, and Darda may have participated in the worship services (see 1 Chr 15:17 ab, 19-22 ac).
Summary for 1Kgs 4:32-34: 4:32-34 ad proverbs ... songs: Solomon wrote much of the book of Proverbs and composed Pss 72 ae and 127 af. His knowledge of plants and animals reflected his careful observation of nature (see Prov 6:6-8 ag). Solomon’s wisdom and literary prowess (see Matt 12:42 ah) are reflected in the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. No wonder many, including kings (1 Kgs 10:1-9 ai), sought the wisdom of Solomon.
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