King James Version
1 Kings 10
29 verses with commentary
The Queen of Sheba Visits
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The queen of Sheba.**—The name “Sheba” must be distinguished from *Seba*, or *Saba* (which begins with a different Hebrew letter), (*a*) The name Seba denotes a Cushite race (Genesis 10:7), connected, in Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 45:14, with Egypt and Cush, and named with Sheba (“the kings of Sheba and Seba”)in the Psalm of Solomon (Psalm 72:10). Seba is, indeed, with great probability identified ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. there shall not fail thee ... a man on the throne of Israel--**a reference to the promise made to David of the sovereignty being vested perpetually in his lineage (2Sa 7:11-16), which was confirmed to Solomon afterwards (see 1Ki 9:5), and repeated with reference to its spiritual meaning long after (Jr 33:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostas...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Spices.**—The “spices” of Arabia were famous in all ages. Sheba is mentioned in Ezekiel 27:22 as trafficking with Tyre “in chief of all spices, and precious stones, and gold.” The spices of “the incensebearing sands” of Arabia are constantly dwelt upon both in Greek and Roman literature. Frankincense especially was imported from Arabia into Palestine (see Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20), althoug...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. thou knowest also what Joab ... did--**The insolent and imperious conduct of that general had not only been deeply offensive to the feelings (2Sa 18:5-15; 19:5-7), but calculated to bring reproach on the character, to injure the prospects, and endanger the throne of David. Passing over the injuries committed directly against himself, David dwelt with strong feelings on the base assassinatio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. questions: Heb. words
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. thou knowest also what Joab ... did--**The insolent and imperious conduct of that general had not only been deeply offensive to the feelings (2Sa 18:5-15; 19:5-7), but calculated to bring reproach on the character, to injure the prospects, and endanger the throne of David. Passing over the injuries committed directly against himself, David dwelt with strong feelings on the base assassinatio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). Solomon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4, 5) **And when the queen of Sheba had seen.**—There is something curiously inartificial and true to nature in the accumulation of different impressions as made upon the imagination of the queen. First of all comes the primary impression of Solomon’s wisdom, known by his answering all her questions, and “seen” in the various ordinances of his court and his government. Then the magnificence of th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. attendance: Heb. standing cupbearers: or, butlers
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple buil...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. thou hast with thee Shimei--**Though David promised him a pardon, which being enforced by the presence of a thousand followers, could not have been well refused, he warned his son against Shimei as a turbulent and dangerous character. It must not be supposed that in these dying instructions David was evincing a fierce, vindictive spirit. He is rather to be considered as acting in the characte...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. report: Heb. word acts: or, sayings
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6-9) **And she said.**—These words (repeated almost word for word in 2Chronicles 9:5-8) are clearly from some contemporary document. They breathe at once the spirit of Oriental compliment, and a certain seriousness of tone, as of a mind stirred by unusual wonder and admiration. It is worth notice that they touch but lightly on external magnificence and prosperity, and go on to dwell emphatically ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. for thou art a wise man--**Solomon had given early indications of wisdom before his miraculous endowment with the heavenly gift (see 1Ki 3:11), and his own sagacity would dictate the course that should be followed in any new offense that Shimei might commit.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. thy: Heb. thou hast added wisdom and goodness to
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom poin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. So David slept with his fathers--**about six months after the coronation of Solomon (compare 2Sa 5:5 with 1Ch 29:27). The interval was spent in developing his ideas and plans for the future glory of the kingdom and providing for the permanent worship of God (see on 1Ch 22:1, and following).
