the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to Yahweh’s house; there was no more spirit in her. She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom. However I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard. Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom. Blessed is Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
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1 Kings 10:5-9 sits inside this longer paragraph.
When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning Yahweh’s name, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart. Solomon answered all her questions. There wasn’t anything hidden from the king which he didn’t tell her. When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to Yahweh’s house; there was no more spirit in her. She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom. However I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard. Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom. Blessed is Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” She gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was there such an abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
Parallel Translations
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the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to Yahweh’s house; there was no more spirit in her.
She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom.
However I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.
Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom.
Blessed is Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
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And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.
Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.
Show all 3 translations
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and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his burnt-offering which he offered in the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
And she said to the king: 'It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom.
Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me; thou hast wisdom and prosperity exceeding the fame which I heard.
Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, that stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
Blessed be the LORD thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel; because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made He thee king, to do justice and righteousness.'
Cross-references (42)
- Psalms 72:2 (v9) He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
- 1 Kings 5:7 (v9) When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed is Yahweh today, who has given to David a wise son to rule…
- Proverbs 8:34 (v8) Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.
- 2 Samuel 8:15 (v9) David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
- 2 Chronicles 2:11 (v9) Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, “Because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over…
Show all 42 cross-references
- Isaiah 42:1 (v9) “Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 (v9) “Behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he will reign as king and deal wisely, and will…
- John 20:25-29 (v7) The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails,…
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (v7) But as it is written, “Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has…
- 2 Samuel 23:3 (v9) The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘One who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God,
- 1 Chronicles 17:22 (v9) For you made your people Israel your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God.
- 1 Chronicles 26:16 (v5) To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watchman opposite watchman.
- 2 Chronicles 9:5-6 (v6) She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. However I didn’t believe their…
- Psalms 18:19 (v9) He brought me out also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.
- Psalms 22:8 (v9) “He trusts in Yahweh. Let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
- Psalms 72:17-19 (v9) His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed. Praise be…
- Proverbs 10:21 (v8) The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
- Isaiah 32:1-2 (v9) Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in justice. A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a…
- Luke 11:31 (v8) The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and will condemn them: for she came from the ends of…
- Romans 13:3-4 (v9) For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and…
- 1 John 3:2 (v7) Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for…
- Deuteronomy 7:8 (v9) but because Yahweh loves you, and because he desires to keep the oath which he swore to your fathers, Yahweh has brought you out with a…
- Joshua 5:1 (v5) When all the kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard…
- 1 Kings 4:22-23 (v5) Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour, sixty measures of meal, ten head of fat cattle, twenty head of cattle out of…
- 2 Kings 16:18 (v5) He removed the covered way for the Sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king’s entry outside to Yahweh’s house, because of the…
- 1 Chronicles 9:18 (v5) who previously served in the king’s gate eastward. They were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi.
- 2 Chronicles 9:4 (v5) the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his ministers, their clothing, his cup bearers also, their clothing,…
- 2 Chronicles 9:7-8 (v8) Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom. Blessed be Yahweh your God,…
- 2 Chronicles 23:13 (v5) Then she looked, and, behold, the king stood by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpets by the king. All the people…
- Proverbs 3:13-14 (v8) Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is…
- Proverbs 8:15-16 (v9) By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
- Proverbs 13:20 (v8) One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
- Isaiah 9:7 (v9) Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold…
- Isaiah 11:4-5 (v9) but he will judge the poor with righteousness, and decide with equity for the humble of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of…
- Isaiah 62:4 (v9) You will not be called Forsaken any more, nor will your land be called Desolate any more; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land…
- Isaiah 64:4 (v7) For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides you, who works for him who waits for him.
- Ezekiel 44:3 (v5) As for the prince, he shall sit in it as prince to eat bread before Yahweh. He shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall…
- Ezekiel 46:2 (v5) The prince shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate outside, and shall stand by the post of the gate; and the priests shall prepare…
- Zechariah 9:17 (v7) For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.
- Mark 16:11 (v7) When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.
- Luke 10:39-42 (v8) She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up…
- Luke 11:28 (v8) But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (17 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv5, 8, 9 That is, the whole order, and trade of his…
That is, the whole order, and trade of his house.
