Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Kings
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 4
Overview:
Solomon's
Court.
(1-19) Solomon's dominions, His daily
provision.
(20-28) The
Wisdom of
Solomon.
(29-34)
1-19 In the choice of the great officers of
Solomon's
Court,
No
doubt, his
Wisdom appeared. Several are the same that were in
his
Father's time. A plan was settled
By which
No part of the
country was exhausted to supply his
Court, though each sent its
portion.
20-28 Never did the
Crown of
Israel shine
So bright, as when
Solomon wore it. He had peace
On all sides. Herein, his kingdom
was a
Type of the
Messiah's; for to Him it is promised that he
shall have the
Heathen for his inheritance, and that princes
shall
Worship him. The spiritual peace, and joy, and holy
security, of all the
Faithful subjects of the
Lord Jesus, were
typified
By that of
Israel. The
Kingdom of God is not, as
Solomon's was, meat and
Drink, but, what is infinitely better,
Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the
Holy Ghost. The vast
number of his attendants, and the great resort to him, are shown
By the provision daily made. Herein
Christ far outdoes
Solomon,
that he feeds all his subjects, not with the
Bread that
perishes, but with that which endures to eternal
Life.
29-34 Solomon's
Wisdom was more his
Glory than his wealth. He
had what is here called largeness of
Heart, for the
Heart is
often
Put for the powers of the mind. He had the
Gift of
utterance, as
Well as
Wisdom. It is very desirable, that those
who have large
Gifts of any kind, should have large hearts to
use them for the good of others. What treasures of
Wisdom and
knowledge are lost! But every sort of knowledge that is needful
for
Salvation is to be found in the holy Scriptures. There came
persons from all parts, who were more eager after knowledge than
their neighbours, to hear the
Wisdom of
Solomon.
Solomon was
herein a
Type of
Christ, in whom are hid all treasures of
Wisdom
and knowledge; and hid for us, for he is made of
God to us,
Wisdom.
Christ's fame shall spread through all the
Earth, and
men of all nations shall come to him, learn of him, and take
upon them his easy
Yoke, and find
Rest for their souls.