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Text -- 1 Kings 10:1-20 (NET)
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Of that part of Arabia, called Shabaea, which was at great distance from Jerusalem, bordering upon the Southern Sea; for there, much more than in Ethi...
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:1 - -- That is, concerning God; the name of God being often put for God; concerning his deep knowledge in the things of God. For it is very probable she had,...
That is, concerning God; the name of God being often put for God; concerning his deep knowledge in the things of God. For it is very probable she had, as had divers other Heathens, some knowledge of the true God, and an earnest desire to know more concerning him.
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Concerning natural, and civil, and especially, Divine things.
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Of all the doubts and difficulties wherewith her mind was perplexed.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:4 - -- Or, the houses, the temple and the king's house, in both which there were evidences of singular wisdom.
Or, the houses, the temple and the king's house, in both which there were evidences of singular wisdom.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:5 - -- The order and manner in which his courtiers, or other subjects (who all were his servants in a general sense) sat down at meals, at several tables in ...
The order and manner in which his courtiers, or other subjects (who all were his servants in a general sense) sat down at meals, at several tables in his court.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:5 - -- Upon the king, both at his table, and in his court; and when he went abroad to the temple or other places.
Upon the king, both at his table, and in his court; and when he went abroad to the temple or other places.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:5 - -- Both the costliness of it, and especially the agreeableness of it to their several places and offices.
Both the costliness of it, and especially the agreeableness of it to their several places and offices.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:5 - -- From his own palace. See 2Ki 16:18, but the ancients, and some others, translate the words thus, and the burnt-offerings which he offered up in the ho...
From his own palace. See 2Ki 16:18, but the ancients, and some others, translate the words thus, and the burnt-offerings which he offered up in the house of the Lord; under which, is the chief, all other sacrifices are understood: when she saw the manner of his offering sacrifices to the Lord; which doubtless she would not neglect to see; and in the ordering of which she might discern many characters of excellent wisdom, especially when she had so excellent an interpreter as Solomon was, to inform her of the reasons of all the circumstances of that service.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:5 - -- She was astonished, and could scarcely determine whether she really saw these things, or whether it was only a pleasant dream.
She was astonished, and could scarcely determine whether she really saw these things, or whether it was only a pleasant dream.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:8 - -- _With much more reason may we say this of Christ's servants: Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be always praising thee.
_With much more reason may we say this of Christ's servants: Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be always praising thee.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:14 - -- _Which amounts to about three millions of our money. And this gold did not come from Ophir in India, or Tharshish; but from Arabia and Ethiopia, which...
_Which amounts to about three millions of our money. And this gold did not come from Ophir in India, or Tharshish; but from Arabia and Ethiopia, which then were replenished with gold, though exhausted by the insatiable avarice of succeeding Ages.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:15 - -- men - Heb. of the searchers; either merchants, who use to search out commodities: or, the gatherers of the king's revenues, who used to search narrowl...
men - Heb. of the searchers; either merchants, who use to search out commodities: or, the gatherers of the king's revenues, who used to search narrowly into all wares, that the king might not be defrauded of his rights.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:15 - -- merchants - Or rather, of the merchants in general, as the word is often used. So this and the former particular contain both the branches of the king...
merchants - Or rather, of the merchants in general, as the word is often used. So this and the former particular contain both the branches of the king's revenue, what he had from the land, and what he had from the merchants and traders.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:15 - -- Of those parts of Arabia which were next to Canaan, which were either conquered by David, or submitted to pay tribute to Solomon. But we must not thin...
Of those parts of Arabia which were next to Canaan, which were either conquered by David, or submitted to pay tribute to Solomon. But we must not think all these to be kings of large dominions; many of them were only governors of cities, and the territories belonging to them, such as were formerly in Canaan, and were anciently called kings.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:15 - -- Or, of the land; the land of Arabia: whereof some parts were so far conquered, that he had governors of his own over them, who were each of them to ta...
Or, of the land; the land of Arabia: whereof some parts were so far conquered, that he had governors of his own over them, who were each of them to take care of the king's revenue in his jurisdiction; and part only so far, that they still had kings of their own, but such as were tributaries to him.
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Wesley: 1Ki 10:16 - -- For pomp and magnificence, and to be carried before him, by his guard, when he went abroad. The Roman magistrates had rods and axes carried before the...
For pomp and magnificence, and to be carried before him, by his guard, when he went abroad. The Roman magistrates had rods and axes carried before them, in token of their power to correct the bad: but Solomon shields and targets, to shew he took more pleasure in his power to defend and protect the good.
JFB -> 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:2; 1Ki 10:6; 1Ki 10:9; 1Ki 10:10; 1Ki 10:11; 1Ki 10:13; 1Ki 10:14-15; 1Ki 10:16-17; 1Ki 10:18-26
JFB: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Some think her country was the Sabean kingdom of Yemen, of which the capital was Saba, in Arabia-Felix; others, that it was in African Ethiopia, that ...
Some think her country was the Sabean kingdom of Yemen, of which the capital was Saba, in Arabia-Felix; others, that it was in African Ethiopia, that is, Abyssinia, towards the south of the Red Sea. The opinions preponderate in favor of the former. This view harmonizes with the language of our Lord, as Yemen means "South"; and this country, extending to the shores of the Indian ocean, might in ancient times be considered "the uttermost parts of the earth."
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JFB: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Meaning either his great knowledge of God, or the extraordinary things which God had done for him.
Meaning either his great knowledge of God, or the extraordinary things which God had done for him.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Enigmas or riddles. The Orientals delight in this species of intellectual exercise and test wisdom by the power and readiness to solve them.
Enigmas or riddles. The Orientals delight in this species of intellectual exercise and test wisdom by the power and readiness to solve them.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:2 - -- A long train of those beasts of burden forms the common way of travelling in Arabia; and the presents specified consist of the native produce of that ...
A long train of those beasts of burden forms the common way of travelling in Arabia; and the presents specified consist of the native produce of that country. Of course, a royal equipage would be larger and more imposing than an ordinary caravan.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:6 - -- The proofs she obtained of Solomon's wisdom--not from his conversation only, but also from his works; the splendor of his palace; the economy of his k...
The proofs she obtained of Solomon's wisdom--not from his conversation only, but also from his works; the splendor of his palace; the economy of his kitchen and table; the order of his court; the gradations and gorgeous costume of his servants; above all, the arched viaduct that led from his palace to the temple (2Ki 16:18), and the remains of which have been recently discovered [ROBINSON]--overwhelmed her with astonishment. [See on 2Ch 9:4.]
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JFB: 1Ki 10:9 - -- (See on 1Ki 5:7). It is quite possible, as Jewish writers say, that this queen was converted, through Solomon's influence, to the worship of the true ...
(See on 1Ki 5:7). It is quite possible, as Jewish writers say, that this queen was converted, through Solomon's influence, to the worship of the true God. But there is no record of her making any gift or offering in the temple.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:11 - -- Parenthetically, along with the valuable presents of the queen of Sheba, is mentioned a foreign wood, which was brought in the Ophir ships. It is thou...
Parenthetically, along with the valuable presents of the queen of Sheba, is mentioned a foreign wood, which was brought in the Ophir ships. It is thought by some to be the sandalwood; by others, to be the deodar--a species of fragrant fir, much used in India for sacred and important works. Solomon used it for stairs in his temple and palace (2Ch 9:11), but chiefly for musical instruments.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:13 - -- That is, Solomon not only gave his illustrious guest all the insight and information she wanted; but, according to the Oriental fashion, he gave her a...
That is, Solomon not only gave his illustrious guest all the insight and information she wanted; but, according to the Oriental fashion, he gave her ample remuneration for the presents she had brought.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:14-15 - -- 666 talents, equal to £3,996,000. The sources whence this was derived are not mentioned; nor was it the full amount of his revenue; for this was "Bes...
666 talents, equal to £3,996,000. The sources whence this was derived are not mentioned; nor was it the full amount of his revenue; for this was "Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffic of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country." The great encouragement he gave to commerce was the means of enriching his royal treasury. By the fortifications which he erected in various parts of his kingdom, (particularly at such places as Thapsacus, one of the passages of Euphrates, and at Tadmor, in the Syrian desert), he gave complete security to the caravan trade from the depredations of the Arab marauders; and it was reasonable that, in return for this protection, he should exact a certain toll or duty for the importation of foreign goods. A considerable revenue, too, would arise from the use of the store cities and khans he built; and it is not improbable that those cities were emporia, where the caravan merchants unloaded their bales of spices and other commodities and sold them to the king's factors, who, according to the modern practice in the East, retailed them in the Western markets at a profit. "The revenue derived from the tributary kings and from the governors of the country" must have consisted in the tribute which all inferior magistrates periodically bring to their sovereigns in the East, in the shape of presents of the produce of their respective provinces.