**was buried in the city of David--**Sepulchres were not allowed within the precincts of cities. Jer...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father--**His ascension to the royal dignity was made under the happiest auspices. Having been born after his father became monarch of the whole kingdom, his claim, according to the notions of Oriental people, was preferable to that of all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom enjoyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned abro...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11, 12) **Gold from Ophir**.—The insertion of this notice is obviously suggested by the mention of the gold and precious stones brought from Sheba. The wood of the “almug” tree, called (apparently more properly) the “algum” tree in 2Chronicles 9:10, is (see Note on 1Kings 9:25) the red sandal-wood found in China and the Indian Archipelago, and still used for precious utensils in India. The “pilla...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day. pillars: or, rails: Heb. a prop
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The tem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants. of his: Heb. according to the hand of king Solomon
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **All her desire**.—The terms here employed indicate a position of inferiority, although well graced and honoured, in the queen of Sheba. Her present is of the nature of tribute. Solomon gives her of “his bounty,” both what she asked for (probably by praising it) and what else he would.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
Chapter Outline
The queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.(1-13)
Solomon's wealth.(14-29)
**Verses 1-13**
The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom, thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and prayer, by diligently sear...
Read full commentary →Solomon's Splendor
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Talents**.—The word properly signifies a “circle,” or “globe,” and the talent (among the Hebrews and other Orientals, as among the Greeks) denoted properly a certain weight. (*a*) The ordinary talent of gold contained 100 “manehs,” or “portions” (the Greek *mna*, or *mina*), and each maneh (as is seen by comparing 1Kings 10:17 with 2Chronicles 9:16) contained 100 shekels of gold. According ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →Beside that he had of the merchantmen , and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country. governors: or, captains
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The governors of the country**.—The word “governor” (*pechah*) is supposed to be of foreign origin—possibly cognate to the Sanscrit word *paksha* “friend.” It is used constantly of foreign officers, or satraps: as in 1Kings 20:24, of the Syrian officers; in 2Kings 18:24 and Isaiah 36:9, of the Assyrians; in Jeremiah 51:23, of the Babylonians; in Esther 8:9, Nehemiah 5:14; Nehemiah 5:18; Neh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--**Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16, 17) The shields overlaid with gold—the larger called “targets,” and the lesser called “shields”—were evidently used for ornamenting the king’s palace, and (as we may gather from the notice in 2Chronicles 12:11, of the brazen shields which superseded them) taken down and borne before the king on solemn occasions, as “when he went to the house of the Lord.” We have notices of shields of gold am...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-20. Bath-sheba ... went unto King Solomon--**The filial reverence and the particular act of respect, which Solomon rendered, were quite in accordance with the sentiments and customs of the East. The right hand is the place of honor; and as it expressly said to have been assigned to "the king's mother," it is necessary to remark that, when a husband dies, his widow acquires a higher dignity an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Pound**—that is, *maneh*, equal (see 2Chronicles 10:16) to one hundred shekels.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-20. Bath-sheba ... went unto King Solomon--**The filial reverence and the particular act of respect, which Solomon rendered, were quite in accordance with the sentiments and customs of the East. The right hand is the place of honor; and as it expressly said to have been assigned to "the king's mother," it is necessary to remark that, when a husband dies, his widow acquires a higher dignity an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Ivory**.—This seems to have been brought in by the Tyrians (1Kings 10:22), and it may be noted that the only other notice of ivory in the history is in the “ivory house” of Ahab (1Kings 22:39), who was allied with Tyre. In Psalm 45:8 (presumably of the age of Solomon) we find mention of “ivory palaces,” or possibly “caskets.” The Tyrians are described in Ezekiel 27:15 as receiving it throug...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nua...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. why dost thou ask Abishag ... ask for him the kingdom also--**(See on 2Sa 16:5; also see on 2Sa 12:8). Solomon's indignation was roused; he in a moment penetrated the artful scheme, and from his associating the names of Abiathar and Joab, he seems to have suspected or known that those deep schemers had been the prompters of Adonijah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. the like: Heb. so
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passag...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-25. God do so to me, and more also--**the common form of introducing a solemn oath.
**if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life--**Whether there was a treasonable design to conceal under this request or not, the act, according to Eastern notions, was criminal, and of dangerous consequence to the state. There is no ground of censure upon Solomon for cruelty or precipitation ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. none: or, there was no silver in them
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **None were of silver** **. . .**—See 2Chronicles 9:27, “The king made silver in Jerusalem as stones.” The importation of silver (see 1Kings 10:22) was by the navy of Tarshish; and the mention of the plentifulness of silver seems the reason for noticing the existence of this navy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-25. God do so to me, and more also--**the common form of introducing a solemn oath.