Hebrew, there was no more spirit in her.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 8, 9 1Ki 10:5 And the meat of his table, and…
1Ki 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
Ver. 5. And his ascent.] Called elsewhere the king’s entry, {2Ki 16:18} and the king’s gate. {1Ch 9:18} A costly and stately piece of work, doubtless. See 1Ki 10:12.
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There was no more spirit in her.] She was in an ecstacy of deep admiration; like as afterwards was Nicostratus in Aelian, who finding a curious piece of work, and being wondered at by one, and asked what pleasure he could take to stand gazing as he did on the picture, answered, Hadst thou mine eyes, thou wouldst not wonder, but rather be ravished as I am, at the inimitable art of this rare piece.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv5, 7, 9 The sitting of his servants, i.e. the order and…
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,
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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.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv5–9 And the meat of his table,.... The various sorts…
And the meat of his table,.... The various sorts of it, the different dishes, and the multitude of them; see Kg1 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:
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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.
(q) "statum", Tigurine version, Vatablus, Junius & Tremellius; "stationem", Piscator. (r) "et potum ejus", Tig. vers. so Abarbinel (s) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 8. c. 6. sect. 5.)
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv5, 8 Sitting - The order and manner in which his…
Sitting - 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. Attendance - Upon the king, both at his table, and in his court; and when he went abroad to the temple or other places. Apparel - Both the costliness of it, and especially the agreeableness of it to their several places and offices. Went up - From his own palace. See 2 Kings xvi, 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. No spirit - She was astonished, and could scarcely determine whether she really saw these things, or whether it was only a pleasant dream.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv5, 8 Verse 5. The meat of his table] The immense…
Verse 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 1Kgs 4:22-23, and the notes there.
And the sitting of his servants] The various orders and distinctions of his officers.
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The attendance of his ministers] See the account of these and their attendance, 1Kg 4:1, c.
And their apparel] The peculiarity of their robes, and their splendour and costliness.
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 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 ועלתו אשר יעלה בית יהוה which all the versions have translated, And the holocausts which he offered in the house of the Lord. The Vulgate, Septuagint, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, all express this sense: so does the German translation of Luther, from which, in this place, we have most pitifully departed: And seine Brandopfer, die er in dem Hause des Herrn opferte "And his burnt-offering which he offered in the house of the Lord."
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, 1Kg 8:63; 1Kg 9:25.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv7, 9 1Ki 10:7-8. I believed not the words — Which…
1Ki 10:7-8. I believed not the words — Which were told me concerning thee: they seemed incredible, and above the perfection of human nature. Thy wisdom and prosperity — Hebrew, ושׂוב, vatob, and goodness, may be intended to signify either happiness or virtue. Exceeded the fame which I heard — This was remarkable, for people commonly find things to fall far short of their expectations. Happy are thy men — Thy subjects, especially those that are about thy person, and minister unto thee; who have an opportunity every day of hearing thy wise sayings and discourses. 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.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv5, 9 And the meat of his table - Compare 1Ki…
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).
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv5, 9 In her. She fainted away in rapture and astonishment.…
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)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv6, 9 It was a true report that I heard in…
It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom--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 (Kg2 16:18), and the remains of which have been recently discovered [ROBINSON]--overwhelmed her with astonishment. [See on Ch2 9:4.]
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv5, 9 5. Meat of his table — The vast quantity…
5. Meat of his table — The vast quantity and variety of his provisions.
See 1Ki_4:22-23.
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The sitting of his servants — Rather, the seats, or dwelling-places, of his servants. The apartments in the royal palace where they kept themselves ready at any moment to obey the orders of the king.
The attendance — Or, the standing-places. The serving posts or positions of duty assigned to the ministers. All of these were doubtless arranged and adorned in a splendid style.
His ministers — משׁרתיו, a higher order of servants than those whose sitting-places have just been mentioned. They were attendants on the king’s person, stood in his presence, and all their duties brought them more or less into immediate proximity to Solomon.
Cup-bearers — Or butlers; whose office it was to take charge of the royal plate, and to pour out and bring wine to the king. See note on Neh_1:11. Some understand the word of the drinking-vessels which he used.