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JFB: 1Ki 10:16-17 - -- These defensive arms were anciently made of wood and covered with leather; those were covered with fine gold. 600 shekels were used in the gilding of ...
These defensive arms were anciently made of wood and covered with leather; those were covered with fine gold. 600 shekels were used in the gilding of each target--300 for each shield. They were intended for the state armory of the palace (see 1Ki 14:26).
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JFB: 1Ki 10:18-26 - -- It seems to have been made not of solid ivory, but veneered. It was in the form of an armchair, with a carved back. The ascent to it was by six steps,...
It seems to have been made not of solid ivory, but veneered. It was in the form of an armchair, with a carved back. The ascent to it was by six steps, on each of which stood lions, in place of a railing--while a lion, probably of gilt metal, stood at each side, which, we may suppose from the analogy of other Oriental thrones, supported a canopy. A golden footstool is mentioned (2Ch 9:18) as attached to this throne, whose magnificence is described as unrivalled.
Clarke: 1Ki 10:1 - -- When the queen of Sheba heard - As our Lord calls her queen of the south, (Mat 12:42), it is likely the name should be written Saba, Azab, or Azaba,...
When the queen of Sheba heard - As our Lord calls her queen of the south, (Mat 12:42), it is likely the name should be written Saba, Azab, or Azaba, all of which signify the south. She is called Balkis by the Arabians, but by the Abyssinians Maqueda. See the account at the end of this chapter, 1Ki 10:29 (note)
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:1 - -- With hard questions - בחידות bechidoth ; Septuagint, εν αινιγμασι, riddles. With parables and riddles, says the Arabic.
With hard questions -
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:2 - -- She came to Jerusalem with - spices, etc. - Those who contend that she was queen of the Sabaeans, a people of Arabia Felix, towards the southern ext...
She came to Jerusalem with - spices, etc. - Those who contend that she was queen of the Sabaeans, a people of Arabia Felix, towards the southern extremity of the Red Sea, find several proofs of their opinion
1. That the Sabaeans abounded in riches and spices
India mittit ebur, molles sua thura Sabaei
"India furnishes ivory, and the effeminate Sabaeans their frankincense.
Virg. Geor. i., ver. 57
And again: -
Divisae arboribus patriae: sola India nigru
Fert ebenum; solis est thurea virga Sabaeis
Geor. ii., ver. 116
All sorts of trees their several countries know
Black ebon only will in India grow
And odorous frankincense on the Sabaean bough
Dryden
- Ubi templum illi centumque Sabaeo Thure calent arae
Where to her fame a hundred altars rise
And pour Sabaean odours to the skies
Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xii., c. 17) observes
Non alia ligni genera in usu sunt quam odorata
cibosque Sabaei coquunt thuris ligno; alii myrrhae
"The Sabaeans use odorous wood only, and even use the incense tree and myrrh to cook their victuals.
2. All ancient authors speak, not only of their odoriferous woods, but of their rich gold and silver mines, and of their precious stones. See Pliny, Hist. Nat. lib. xxxvii., c. 6, etc
3. It is also well known that the Sabaeans had queens for their sovereigns, and not kings. So Claudian, in Eutrop. lib. i
Medis levibusque Sabaeis Imperat hic sexus
reginarumque sub armis Barbariae pars magna jacet
By this is meant, says Mr. Bruce, the country between the tropic and mountains of Abyssinia, the country of shepherds, from berber, a shepherd. And he contends that these Sabaeans were a distinct people from the Ethiopians and the Arabs, and that Saba was a distinct state.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:3 - -- Solomon told her all her questions - Riddles, problems, fables, apologues, etc., formed the principal part of the wisdom of the East; indeed they us...
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:4 - -- Had seen all Solomon’ s wisdom - By the answers which he gave to her subtle questions
Had seen all Solomon’ s wisdom - By the answers which he gave to her subtle questions
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And the house that he had built - Most probably his own house.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- The meat of his table - The immense supply of all kinds of food daily necessary for the many thousands which were fed at and from his table. See 1Ki...
The meat of his table - The immense supply of all kinds of food daily necessary for the many thousands which were fed at and from his table. See 1Ki 4:22-23 (note)
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And the sitting of his servants - The various orders and distinctions of his officers
And the sitting of his servants - The various orders and distinctions of his officers
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- The attendance of his ministers - See the account of these and their attendance, 1Ki 4:1, etc
The attendance of his ministers - See the account of these and their attendance, 1Ki 4:1, etc
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And their apparel - The peculiarity of their robes, and their splendor and costliness
And their apparel - The peculiarity of their robes, and their splendor and costliness
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And his cup-bearers - The original משקיו mashkaiv may as well be applied to his beverage, or to his drinking utensils, as to his cup-bearers
And his cup-bearers - The original
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And his ascent by which he went up - It seems very strange that the steps to the temple should be such a separate matter of astonishment. The origin...
And his ascent by which he went up - It seems very strange that the steps to the temple should be such a separate matter of astonishment. The original is
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:5 - -- There was no more spirit in her - She was overpowered with astonishment; she fainted. I have seen precisely the same effect produced; a lady who was...
There was no more spirit in her - She was overpowered with astonishment; she fainted. I have seen precisely the same effect produced; a lady who was herself an artist, viewing some exquisitely finished oriental paintings, was so struck with astonishment that she twice nearly fainted, and was obliged to leave the room. What happened to the queen of Sheba is a natural and not an uncommon effect which will be produced in a delicate sensible mind at the sight of rare and extraordinary productions of art
Of the profusion of Solomon’ s sacrifices we have already had proof, 1Ki 8:63; 1Ki 9:25.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:8 - -- Happy are thy men - All these are very natural expressions from a person in her state of mind.
Happy are thy men - All these are very natural expressions from a person in her state of mind.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:10 - -- A hundred and twenty talents of gold - The worth of these one hundred and twenty talents of gold, according to Mr. Reynolds, is equal to £843,905. ...
A hundred and twenty talents of gold - The worth of these one hundred and twenty talents of gold, according to Mr. Reynolds, is equal to £843,905. 10s. 4 3/4d. of our British sterling. But the spices and precious stones might have been yet of more value. After this verse the 13th should be read, which is here most evidently misplaced; and then the account of the queen of Sheba will be concluded, and that of Solomon’ s revenue will stand without interruption.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:11 - -- Great plenty of almug trees - In the parallel place, 2Ch 9:10, 2Ch 9:11, these are called algum trees, the ם mem and the ג gimel being trans...
Great plenty of almug trees - In the parallel place, 2Ch 9:10, 2Ch 9:11, these are called algum trees, the
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:13 - -- All her desire whatsoever she asked - Some imagine she desired progeny from the wise king of Israel; and all the traditions concerning her state tha...
All her desire whatsoever she asked - Some imagine she desired progeny from the wise king of Israel; and all the traditions concerning her state that she had a son by Solomon called Menilek, who was brought up at the Israelitish court, succeeded his mother in the kingdom of Saba, and introduced among his subjects the Jewish religion. See at the end of the chapter, 1Ki 10:29 (note).
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:14 - -- The weight of gold - was six hundred threescore and six talents - This would amount in our money to £4,683, 675 12s. 8 1/2d. sterling
This seems to...
The weight of gold - was six hundred threescore and six talents - This would amount in our money to £4,683, 675 12s. 8 1/2d. sterling
This seems to be what he got annually of bullion; but independently of this, he had tribute of all the kings of Arabia, duties from merchantmen, and the traffic of spice merchants; see 1Ki 10:25.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:16 - -- Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold - I have already conjectured that the צנה tsinnah might resemble the Highland targe or target,...
Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold - I have already conjectured that the
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:17 - -- He made three hundred shields - The מגן magen was a large shield by which the whole body was protected
Mr. Reynolds computes that the two hund...
He made three hundred shields - The
Mr. Reynolds computes that the two hundred targets, on each of which were employed three hundred shekels of gold, were worth £28,131 16s. 9 1/2d
And the three hundred shields, in forming each of which three pounds of gold were employed, were worth £210,976 7s. 7d.
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Clarke: 1Ki 10:19 - -- The throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side - This description seems to indicate that the throne was in the form of one of our ...
The throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side - This description seems to indicate that the throne was in the form of one of our ancient round-topped, two-armed chairs. This throne or chair of state was raised on a platform, the ascent to which consisted of six steps. What we call stays is in the Hebrew
Defender: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Sheba was the country of the Sabaeans, a prosperous nation in southern Arabia. Modern scholars have supposed that this long journey of its queen was m...
