Prosperity And Wisdom of Solomon’s Reign
May 23, 2022
Commentary
Solomon’s kingdom was unified, secure, strong, and prosperous, with a large population. Solomon’s rule extended over all the kingdoms from the river Euphrates to the border of Egypt (v. 21). His kingdom was strong, secure, and prosperous with a very large population. Verse 20 says the people were as many “as the sand which is by the sea.”
Solomon had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates (v 24). And he had peace on all sides around him (v.25). And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine. The ability of the nation to provide Solomon’s daily provisions testifies to his prosperity (vv. 22-23). His horses numbered 12,000 and his chariots 1400 (II Chron. 1:14) and these were kept in several locations called “chariot cities” (II Chron. 9:25). These horses and chariots were used for national defense and served as a strong deterrent to potential foreign aggressors.
Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt (v. 30). His wisdom exceeded that of all men of the East (Job 1:3) and all of the people in Egypt and both of these areas were known for their wisdom. The extent of Solomon’s wisdom, understanding and knowledge was so great it could not be measured. It is demonstrated by the kings coming to observe and listen to him (vv. 32-34). He wrote over 3,000 proverbs of which several hundred have been preserved in the book of Proverbs and a few in Ecclesiastes. He also was an authority in botany and zoology. He had many important visitors from far away places who came for advise which he gave freely. He was recognized as the wisest man of his day as God had promised he would be.
Application
While Solomon possessed great wisdom, he did not always apply it to his own life. This proves that having insight into life does not guarantee that a person will choose to do what is right. I must live close to the Lord and seek to please Him daily or I will not make right choices. I need to make sure that I walk my talk for the Lord.
1 Kings 4:20– 34 (NET)
20 The people of Judah and Israel were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore; they had plenty to eat and drink and were happy. 21 (5:1) Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms paid tribute as Solomonās subjects throughout his lifetime. 22 Each day Solomonās royal court consumed thirty cors of finely milled flour, sixty cors of cereal, 23 ten calves fattened in the stall, 20 calves from the pasture, and 100 sheep, not to mention rams, gazelles, deer, and well-fed birds. 24 His royal court was so large because he ruled over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River from Tiphsah to Gaza; he was at peace with all his neighbors. 25 All the people of Judah and Israel had security; everyone from Dan to Beer Sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout Solomonās lifetime. 26 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses. 27 The district governors acquired supplies for King Solomon and all who ate in his royal palace. Each was responsible for one month in the year; they made sure nothing was lacking. 28 Each one also brought to the assigned location his quota of barley and straw for the various horses.
29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment; the breadth of his understanding was as infinite as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon was wiser than all the men of the east and all the sages of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any man, including Ethan the Ezrahite or Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He was famous in all the neighboring nations. 32 He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. 33 He produced manuals on botany, describing every kind of plant, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows on walls. He also produced manuals on biology, describing animals, birds, insects, and fish. 34 People from all nations came to hear Solomonās display of wisdom; they came from all the kings of the earth who heard about his wisdom.