His ascent — Not the king’s gravity and pious demeanour as he went up to worship in the temple, (Henry,) nor the burnt offering which he offered in the house of the Lord, as the older versions and many commentators thought, but the private entrance or passage-way, magnificently wrought, by which he ascended to the temple from some part of his own house. Compare 2Ki_16:18; 1Ch_26:16. From this it appears that the palace was at a lower elevation than the temple, and probably on the southern slope of Moriah. See note at the beginning of chap. 7.
No more spirit in her — She was completely overwhelmed with wonder and astonishment.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv5–9 5. the sitting of his servants] Here ‘servants’ signifies…
5. the sitting of his servants] Here ‘servants’ signifies the officers and distinguished persons who were privileged to sit at the king’s table, and were ranged according to rank and in large numbers at the royal banquets.
the attendance of his ministers] This refers most probably to those persons who stood to serve the guests. The Hebrew word rendered ‘attendance’ is literally ‘standing.’ See A.V. marg.
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and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord] This passage is rendered by the light of the parallel place in 2Ch_9:4. There the word ועליתו does mean ‘and his ascent’, but here the text gives ועלתו, which should be rendered ‘and his burnt offering.’ So that the margin of the R.V. (which is also accepted by Luther, Coverdale and the Geneva Bible) is correct for this verse, ‘and his burnt offering which he offered in the house of the Lord.’ If she had been present at a great sacrifice in the Temple it would doubtless have impressed her much. But it is possible that the scribe in one of these verses made a small error, and that they ought both to be the same. In that case we must decide whether it is more probable that after a list such as has gone before, about meat, servants, attendants, cupbearers, &c., there would follow some mention of a part of the building, a covered way or staircase by which the Temple could be reached from the king’s palace, or a description of a solemn act of religious worship. Most people will be inclined to agree that the A.V. and R.V. have exercised a correct judgement in disregarding the text here, and interpreting by the light of the verse in 2 Chron. The R.V. has however added the rendering of the Massoretic text on the margin, which had not been done in A.V.
The LXX. here gives ‘the burnt offering,’ τὴν ὁλοκαύτωσιν, but its rendering in 2Ch_9:4 is the same τὰ ὁλοκαυτώματα, where certainly the present Hebrew text should be translated ‘his ascent.’ Apparently the Greek translators regarded the verse before us as the true reading.
there was no more spirit in her] Apparently the queen had come with some hope that she might get the better of Solomon, either in her display of queenly splendour, or in the questions which she propounded. What she found was so far in excess of what she had expected, that all thought of comparison of herself with Solomon’s state was gone, and she was lost in admiration. For the expression cf. Jos_5:1.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v6 (6-9) And she said.—These words (repeated almost word for…
(6-9) And she said.—These words (repeated almost word for word in 2Ch_9:5-8) are clearly from some contemporary document. They breathe at once the spirit of Oriental compliment, and a certain seriousness of tone, as of a mind stirred by unusual wonder and admiration. It is worth notice that they touch but lightly on external magnificence and prosperity, and go on to dwell emphatically on the wisdom of Solomon, as a wisdom enabling him to do judgment and justice, and as a gift from Jehovah, his God. The acknowledgment of Jehovah, of course, does not imply acceptance of the religion of Israel. It expresses the belief that He, as the tutelary God of Israel, is to be held in reverence, proportionate to the extraordinary glory which He has given to His nation. (See 1Ki_5:7.)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 8, 9 And the meat of his table, 1Ki_4:22, 23 and…
And the meat of his table, 1Ki_4:22, 23 and the sitting "The rooms of the courtiers in attendance" (Keil). But b wOm may mean an assembly, (Psa_1:1) and possibly the queen saw them when gathered together for a meal of his servants, and the attendance Heb. standing. According to Keil, "the rooms of the inferior servants." But ver. 8 appears to be decisive against this view of his ministers i.e., those who ministered to him. The word "servants" is, perhaps, to be understood of state officers; the word "ministers" of personal attendants (as in Act_13:5, etc.) That the latter were an inferior class, the "standing" shows, and their apparel cf. Mat_6:29. The rich and costly dress of Eastern courtiers and attendants is sometimes furnished by the king Gen_45:22; 1Sa_18:4; 2Ki_5:5; Dan_5:7; Est_5:8 RAPC 1Ma 10:20. Cf. Chardin, "Voyage en Perse," 3:230, and his cupbearers By this word Keil would understand "drinking arrangements." But see 2Ch_9:4, "cupbearers (same word) and their apparel", and his ascent wOtlO. It is somewhat doubtful whether we are to interpret this word, ascent, or burnt offering. 2Ki_16:18, 1Ch_26:16, . 1Ki_9:25) which the queen witnessed; and
(2) that the sight of burnt offerings could not have caused her any astonishment (Keil). But their prodigious number may surely have done so; and we are certainly to understand that Solomon was remarkable for the scale of his sacrifices. Considering, however, that the word undoubtedly means "ascent" in; Eze_40:26, and that it is so paraphrased by the chronicler, it is perhaps safer to retain this rendering here there was no more spirit in her same expression Jos_5:1, and cf. 2:11. Forvarious legends as to this queen, see Stanley, "Jewish Ch." 2. pp. 234236.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv5, 7, 9 The meat of his table, and the sitting of…
1Ki_10:5
The meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants.