Sheba was the country of the Sabaeans, a prosperous nation in southern Arabia. Modern scholars have supposed that this long journey of its queen was made for commercial purposes, but there is no reason to question the Biblical testimony that she came to learn more about the true God (1Ki 10:9), who had given Solomon such unique wisdom and resulting riches."
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Defender: 1Ki 10:11 - -- Hiram was king of Tyre, the great capital of the Phoenicians, whose seafaring and exploring exploits were legendary. Despite the pagan religion of the...
Hiram was king of Tyre, the great capital of the Phoenicians, whose seafaring and exploring exploits were legendary. Despite the pagan religion of the Phoenicians, Hiram was on very friendly terms with both David and Solomon, even providing an abundance of cedar trees from Lebanon, along with skilled workmen, for construction of the temple and other building projects (1Ki 5:1-10, 1Ki 5:18; 1Ki 9:11-14).
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Defender: 1Ki 10:11 - -- Ophir's location is uncertain, though it had to be reached by ships from Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea (1Ki 9:26-28). The city was known even in Job's da...
Ophir's location is uncertain, though it had to be reached by ships from Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea (1Ki 9:26-28). The city was known even in Job's day, probably before the time of Abraham (Job 22:24). In view of its exotic trade, many believe it was as far away as India."
TSK: 1Ki 10:1 - -- am 3014, bc 990
And when : 2Ch 9:1-12; Mat 12:42; Luk 11:31
Sheba : Gen 10:7, Gen 10:28, Gen 25:3; Job 6:19; Psa 72:10, Psa 72:15; Isa 60:6; Jer 6:20;...
am 3014, bc 990
And when : 2Ch 9:1-12; Mat 12:42; Luk 11:31
Sheba : Gen 10:7, Gen 10:28, Gen 25:3; Job 6:19; Psa 72:10, Psa 72:15; Isa 60:6; Jer 6:20; Eze 27:22, Eze 27:23, Eze 38:13
concerning : Job 28:28; Pro 2:3-6; Joh 17:3; 1Co 1:20, 1Co 1:21
prove him : Jdg 14:12-14; Psa 49:4; Pro 1:5, Pro 1:6; Mat 13:11, Mat 13:35; Mar 4:34
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TSK: 1Ki 10:2 - -- a very great train : 2Ki 5:5, 2Ki 5:9; Isa 60:6-9; Act 25:23
spices : Exo 25:6; 2Ki 20:13
communed : Gen 18:33; Job 4:2; Psa 4:4; Luk 24:15
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TSK: 1Ki 10:3 - -- told her : 2Ch 9:2; Pro 1:5, Pro 1:6, Pro 13:20; Isa 42:16; Mat 13:11; Joh 7:17; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3
questions : Heb. words
hid from the king : 1Ki 10:1...
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TSK: 1Ki 10:4 - -- Solomon’ s : 1Ki 3:28, 1Ki 4:29-31; 2Ch 9:3, 2Ch 9:4; Ecc 12:9; Mat 12:42
the house : 1Kings 6:1-7:51
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TSK: 1Ki 10:5 - -- the meat : 1Ki 4:22, 1Ki 4:23
attendance : Heb. standing
cupbearers : or, butlers, ascent. The original weolatho asher yaaleh baith yehowah , is...
attendance : Heb. standing
cupbearers : or, butlers, ascent. The original
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TSK: 1Ki 10:7 - -- I believed : Isa 64:4; Zec 9:17; Mar 16:11; Joh 20:25-29; 1Co 2:9; 1Jo 3:2
thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame : Heb. thou hast added wisdom ...
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TSK: 1Ki 10:8 - -- happy are these : 2Ch 9:7, 2Ch 9:8; Pro 3:13, Pro 3:14, Pro 8:34, Pro 10:21, Pro 13:20; Luk 10:39-42, Luk 11:28, Luk 11:31
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TSK: 1Ki 10:9 - -- Blessed : 1Ki 5:7; Psa 72:17-19
delighteth : Psa 18:19, Psa 22:8; Isa 42:1, Isa 62:4
because the : Deu 7:8; 1Ch 17:22; 2Ch 2:11
to do : 2Sa 8:15, 2Sa ...
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TSK: 1Ki 10:10 - -- she gave : 1Ki 10:2, 1Ki 9:14; Psa 72:10, Psa 72:15; Mat 2:11
an hundred : According to Mr. Reynolds, equal to 843,905£ 10s. 4d. sterling.
spices : G...
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TSK: 1Ki 10:11 - -- from Ophir : 1Ki 9:27, 1Ki 9:28; 2Ch 8:18; Psa 45:9
almug : 2Ch 2:8, 2Ch 9:10, 2Ch 9:11, algum trees
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TSK: 1Ki 10:12 - -- pillars : or, rails, Heb. a prop
harps : 1Ch 23:5, 25:1-31; Psa 92:1-3, Psa 150:3-5; Rev 14:2, Rev 14:3
pillars : or, rails, Heb. a prop
harps : 1Ch 23:5, 25:1-31; Psa 92:1-3, Psa 150:3-5; Rev 14:2, Rev 14:3
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TSK: 1Ki 10:13 - -- all her desire : 1Ki 10:2, 1Ki 9:1; Psa 20:4, Psa 37:4; Mat 15:28; Joh 14:13, Joh 14:14; Eph 3:20
which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty : Heb. wh...
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TSK: 1Ki 10:14 - -- am 2989-3029, bc 1015-975
was six hundred : Equal to 4,683,675£ 12s. 8d. sterling; which was what he got annually in bullion. See note on 1Ki 9:28.
am 2989-3029, bc 1015-975
was six hundred : Equal to 4,683,675£ 12s. 8d. sterling; which was what he got annually in bullion. See note on 1Ki 9:28.
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TSK: 1Ki 10:15 - -- all the kings : 1Ch 9:24; 2Ch 9:13, 2Ch 9:14; Psa 72:10; Isa 21:13; Gal 4:25
governors : or, captains
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TSK: 1Ki 10:16 - -- two hundred : Mr. Reynolds computes that these 200 targets were worth 28,131£ 16s. 9d.; and that the 300 shields were worth 210,976£ 7s. 7d. 1Ki 14:...
two hundred : Mr. Reynolds computes that these 200 targets were worth 28,131£ 16s. 9d.; and that the 300 shields were worth 210,976£ 7s. 7d. 1Ki 14:26-28; 2Ch 9:15, 2Ch 9:16, 2Ch 12:9, 2Ch 12:10
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TSK: 1Ki 10:18 - -- a great throne : 2Ch 9:17-19; Psa 45:6, Psa 110:1, Psa 122:5; Heb 1:3, Heb 1:8; Rev 20:11
ivory : 1Ki 10:22, 1Ki 22:39; Psa 45:8; Eze 27:6; Amo 6:4; R...
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Doubt has arisen whether the "queen of Sheba"was an Ethiopian or an Arabian princess. Both countries profess to have traditions on the subject conne...
Doubt has arisen whether the "queen of Sheba"was an Ethiopian or an Arabian princess. Both countries profess to have traditions on the subject connecting the queen of Sheba with their history; and in both countries, curiously enough, government by queens was common. But the claims of Arabia decidedly preponderate. The Arabian Sheba was the great spice country of the ancient world; whereas Ethiopia furnished no spices. The Arabian Sheba was an important kingdom. Sheba in Ethiopia was a mere town, subject to Meroe. And it may be doubted whether the Cushite Sheba of Scripture Gen 10:7 is not rather to be sought on the shores of the Persian Gulf (Gen 10:7 note), from where no one supposes "the queen of Sheba"to have come. If Ophir be placed in Arabia, there will be an additional reason for regarding Sheba as in the same quarter, because then Solomon’ s trade with that place will account for his fame having reached the Sabaean princess.
"The fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord,"has been variously explained, and is confessedly very obscure. May it not mean what we should call "his religious fame,"as distinct from his artistic, literary, military, or political fame - "his fame with respect to God and the things of God"- or, in other words, "his moral and religious wisdom?"(compare 1Ki 10:6).
Hard questions - Or "riddles"Jdg 14:12, though not exactly riddles in our sense. The Orientals have always been fond of playing with words and testing each other’ s wit and intelligence by verbal puzzles of various kinds. This spirit seems to have been particularly rife in Solomon’ s time, for Josephus records other encounters with Hiram of Tyre and another Tyrian called Abdemonus.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And the meat of his table - Compare 1Ki 4:22-23. The scene here described receives very apt illustration from the Assyrian banquet scenes, wher...
And the meat of his table - Compare 1Ki 4:22-23. The scene here described receives very apt illustration from the Assyrian banquet scenes, where we have numerous guests sitting, dressed handsomely in fringed robes, with armlets upon their arms, and bracelets round their wrists, attendants standing behind them, and magnificent drinking-cups, evidently of a costly metal, in the hands of the guests, which are filled from a great wine-bowl at one end of the chamber.
