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I Kings 10:3

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And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 3

Still Solomon looks great, and every thing in this chapter adds to his magnificence. We read nothing indeed of his charity, of no hospitals he built, or alms-houses; he made his kingdom so rich that it did not need them; yet, no question, many poor were relieved from the abundance of his table. A church he had built, never to be equalled; schools or colleges he need not build any, his own palace is an academy, and his court a rendezvous of wise and learned men, as well as the centre of all the circulating riches of that part of the world. I. What abundance of wisdom there was there appears from the application the queen of Sheba made to him, and the great satisfaction she had in her entertainment there (Kg1 10:1-13), and others likewise (Kg1 10:24). II. What abundance of wealth there was there appears here by the gold imported, with other things, yearly (Kg1 10:14, Kg1 10:15), and in a triennial return (Kg1 10:22). Gold presented (Kg1 10:25), and gold used in targets and shields (Kg1 10:16, Kg1 10:17), and vessels (Kg1 10:21). A stately throne made (Kg1 10:18-20). His chariots and horsemen (Kg1 10:26). His trade with Egypt (Kg1 10:28, Kg1 10:29). And the great plenty of silver and cedars among his people (Kg1 10:27). So that, putting all together, it must be owned, as it is here said (Kg1 10:23), that "king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches, and for wisdom." Yet what was he to the King of kings? Where Christ is, by his word and Spirit, "Behold, a greater than Solomon is there."

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 3

10:3-5 The queen was satisfied with Solomon’s wisdom. He answered all of her questions well, and she was overwhelmed by the applied wisdom in his building activities, well-organized administration and staff, and commitment to his God. Jesus commended the queen’s search for truth while condemning the Pharisees and teachers of religious law who failed to recognize him—the one who was greater than Solomon (Matt 12:42).

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Isaiah 42:16rank 2

I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

Matthew 13:11rank 2

He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

II Chronicles 9:2rank 2

And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain.

Colossians 2:3rank 2

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

John 7:17rank 2

If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.

II Samuel 14:20rank 2

Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.”

I Kings 3:12rank 2

behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.

I Kings 10:1rank 2

Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.

I Corinthians 1:30rank 2

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

II Samuel 14:17rank 2

And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”

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