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At the kings table
To be carved for at table by a great prince would be counted as great a favour as the meal itself. To take outward blessings out of Gods hand, to see that He remembereth us, and sendeth in our provision at every turn; this endeareth the mercy, and increaseth our delight therein. What, indeed, would most men give if they could say, The queen herself carved for me, and was most anxious that I should be well supplied? But each believer has the Lord Himself for his Provider. He loads our table, and fills our cup. Providence is no other than God providing. He measures out our joys, weighs our sorrows, appoints our labours, and selects our trials. There is no morsel on the saints plate which is not of the Lords cawing, unless he has been so foolish as to put forth his hand unto iniquity. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The king and his servants
Those who entertain a king reckon upon receiving his train. It is not fit that he should come alone. So those who receive Jesus by faith into their hearts, receive also His Church, His ministers, His Word, and His cause. They take the Saviour and all His belongings. As the old proverb hath it, Love me, love my dog, so they love all who belong to Jesus for their Lords sake. Where Jesus comes with pardon, He brings all the graces with Him and we are right glad to entertain them all: not only faith, but love, hope, patience, courage, zeal, and the whole band of virtues. It would be idle to say, Christ is in me, if none of the graces of His Spirit lodged within our souls. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
His ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord.--
Ascent to worship
There are no such steps as these to be found anywhere in the world. A step to honour, a step to riches, a step to worldly glory, these are everywhere, but what are these to the steps by which men do ascend to the house of the Lord. He then that entereth into the house of the Lord is an ascending man; as it is said of Moses, he went up into the mount of God. It is ascending to go into the house of God. The world believes not this; they think it is going downward to go up to the house of God; but they are in a horrible mistake. The steps then by which men go up into the temple are, and ought to be, opposed to those which men take to their lusts and empty glories. Hence such steps are said not only to decline from God, but to take hold of the path to death and hell (Psa_44:18; Pro_2:18; Pro_5:5; Pro_7:25-27). (John Bunyan.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv6, 8 I heard in my own land
I heard in my own land
"I heard while I was in my own land"
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your words and your wisdom
Here the word "wisdom" can describe the word "words." AT: "your wise sayings" (See: Hendiadys)
my eyes have seen it
The phrase "my eyes" emphasizes that she herself saw it. AT: "I have seen it for myself" (See: Metonymy)
Not half was told me about your wisdom and wealth
This can be stated without the passive form. AT: "They did not tell me about even half of your wisdom and wealth" or "You are much more wise and wealthy than what they told me" (See: Active or Passive)
translationWords
true
report
word
wise
believe
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v6 10:6-9 The queen’s testimony confirmed her amazement. Not only…
10:6-9 The queen’s testimony confirmed her amazement. Not only was everything she had heard true, but now that she had seen it with her own eyes, she realized that Solomon’s accomplishments had been understated. She recognized that the Lord was Solomon’s benefactor and that Solomon should steward his God-given wisdom with justice and righteousness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.