And his ascent by which he went up - A rendering preferable to "the burnt-offering which he cffered in."The "ascent"was probably a private way by which the king passed from his palace on the western hill, across the ravine (Tyropoeum) and up the eastern hill, to the west side of the temple area (compare the marginal reference).
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:9 - -- Blessed be the Lord thy God - This acknowledgment of Yahweh falls below the confessions of Hiram 2Ch 2:12 and Cyrus Ezr 1:3. It does not imply ...
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:10 - -- Strabo relates that the Sabaeans were enormously wealthy, and used gold and silver in a most lavish manner in their furniture, their utensils, and e...
Strabo relates that the Sabaeans were enormously wealthy, and used gold and silver in a most lavish manner in their furniture, their utensils, and even on the walls, doors, and roofs of their houses. That the gold of Sheba should be given to Solomon was prophesied by the writer of Ps 72 (see the marginal reference). The immense abundance of spices in Arabia, and especially in the Yemen or Sabaean country, is noted by many writers. According to Strabo, the spice-trade of Arabia was in the hands of two nations, the Sabaeans and the Gerrhaeans. The spices in which they dealt seem to have been only in part the produce of Arabia itself; some of the most important kinds, as the cinnamon and the cassia, must have been imported from India, since Arabia does not yield them. The chief precious stones which Arabia now yields are the onyx and the emerald. Anciently she is said to have produced other gems. Pearls, too, were readily procurable in Arabia from the Persian Gulf fishery.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:11 - -- The navy of Hiram - i. e., Solomon’ s navy in the Red Sea, which was chiefly manned by subjects of Hiram. (see the marginal reference). ...
The navy of Hiram - i. e., Solomon’ s navy in the Red Sea, which was chiefly manned by subjects of Hiram. (see the marginal reference).
Almug-trees - Probably the sandal-wood tree (pterocarpus santalinus). The wood is very heavy, hard, and fine grained, and of a beautiful garnet color, which, according to the rabbinical writers, was the color of the algum. One of the names of the red sandal-wood, in its own native country (India) is "valguka,"a word of which "algum"is a natural corruption.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:12 - -- Pillars - The Hebrew word signifies ordinarily a "prop"(margin). It is generally supposed to mean in this place a "railing,"or "balustrade,"a s...
Pillars - The Hebrew word signifies ordinarily a "prop"(margin). It is generally supposed to mean in this place a "railing,"or "balustrade,"a sense which connects and harmonises the present passage with the parallel passage in Chronicles (marginal reference), where Solomon is said to have made of the almug-wood "stairs"for the temple and for his own house.
Harps - The Jewish harp
Psalteries - The psaltery, or viol. Hebrew:
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:14 - -- Six hundred threescore and six talents of gold - About 3,646, 350 of our money. Solomon’ s annual revenue exceeded that of Oriental empire...
Six hundred threescore and six talents of gold - About 3,646, 350 of our money. Solomon’ s annual revenue exceeded that of Oriental empires very much greater in extent than his, and must have made him one of the richest, if not the very richest, of the monarchs of his time.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:15 - -- There is no mention in the original of "spice merchants."Two classes of traders are spoken of; but both expressions are general. Kings of Arabi...
There is no mention in the original of "spice merchants."Two classes of traders are spoken of; but both expressions are general.
Kings of Arabia - Rather, "kings of the mingled people"(compare Jer 25:24). These were probably tribes half Jewish, half Arabian, on the borders of the western desert. They are regarded as Arabs by the author of Chronicles (marginal reference).
Governors - The word used here is thought to be of Aryan origin. It appears to have been a title given by the Persians to petty governors, inferior to the great satraps of provinces. We find it borne by, among others, Tatnai Ezr 5:6, Zerubbabel Hag 1:1, and Nehemiah Neh 5:14. It can scarcely have been in use among the Jews so early as Solomon, and we must therefore suppose it to have been substituted by the writer of Kings for some corresponding Semitic title. The empire of Solomon was not a state governed from a single center by an organisation of satrapies or provinces (1Ki 4:21 note). But exceptionally, in some parts of the empire, the kings had been superseded by "governors"(compare 1Ki 20:24).
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:16 - -- The "targets"seem to have been long shields protecting the whole body, while the "shields"of the next verse were bucklers of a smaller size, probabl...
The "targets"seem to have been long shields protecting the whole body, while the "shields"of the next verse were bucklers of a smaller size, probably round, and much lighter. They may be compared with the Assyrian long shield, and the ordinary Assyrian round shield. As the amount of gold used in each of the larger shields was only 600 shekels - worth from 650 to 700 of our money - and that used in the smaller ones was only half as much it is evident that the metal did not form the substance of the shields, but was laid as a coating or plating over them.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:17 - -- These shields, together with the 500 taken by David from Hadadezer 2Sa 8:7 were hung round the outer walls of a building, reckoned as belonging to t...
These shields, together with the 500 taken by David from Hadadezer 2Sa 8:7 were hung round the outer walls of a building, reckoned as belonging to the "house of the Forest of Lebanon,"but separate from it, and called sometimes "the Tower of David"Son 4:4, or from its use "the armoury"Son 4:4; Isa 22:8. The practice of hanging shields outside walls for ornamentation seems to have existed at Tyre Eze 27:10-11, Rome, Athens, and elsewhere. Traces of it are thought to be found in the Assyrian sculptures.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:18 - -- It is, on the whole, probable that the substance of the throne was wood, and that the ivory, cut into thin slabs, and probably carved in patterns, w...
It is, on the whole, probable that the substance of the throne was wood, and that the ivory, cut into thin slabs, and probably carved in patterns, was applied externally as a veneer. This is found to have been the practice in Assyria. The gold was probably not placed over the ivory, but covered other parts of the throne.
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:19 - -- Representations of thrones are frequent in the Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures. They have no steps up to them, but frequently stand upon square bas...
Representations of thrones are frequent in the Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures. They have no steps up to them, but frequently stand upon square bases. The back appears to be flat at the top, not rounded. Assyrian thrones have "stays"or arms on either side, and they stand generally upon lion’ s feet. They are always accompanied by a footstool.
Lions stood beside the stays - The arms of Assyrian thrones are occasionally supported by figures of animals. The throne of Rameses II at Medinet Abou has a sphinx at the side and a lion below the sphinx. The figure of the lion is naturally adopted by any imaginative race as an emblem of sovereignty. In the present case its adoption seems to have grown directly out of the poetic imagery of inspired prophets, who, living before the time of Solomon, had compared Israel Num 23:24; Num 24:9, and more particularly Judah Gen 49:9, to a lion. The "twelve lions"of 1Ki 10:20 were probably intended to be emblematic of the twelve tribes. Josephus adds to the description of Solomon’ s throne here given, that the seat was supported by a golden ox or bull, with its head turned over its shoulder. As the lion was especially emblematic of Judah, so was the ox or bull of Ephraim. (Hos 4:16; Hos 10:11; Jer 31:18, etc.)
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Barnes: 1Ki 10:20 - -- Solomon’ s throne, as described, is certainly grander than any of which we have a representation, either in Assyria or Egypt. Much more, then, ...
Solomon’ s throne, as described, is certainly grander than any of which we have a representation, either in Assyria or Egypt. Much more, then, would it transcend the thrones in inferior kingdoms.
Poole: 1Ki 10:1 - -- The queen of Sheba either, first, Of Ethiopia, as that people by constant tradition from their ancestors affirm, which also was truly in the ends of...
The queen of Sheba either, first, Of Ethiopia, as that people by constant tradition from their ancestors affirm, which also was truly in the ends of the earth, whence she came, Mat 12:42 . Or rather, secondly, Of that part of Arabia called Sabaea, which was at a great distance from Jerusalem, and really in the ends of the earth, and bordering upon the southern sea; for there, much more than in Ethiopia, were the commodities which she brought, 1Ki 10:2,10 . Howsoever, this is there said for her commendation, that being a woman, and a queen, and living at great ease, and in such remote parts, she was willing to take so long and chargeable a journey to improve herself in knowledge, and that of Divine things, as is here implied.
Concerning the name of the Lord i.e. concerning the great work which he had done for the name , i.e. the honour, and service, and worship, of the Lord, as it is expressed 1Ki 8:17 , and elsewhere. Or, concerning God; the name of God being oft put for God , as hath been noted before; concerning his deep knowledge in the things of God. For it is very probable that she had, as also had divers other heathens, some knowledge of the true God, and an earnest desire to know more of the being, and nature, and worship of God, wherein the heathens were generally at a great loss, and which many of them desired and endeavoured to understand. Or, concerning the great things which God had done for him, especially in giving him such incomparable wisdom, and that in an extraordinary manner. With hard questions concerning natural, and civil, and especially concerning Divine things, about which there are, and ever where, the hardest questions.