**if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life--**Whether there was a treasonable design to conceal under this request or not, the act, according to Eastern notions, was criminal, and of dangerous consequence to the state. There is no ground of censure upon Solomon for cruelty or precipitation ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. ivory: or, elephants' teeth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **A navy of Tharshish.**—There seems little doubt that the Tarshish of Scripture is properly Tartessus in Spain, which name, indeed, is drawn from an Aramaic form of Tarshish. For (*a*) Tarshish is first noted in Genesis 10:4 as among the descendants of Javan, the son of Japhet, which probably points to a European position; (*b*) in some other places (Isaiah 23:1; Isaiah 23:6; Isaiah 23:10; I...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-25. God do so to me, and more also--**the common form of introducing a solemn oath.
**if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life--**Whether there was a treasonable design to conceal under this request or not, the act, according to Eastern notions, was criminal, and of dangerous consequence to the state. There is no ground of censure upon Solomon for cruelty or precipitation ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3). ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23-25) **All the kings.**—These verses indicate the character of the empire of Solomon, as a loosely-compacted group of tributary states round the dominant kingdom of Israel, kept to their allegiance mainly by the ascendency of his personal wisdom and ability, partly by the ties of commercial intercourse and the attractions of his wealth and splendour, and to some degree (though in his case to a ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-27. unto Abiathar the priest said the king--**This functionary, as the counsellor or accomplice of Adonijah, had deserved to share his fate. But partly from regard to his priestly dignity, and partly from his long associations with the late king, Solomon pronounced on him the mitigated sentence of banishment to his country estate at Anathoth, and thereby, as God's vicegerent, deprived him of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. sought to: Heb. sought the face of
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-27. unto Abiathar the priest said the king--**This functionary, as the counsellor or accomplice of Adonijah, had deserved to share his fate. But partly from regard to his priestly dignity, and partly from his long associations with the late king, Solomon pronounced on him the mitigated sentence of banishment to his country estate at Anathoth, and thereby, as God's vicegerent, deprived him of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances importa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. Then tidings came to Joab--**The execution of these sentences respectively on Adonijah and Abiathar prepared Joab for his fate. Death, due to his great crimes (Nu 35:33), would long ago have been inflicted, had not his power and popularity with the army been too formidable for the old king. He now fled to the altar, which, though a recognized asylum, afforded no sanctuary to the rebel and mu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic aposta...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Gathered together chariots.**—See above, 1Kings 4:26. This gathering of chariots—the sign of military conquest and extended empire—is evidently noticed here in connection with the growth of commerce and wealth, as one of the powers which held Solomon’s kingdom together. Josephus (*Ant. viii.* 7, 4), in mentioning them, gives a vivid description of the use of these chariots and horsemen for ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance. made: Heb. gave
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understandin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Made silver . . . as stones.**—This influx of wealth is specially noted as enriching Jerusalem, probably without preventing the imposition of heavy burdens on the provinces. Hence the division of interest and allegiance manifested at the accession of Rehoboam. In the earlier years of the reign its prosperity is described as extending to all “Judah and Israel” (1Kings 4:20). But the wealth g...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. And Solomon: Heb. And the going forth of the horses which was Solomon's
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's cont...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Linen yarn**.—The introduction of this seems to be an error. If the reading of the Hebrew text is to stand, the sense appears to be, “And Solomon’s horses were brought from Egypt; a troop of the king’s merchants obtained a troop (of horses) at a fixed price.” The horses were brought up (that is) in caravans from the plains of Egypt, where they abounded (see Genesis 47:17; Exodus 9:3; Exodus...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. by their: Heb. by their hand
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **A chariot**.—This is the chariot and its team of two or three horses; the “horse” is the charger. The price (though so far considerable as to indicate a large expenditure on the whole) shows that the supply was large, and the commerce regular.
**The kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria**—evidently allies or tributaries of Solomon, who were allowed, or compelled, to purchase their h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-29**
Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions. If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far better than gold,...
Read full commentary →