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i.e. Of all the doubts and difficulties wherewith her mind was perplexed.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:3 - -- All her questions Heb. all her matters ; he satisfied her in all things she desired to know. There was not any thing she asked which Solomon did not...
All her questions Heb. all her matters ; he satisfied her in all things she desired to know. There was not any thing she asked which Solomon did not both understand himself, and acquaint her with.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:4 - -- Or, the houses , the singular number being put for the plural, to wit, both the temple and the king’ s house, in both which there were evidenc...
Or, the houses , the singular number being put for the plural, to wit, both the temple and the king’ s house, in both which there were evidences of singular wisdom.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:5 - -- The sitting of his servants i.e. the order and manner in which his courtiers or other subjects (who all were his servants in a general sense) sat dow...
The sitting of his servants i.e. the order and manner in which his courtiers or other subjects (who all were his servants in a general sense) sat down at meals, at several tables in his court.
The attendance of his ministers to wit, upon the king, both at his table, and elsewhere in his court; and when he went abroad to the temple or other places,
Their apparel both the costliness of it:, and especially the conveniency of it to their several places and offices.
His ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord from his own palace. See 2Ki 16:18 . But the ancients, and some others translate the words thus, and the burnt-offerings which he offered up in the house of the Lord ; under which, as the chief, all other sacrifices are understood: when she saw the manner of his offering sacrifices to the Lord, which doubtless she would not neglect to see; and in the ordering of which she might discern really characters of excellent wisdom, especially when she had so excellent an interpreter as Solomon was to inform her of the reasons of all the circumstances of that service.
There was no more spirit in her she was astonished, and rapt up in a kind of ecstasy, and could scarce determine whether she did really see these things, or whether it was not only a pleasant dream.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:7 - -- I believed not the words which the reporters used concerning him; or, the things reported; they seemed incredible, and above the perfection of huma...
I believed not the words which the reporters used concerning him; or, the things reported; they seemed incredible, and above the perfection of human nature.
Prosperity or, happiness ; or, virtue ; Heb. goodness .
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Poole: 1Ki 10:9 - -- Blessed be the Lord thy God he deserves all blessing and praise, for delighting to honour and advance so worthy a person.
To set thee on the throne ...
Blessed be the Lord thy God he deserves all blessing and praise, for delighting to honour and advance so worthy a person.
To set thee on the throne of Israel for it was God’ s special act to make him king rather than his elder brother.
To do judgment and justice i.e. to execute just judgment among them, to govern them with right and equity. She tacitly admonisheth Solomon, that he was not made king that he might live in ease, and pleasure, and splendour, but for the good of his people.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:12 - -- Almug trees called also (by an inversion of the letters, which is usual among the Hebrews) algum trees , 2Ch 2:8 9:10 ; whereof there were some in L...
Almug trees called also (by an inversion of the letters, which is usual among the Hebrews) algum trees , 2Ch 2:8 9:10 ; whereof there were some in Lebanon, 2Ch 2:8 , but the best sort came from Ophir, as is here said.
Pillars or supporters , either for the ascent or stairs, by which they went from the king’ s house to the temple; see 1Ch 26:16 2Ch 9:11 ; or for divers parts both of the Lord’ s and of the king’ s house.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:14 - -- Which amounts to about two millions of our money. And this gold did not come from Ophir in India, or Tarshish; but from Arabia and Ethiopia, and oth...
Which amounts to about two millions of our money. And this gold did not come from Ophir in India, or Tarshish; but from Arabia and Ethiopia, and other parts, which then were well replenished with gold, though since exhausted by the insatiable avarice of succeeding ages.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:15 - -- Of the merchantmen Heb. of the searchers , or spies, i.e. either merchants, who use to inquire and search out commodities, and all advantages of tra...
Of the merchantmen Heb. of the searchers , or spies, i.e. either merchants, who use to inquire and search out commodities, and all advantages of trade; or rather, the publicans or gatherers of the king’ s revenues, who used to search narrowly into all wares and dealings, that the king might not be defrauded of his rights.
Of the spice merchants or rather, of the merchants in general, as that word is oft used in Eze 27 , and elsewhere. So this and the former particular contain both the branches of the king’ s revenue, what he had from the land and fruits thereof, and what he had from the merchants and traders in other commodities.
Of all the kings of Arabia to wit, of those parts of Arabia which were next to Canaan, which were either conquered by David, or submitted to pay tribute to Solomon. But we must not think all these to be kings of large dominions, but many of them only governors of cities, and the territories belonging to them, such as were formerly in Canaan, and were anciently called kings. Of the country , or, of the land , or, of that land , for there is an article in the Hebrew; i.e. either of the land of Canaan; or rather, of the land of Arabia; whereof some parts were so far conquered, that he had governors of his own over them, who were each of them to take care of the king’ s revenue in his jurisdiction; and part only so far that they still had kings of their own, but such as were tributaries to him.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:16 - -- For pomp and magnificence, and (as may be thought from the use of the brazen shields, 1Ki 14:27,28 ) to be carried before him by his guard when he w...
For pomp and magnificence, and (as may be thought from the use of the brazen shields, 1Ki 14:27,28 ) to be carried before him by his guard when he went abroad.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:18 - -- Overlaid it not wholly, but in part, here and there, which made it more beautiful to the eye. Probably the main substance of it was ivory, but some c...
Overlaid it not wholly, but in part, here and there, which made it more beautiful to the eye. Probably the main substance of it was ivory, but some cavities were left in it which were filled with gold.
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Poole: 1Ki 10:19 - -- Round behind made like the half of a circle.
Two lions: these and the following lions seem added, to express either the tribe from which Solomon sp...
Round behind made like the half of a circle.
Two lions: these and the following lions seem added, to express either the tribe from which Solomon sprung, compared to a lion, Gen 49:9 ; or rather, that majesty and power wherewith a prince is adorned and armed, which his subjects cannot resist; or the duty of a prince in the execution of judgment, which ought to be done with great courage and magnanimity.
Haydock: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Egypt was once very famous for horses, and the breed is much admired by travellers. The Turks will not suffer strangers to have them. The canals ma...
Egypt was once very famous for horses, and the breed is much admired by travellers. The Turks will not suffer strangers to have them. The canals made by Sesostris and other kings, caused their numbers to be diminished. (Herodotus ii. 108.) ---
Yet there were many used in the time of Ezechias, 4 Kings xviii. 24. ---
And Coa. Some take this to be the name of some unknown place, (Du Hamel) or of a town in Arabia Felix, (Ptol. vi. 17.) or "of a fair." (Tirinus) ---
Hebrew, "and from Michoe," which was the ancient name of Troglodytis, near Egypt. (Pliny, [Natural History?] vi. 29.) (Calmet) ---
Protestants, "and linen yarn; the king's merchants received the linen yarn at the price." Mokue signifies "a thread;" (Haydock) and the linen cloth of Egypt was in high estimation, Isaias xix. 9., and Ezechiel xxvii. 7. (Pliny, [Natural History?] xix. 1.) ---
Jarchi and others understand, "a string" of horses, tied together by the tails. But Bochart translates, "They brought horses for Solomon out of Egypt; and, as for the tribute, the custom-house officers of the king received it, at a certain rate," agreed upon between Solomon and the king of Egypt.
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:1 - -- Saba is written with sh, to denote a part of Arabia, and with s, when Ethiopia is meant, Psalm lxxi. 10. The former is here designated, (Menochi...
Saba is written with sh, to denote a part of Arabia, and with s, when Ethiopia is meant, Psalm lxxi. 10. The former is here designated, (Menochius) being "the ends of the earth, east" of Judea, (Tacitus, Hist. v.) and lying also to the south of that country, Matthew xii. 42. This region was famous for gold, &c., and acknowledged the dominion of women: Medis levibusque Sabæis
Imperat hic sexus. (Claud. Eutrop. i.)
Grotius follows the opinion of Josephus ([Antiquities?] viii. 6.) and Origen, (hom. 2. in Canticle of Canticles.) who place the seat of this queen's empire at Meroe. The Abyssinians also pretend that their kings are descendants of Solomon, by the queen of Saba; and that Azarias, the son of Sadoc, stole the tables of the law, when he brought back his pupil from Jerusalem. (Sanctius) ---
This shews their vanity and ignorance. (Calmet) ---
Still many suppose that this queen came from their country. (Worthington, &c.) ---
Lord, who had raised Solomon to so great splendour, while, on the other hand, the king endeavoured to enhance his glory. (Haydock) ---
If we place the stop after Solomon, we may say that the queen was moved by divine grace, and attracted, like the Gabaonites, (Josue ix. 9.) to embrace the true religion; (Calmet) though she seems to have professed it already, as many others did among the Gentiles. (Haydock) ---
The Fathers look upon her as a figure of the Christian Church. (St. Hilary, Psalm cxxi.; St. Irenæus iv. 45., &c.) Barbara natione, non animo. (St. Paulin, ep. 1.) ---
Questions. Thus the ancients tried each others skill, Judges xiv. 12. See chap. iv. 30. The questions might regard natural history or religion. (Menochius)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:4 - -- House, the palace, or rather the temple, (Calmet) or both. (Menochius) ---
Dion (37) and Tacitus extol the grandeur of the temple, which Titus dest...
House, the palace, or rather the temple, (Calmet) or both. (Menochius) ---
Dion (37) and Tacitus extol the grandeur of the temple, which Titus destroyed. What would they have said of that built by Solomon? (Calmet)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:5 - -- In her. She fainted away in rapture and astonishment. (Haydock) ---
Thus the church of the Gentiles is taught, by the gospel, to lay aside the sp...
In her. She fainted away in rapture and astonishment. (Haydock) ---
Thus the church of the Gentiles is taught, by the gospel, to lay aside the spirit of pride, &c. (Worthington)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:9 - -- Justice. Kings are given by God, either in his mercy or in his anger. (Calmet) ---
They are not appointed for themselves alone. (Menochius) ---
...
Justice. Kings are given by God, either in his mercy or in his anger. (Calmet) ---
They are not appointed for themselves alone. (Menochius) ---
This queen was moved to take so long a journey, to hear and to see Solomon, as a figure of the many potentates who should embrace the Christian faith. (Worthington)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:11 - -- Thyine. Pliny ([Natural History?] iii. 16.) mentions a species of tall and incorruptible trees, called thya. The wood was odoriferous, and very cos...
Thyine. Pliny ([Natural History?] iii. 16.) mentions a species of tall and incorruptible trees, called thya. The wood was odoriferous, and very costly. Citri et mensarum insania, quas feminæ viris contra margaritas regerunt. (B. xiii., and xv. 16.) Calypso burnt it, to perfume her whole island. (Homer) ---
It ws used as a sort of incense in sacrifices, and thence received its name. (Haydock) ---
Septuagint translate, "plained;" and elsewhere, pine-trees, which is adopted by St. Jerome, 2 Paralipomenon ii. 8. (Calmet) ---
Hebrew reads almuggim in one place, and algumin in the other, the letters being transposed; "for I suppose, says Kennicott, it will hardly be said that these trees were both almug and algum." (Haydock) ---
One word might be the Ethiopian pronunciation. (Huet) ---
Yet Kimchi observes, that such transpositions of letter are very common among the Hebrews. (Du Hamel) ---
Solomon had desired Hiram to send him some algum, or "gum bearing" wood: but as there was not sufficient, or so fine, in Libanus as in Ophir, or in foreign parts, he procured more from those countries. The wood might probably resemble that of settim, or of black acacia, (Exodus xxv. 5.) whence the gum of Arabia is extracted. Acanthos, in Thebais, was celebrated for its fine thorn-trees, and for its gum. (Strabo xvii.) (Calmet) ---
It is placed near Memphis. (Pliny, [Natural History?] iv 10.) ---
The Rabbins commonly understand the Hebrew to mean, "coral," which is not fit for instruments, much less for architecture. Others translate ebony, or Brazil wood, but without reason. (Calmet) (Tirinus)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:12 - -- Rails. Hebrew mihsad, "pillars, supporters, or banisters." (Haydock) ---
Most interpreters suppose the rails were on each side of the road, lead...
Rails. Hebrew mihsad, "pillars, supporters, or banisters." (Haydock) ---
Most interpreters suppose the rails were on each side of the road, leading from the palace to the temple. (Calmet) ---
Paralipomenon stairs. ---
Citterns, or harps and lyres. (Haydock) ---
Hebrew, "kinnoroth and nebalim."
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Gold. His stated revenue was, 4,646,350 l. sterling. (Haydock)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:15 - -- Merchants: wholesale. (Menochius) ---
Arabia, the desert, which was peopled by various nations. Arab means, "a mixture, or assemblage," as well...
Merchants: wholesale. (Menochius) ---
Arabia, the desert, which was peopled by various nations. Arab means, "a mixture, or assemblage," as well as "the night, and a fruitless country." Septuagint seem to have read abor, "all the kings of the other side" the Euphrates, who were also called Arabs. See chap. iv. 24. ---
Country around Judea, comprising the Phylarchs of Arabia, (Genesis xvii. 20.) and the Philistine Satraps.
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:16 - -- Shields. Hebrew tsinnu is rather indeterminate, denoting something sharp or pointed; "a dart," &c. (Calmet) ---
Paralipomenon spears. Some of...
Shields. Hebrew tsinnu is rather indeterminate, denoting something sharp or pointed; "a dart," &c. (Calmet) ---
Paralipomenon spears. Some of the shields were made with a point, projecting from the middle, (Haydock) with which the enemy might be wounded. (Menochius) ---
These arms were used when the king went to the temple, and were reposited in the arsenal, at his return, chap. xiv. 28.
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:17 - -- Targets, smaller than the former, and resembling a crescent. Ducit Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis. (Virgil, Æneid i.) (Calmet)
--- Paralipomen...
Targets, smaller than the former, and resembling a crescent. Ducit Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis. (Virgil, Æneid i.) (Calmet)
--- Paralipomenon reads, shields. ---
Fine. Septuagint, "ductile." Hebrew sseut, "beaten, refined," &c. ---
Hundred is omitted in Hebrew and Septuagint, (Haydock) but is found in 2 Paralipomenon (ix. 16.) where we read 300 of gold, in like manner as 600 of gold in the preceding verse, without specifying the particular weight in either. These targets or shields, seem to have been heavier than the former, and designed only for ornament, being placed in the great hall, as they weighed each 375 Roman pounds, or 18,000 sicles; (Calmet) unless minæ, pound, be here put for sicle; as Josephus ([Antiquities?] ii. 3.) says that sons of Jacob sold their brother for twenty pieces of silver, Genesis xxxvii. 28. (Menochius) ---
Salien thinks that 200 shields were each worth 600 sicles, and these 300 targets weighed each 300 sicles of gold. (Haydock)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:18 - -- Ivory. Hebrew, "of the tooth" (or horn) of elephants: people do not agree of which the ivory is formed. See Pliny ([Natural History?] viii. 3.) for...
Ivory. Hebrew, "of the tooth" (or horn) of elephants: people do not agree of which the ivory is formed. See Pliny ([Natural History?] viii. 3.) for the former sentiment, and for the latter, Varro vi. Ezechiel (xxvii. 15.) seems to unite both sentiments, calling it, "horns of the tooth." (Haydock) ---
Ivory may, in effect, be wrought like horn. ---
Finest. Hebrew, "gold of Uphas." This was the country whence it was brought; (Jeremias x. 9.) probably Colchis, where the river Phasis, or Phison, flows, Genesis ii. 11. (Calmet) ---
The Chaldean calls Uphas, (in Jeremias) Ophir; and Huet supposes that Paz and Parvaim designate the same place, chap. ix. 28., and Job xxviii. 17. (Du Hamel) ---
In Paralipomenon, we only read, pure gold, which would suffer the ivory to appear in some places. (Calmet)
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Haydock: 1Ki 10:19 - -- Behind, like an alcove, (Haydock) placed in the porch of the palace, chap. vii. 8. ---
Hands, for the elbows to rest on. In Paralipomenon, St. Jer...
Behind, like an alcove, (Haydock) placed in the porch of the palace, chap. vii. 8. ---
Hands, for the elbows to rest on. In Paralipomenon, St. Jerome translates, "little" arms. The feet might also be made in this shape. Josephus ([Antiquities?] viii. 5.) represents them as forming the seat: (Calmet) and the Septuagint place them on each side: "the fore-parts of oxen, projecting from the back of the throne, and hands on the throne, on each side of the seat." In Paralipomenon also, we find a foot-stool of gold. (Haydock)
Gill: 1Ki 10:1 - -- And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon,.... Josephus u calls her a queen of Egypt and Ethiopia; but Sheba was in the southern part o...
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon,.... Josephus u calls her a queen of Egypt and Ethiopia; but Sheba was in the southern part of Arabia Felix; her name with the Ethiopians is Maqueda w, and with the Arabic geographer x Belequis. Some y think that Sheba, or Saba, is not the name of a country, but of the queen herself; and that she is the same with Sabbe the sibyl mentioned by Pausanias z; but no doubt Sheba or Saba, the metropolis of Arabia Felix, as Philostorgius a calls it, is here meant; which Benjamin of Tudela says b is called the country of Al Yeman, or the south; and the name of Queen Teiman, given to this queen by an Arabic writer c, seems to be the same as the queen of the south; see Gill on Mat 12:42. The fame of Solomon's greatness and goodness, of his wealth and riches, and especially of his wisdom, had reached her ears; perhaps by means of the ambassadors of princes that had been at Solomon's court, and attended her's. According to an Ethiopic writer d it was by Tamerinus, a merchant of her's, she came to hear of him: particularly she heard of his fame
concerning the name of the Lord; his knowledge of the true God, the favour he was in with him, the excellent wisdom he had received from him, and what he had done for his honour and glory:
she came to prove him with hard questions; in things natural, civil, and divine; to try whether he had such a share of knowledge and wisdom it was said he had, she posed him with enigmas, riddles, dark and intricate sayings, to unravel and tell the meaning of. She might be an emblem of the Gentiles, seeking unto Christ, having heard of him, Isa 11:10. In Mat 12:42 she is said to come from the "uttermost parts of the earth"; wherefore some fetch her from Sumatra in the East Indies, where in an old map no other name is put but Sheba e.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:2 - -- And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train,.... With many of her courtiers and principal men, as well as with a large retinue of servants:
w...
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train,.... With many of her courtiers and principal men, as well as with a large retinue of servants:
with camels that bare spices; her country abounded both with camels and spices; See Gill on Isa 60:6; see Gill on Jer 6:20, and as Pliny f observes, who says their spices used to be carried on camels, particularly frankincense, for which Sheba was famous, and is therefore called by him "regio thurifera", the frankincense country g, being to be had nowhere else; and Strabo h speaks of "cinamon, cassia", and other spices here in such plenty, that the inhabitants burnt the wood of them for fuel; and Diodorus Siculus i represents this country as exceeding odoriferous, and as having besides the above spices, balsam, myrrh, calamus, costus, and others, in such abundance that they heated their ovens with them:
and very much gold; see 1Ki 10:10, the gold of Sheba is spoken of in Psa 72:15 and Pliny k observes, that the Sabeans are exceeding rich, as in other things, so in gold; and Diodorus Siculus l and Strabo m speak of gold found here in large lumps, very pure, and of a fine colour:
and precious stones; as crystals, emeralds, beryls, and chrysolites, mentioned by Diodorus n as in those parts; and a late traveller says o, that Arabia Felix abounds with balsam, myrrh, cassia, manna, dates, gold, frankincense, and pearl:
and when she was come to Solomon; unto his palace, and admitted into his presence:
she communed with him of all that was in her heart; which she had in her mind to discourse with him about, and which she had laid up in her memory for that purpose; and some things which she had kept to herself, and had never imparted to any before, as some think; all which she had full liberty from Solomon to propound unto him.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:3 - -- And Solomon told her all her questions,.... Answered them, told her the meaning of everything she inquired about, expounded her riddles, solved her ob...
And Solomon told her all her questions,.... Answered them, told her the meaning of everything she inquired about, expounded her riddles, solved her objections, and gave her satisfaction in all things she proposed unto him:
there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not; there was not anything, though ever so abstruse and difficult, but what he understood, and gave her a clear and plain solution of.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:4 - -- And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom,.... Which she perceived by his answers to things relative to all sorts of science, natural,...
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom,.... Which she perceived by his answers to things relative to all sorts of science, natural, civil, and divine:
and the house that he had built; the singular for the plural, "house for houses"; the house of the Lord, his own house, that for Pharaoh's daughter, and the house of the forest of Lebanon; in all which there appeared not only surprising grandeur and magnificence, but exquisite art and skill; there was a great display of his wisdom in the form and contrivance of them. Josephus p says, what exceedingly surprised her, and raised her admiration, was the house of the forest of Lebanon.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:5 - -- And the meat of his table,.... The various sorts of it, the different dishes, and the multitude of them; see 1Ki 4:22.
and the sitting of his serva...
And the meat of his table,.... The various sorts of it, the different dishes, and the multitude of them; see 1Ki 4:22.
and the sitting of his servants; at table, either with him, or at tables by themselves, yet in his presence; for these were his nobles and courtiers, who were placed in order, according to their rank and degree, which showed wisdom:
and the attendance of his ministers; or the "standing" q of those that waited, both at the king's table, and the tables of the lords, who each had their proper place and business assigned; so that the utmost decorum was observed, and no confusion or disorder to be seen:
and their apparel: their several liveries, which were distinct according to the posts and offices in which they were, and which no doubt were rich and splendid, as well as various:
and his cup bearers; to serve him and his nobles with wine when called for; though the word signifies liquors r, and may design the various sorts of wines, and other drinkables, used by him, of which there was great plenty:
and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; the steps which he had made to go up from his palace to the temple; which were so curiously devised, and so artificially wrought, that it gave the queen, among other things, a sensible proof of his great wisdom, as well as of his religion and piety. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, and some others, render the words, "and the burnt offerings which he offered in the house of the Lord"; and so Josephus s understood them; she was shown the service of the house of the Lord, as much as could be admitted, and perhaps was told the meaning of it; all which she saw, both in his own house, and in the house of God, and greatly surprised her:
so that there was no more spirit in her; she was quite astonished; like one in an ecstasy, she had no power for a time to speak, what she saw and heard so affected her.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:6 - -- And she said to the king,.... When she was a little come to herself:
it was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisd...
And she said to the king,.... When she was a little come to herself:
it was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom; which she was ready to call in question when she first heard it; at least she thought it was greatly exaggerated, but now she found it was strictly true.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:7 - -- Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it,.... That is, she did not believe the whole of what was related to her; some...
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it,.... That is, she did not believe the whole of what was related to her; somewhat of it she credited, and supposed there was something grand and extraordinary in it, or she would never have taken such a journey; but she did not believe that all could be true; she thought things were too much magnified:
and, behold, the half was not told me; of what she now saw and heard:
thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard; the inward endowments of his mind, and the outward magnificence of his court, exceeded the relation of them to her; they were beyond expression, they were so great that reporters could not hyperbolize upon them, nor even come up to them in their account of them, and in which yet men are apt to exceed.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:8 - -- Happy are thy men,.... The men of Israel, that had a king over them so wise, so great, so good:
happy are these thy servants, which stand continual...
Happy are thy men,.... The men of Israel, that had a king over them so wise, so great, so good:
happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom; who were now present, and to whom she pointed, and may respect not his nobles and courtiers only, but his menial servants, who had an opportunity of often hearing the wise sayings which dropped from his lips; and which no doubt were means of greatly improving their knowledge and understanding in things natural and divine.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:9 - -- Blessed be the Lord thy God,.... Of whom she might have better notions than when she came out of her own country:
which delighted in thee, to set t...
Blessed be the Lord thy God,.... Of whom she might have better notions than when she came out of her own country:
which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel; loved him with a love of complacency and delight, was Jedidiah, as he called him, beloved of the Lord, and therefore he chose him and preferred him to be king before his elder brother:
because the Lord loved Israel for ever; to establish them as a kingdom for ever as they were, so long as obedient to him; see 2Ch 9:8,
therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice; not merely for the sake of honour and glory, much less to indulge to pleasure and luxury, and still less to oppression and tyranny; but to administer justice and judgment to the people, which is the principal end of government; see Psa 72:1.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:10 - -- And she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold,.... The same sum that Hiram sent him; see Gill on 1Ki 9:14 this fulfilled the prophecy, ...
And she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold,.... The same sum that Hiram sent him; see Gill on 1Ki 9:14 this fulfilled the prophecy, so far as it respected Solomon, Psa 72:15.
and of spices very great store, and precious stones; see 1Ki 10:2 there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon; that is, into Judea. Josephus reports t, that some say that the balsamic plant, which Judea was afterwards so famous for, was brought by this queen, and a gift of hers to Solomon; and Diodorus Siculus u speaks of it as in Arabia, and not to be found in any other part of the world.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:11 - -- And the navy also of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir,.... This perhaps was before Solomon was concerned with Hiram in navigation and merchandise; t...
And the navy also of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir,.... This perhaps was before Solomon was concerned with Hiram in navigation and merchandise; though in 2Ch 9:10 both their servants are said to bring it; and it is here inserted perhaps to show that Solomon had not his gold, at least all of it, from the queen of Sheba; but much from Hiram, who fetched it from Ophir; and as this was in India, as observed on 1Ki 9:28, many writers make mention of gold in that part of the world, as Diodorus Siculus w, Strabo x, Dionysius y, Curtius z, Pliny a, and others: and this navy also
brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees: or algum trees, by transposition of letters, 2Ch 9:10, which some of the Jewish writers b take to be coral, which is not likely; others Brasil, rather ebony, which was peculiar to India, as both Solinus c and Virgil d say; Strabo e makes mention of strange trees in India:
and precious stones; of which there is great variety and plenty in that country, as related by Dionysius f, as diamonds, beryls, jaspers, topazes, and amethysts, and by Curtius g, Solinus h, and others.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:12 - -- And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house,.... Or terraces, as in 2Ch 9:11, causeways; and mean...
And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house,.... Or terraces, as in 2Ch 9:11, causeways; and means the ascent or causeway he made from his own house to the temple; the pavement of which, as Jarchi interprets the word here, was made of the wood of these trees; or the supports of it, or rather the rails on each side, on which men might stay themselves as they passed along, as Ben Gersom; and since this ascent was admired by the queen of Sheba, it is particularly observed what wood it was made of, and from whence it came:
harps also, and psalteries for singers; these musical instruments were made of the same wood; Josephus i says of amber, and that their number was 400,000:
there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day; not in the land of Israel, neither before nor since, see 2Ch 9:11.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:13 - -- And King Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire,
whatsoever she asked,.... Some curious things she saw, and was desirous of, she asked...
And King Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire,
whatsoever she asked,.... Some curious things she saw, and was desirous of, she asked for, and had them:
besides that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty; of his own good will and pleasure, without asking:
so she turned and went to her own country: the country of Sheba in Arabia Felix:
she and her sergeants: the train or retinue she brought with her, which was large, 1Ki 10:2.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:14 - -- Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty and six talents of gold. From Ophir and Tarshish, and wherever he tr...
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Gill: 1Ki 10:15 - -- Besides that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffic of the spice merchants,.... What they paid him as a duty or custom for the importation of t...
Besides that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffic of the spice merchants,.... What they paid him as a duty or custom for the importation of their goods:
and of all the kings of Arabia; who were subject to him, and paid him a yearly tribute, or at least made presents, see 1Ki 4:21.
and of the governors of the country; who were viceroys or deputy governors of countries conquered by his father, and who collected tribute from the people, and paid it to him.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:16 - -- And King Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold,.... Which were a larger sort of shields, which covered the whole body; and these were made o...
And King Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold,.... Which were a larger sort of shields, which covered the whole body; and these were made of gold beaten with the hammer, or drawn into plates, being melted like wax; so the Poeni or Carthaginians made shields of gold m:
six hundred shekels of gold went to one target; which is to be understood not of the weight, but of the price or value of them, which amounted to four hundred and fifty pounds of our money; so Brerewood n.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:17 - -- And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold,.... Which were a lesser sort:
three pounds of gold went to one shield; or three hundred shekels, ...
And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold,.... Which were a lesser sort:
three pounds of gold went to one shield; or three hundred shekels, as in 2Ch 9:16 a hundred shekels made one pound; so that these were but half the value of the former, and one of them was worth but two hundred and twenty five pounds: Eupolemus o, an Heathen writer, makes mention of those golden shields Solomon made, and which were made for show, and not for war, as follows:
and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon; one part of which was made an armoury of, see Son 4:4.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:18 - -- Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory,.... To sit on and judge his people; and ivory being white, may denote the purity, justice, and equity...
Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory,.... To sit on and judge his people; and ivory being white, may denote the purity, justice, and equity with which he judged; the white throne in Rev 20:11 may be an allusion to this; the ivory he had from Tarshish, 1Ki 10:22.
and overlaid it with the best gold; for the greater splendour and majesty of it; not that he covered it all over, for then the ivory would not be seen, but interlined it, or studded it with it, whereby it appeared the more beautiful and magnificent. Such a throne of gold and ivory was decreed to Caesar by the Romans p.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:19 - -- The throne had six steps,.... Up to the footstool of the throne, which was of gold, 2Ch 9:18 and was high, that everyone in court might see him, and t...
The throne had six steps,.... Up to the footstool of the throne, which was of gold, 2Ch 9:18 and was high, that everyone in court might see him, and the better hear the sentence he gave:
and the top of the throne was round behind; had a semicircle at the top of it, like an alcove:
and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat; or "hands" q, such as the arms of a chair, to lean and rest upon:
and two lions stood beside the stays; which were not only ornamental, and for support of the stays, but expressive of majesty, and of undaunted courage and resolution to do justice, and of the danger such expose themselves to, who oppose magistrates in the discharge of their office; and in which Solomon was a type of Christ, the lion of the tribe of Judah; and for the same reasons were the like portraits on the steps, as follows.
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Gill: 1Ki 10:20 - -- And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps,.... There was a lion on each side of every step, a symbol of royal p...
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps,.... There was a lion on each side of every step, a symbol of royal power, as before observed; so the Egyptians placed lions under the throne of Orus r:
there was not the like made in any kingdom; for the matter and form of it, for its grandeur and magnificence; there was none at least at that time, whatever has been since; for this is the first throne of ivory we read of.
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes -> 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:1; 1Ki 10:2; 1Ki 10:2; 1Ki 10:2; 1Ki 10:3; 1Ki 10:4; 1Ki 10:4; 1Ki 10:5; 1Ki 10:5; 1Ki 10:5; 1Ki 10:6; 1Ki 10:7; 1Ki 10:7; 1Ki 10:8; 1Ki 10:9; 1Ki 10:9; 1Ki 10:10; 1Ki 10:10; 1Ki 10:12; 1Ki 10:12; 1Ki 10:12; 1Ki 10:13; 1Ki 10:13; 1Ki 10:14; 1Ki 10:14; 1Ki 10:15; 1Ki 10:16; 1Ki 10:17; 1Ki 10:17; 1Ki 10:19; 1Ki 10:20
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:3 Heb “Solomon declared to her all her words; there was not a word hidden from the king which he did not declare to her.” If riddles are spe...
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:8 Heb “How happy are your men! How happy are these servants of yours, who stand before you continually, who hear your wisdom!”
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:10 Heb “there has not come like those spices yet for quantity which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:12 Heb “there has not come thus, the fine timber, and there has not been seen to this day.”
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:14 Heb “the weight of the gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold.”
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:17 The Palace of the Lebanon Forest. This name was appropriate because of the large amount of cedar, undoubtedly brought from Lebanon, used in its constr...
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NET Notes: 1Ki 10:19 Heb “[There were] armrests on each side of the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.”
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:1 And when the queen of ( a ) Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
( a ) Jose...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:5 And the ( b ) meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:8 Happy [are] thy men, happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy ( c ) wisdom.
( c ) But much more happy...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which ( d ) delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore mad...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:15 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 ( f )...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ki 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne [was] round behind: and [there were] ( g ) stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two ...
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 1Ki 10:1-29
TSK Synopsis: 1Ki 10:1-29 - --1 The queen of Sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon.14 Solomon's gold.16 His targets.18 The throne of ivory.21 His vessels.24 His presents.26 His chari...
MHCC -> 1Ki 10:1-13; 1Ki 10:14-29
MHCC: 1Ki 10:1-13 - --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 showin...
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MHCC: 1Ki 10:14-29 - --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 mor...
Matthew Henry -> 1Ki 10:1-13; 1Ki 10:14-29
Matthew Henry: 1Ki 10:1-13 - -- We have here an account of the visit which the queen of Sheba made to Solomon, no doubt when he was in the height of his piety and prosperity. Our S...
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Matthew Henry: 1Ki 10:14-29 - -- We have here a further account of Solomon's prosperity. I. How he increased his wealth. Though he had much, he still coveted to have more, being wil...
Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ki 10:1-13 - --
Visit of the Queen of Saba (cf. 2Ch 9:1-12). - When the fame of Solomon's great wisdom came to the ears of the queen of Saba, probably through the O...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ki 10:14-15 - --
Solomon's Wealth and the Use He Made of It (cf. 2Ch 9:13-21). - 1Ki 10:14. The gold which Solomon received in one year amounted to 666 talents, - mo...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ki 10:16-17 - --
Solomon had 500 ornamental shields made, 200 larger ones ( צנּים , scuta , targets), and 300 smaller ( מגנּים , clypei ). These shields, ...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ki 10:18-20 - --
Solomon had a great throne of ivory made, and had it overlaid with fine gold. כּסּא־שׁן is not a throne made of ivory, but one merely ornamen...
Constable: 1Ki 1:1--11:43 - --I. THE REIGN OF SOLOMON chs. 1--11
The Holy Spirit led the writer of Kings to give an interpretation of history,...
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Constable: 1Ki 10:1-29 - --3. Solomon's greatness ch. 10
This chapter summarizes with illustrations and statistics the wisd...
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Constable: 1Ki 10:1-13 - --The Queen of Sheba's visit 10:1-13
The writer seems to have included this event here to ...
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