CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 10:23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/10-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/11_1Ki_10_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Wealth and Splendor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/10-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/10-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm" title="1 Kings 10:22">◄</a> 1 Kings 10:23 <a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm" title="1 Kings 10:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in wealth and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in wealth and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He was the richest and wisest king in the world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In wealth and wisdom King Solomon was greater than all the [other] kings of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />King Solomon was richer and wiser than any other king, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in regards to wealth and wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />King Solomon was wealthier and wiser than any of the kings of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And King Solomon is greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And king Solomon is greater than any of the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And king Solomon will be magnified above all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches, and wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, king Solomon was magnified above all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And King Solomon became greater than all Kings of Earth in wealth and in wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Solomon increased beyond all the kings of the earth in wealth and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/10-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=4149" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/10.htm">Solomon's Wealth and Splendor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">So King</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: way·yiḡ·dal (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">surpassed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mal·ḵê (N-mpc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6239.htm" title="6239: lə·‘ō·šer (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Riches. From ashar; wealth.">in riches</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ū·lə·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">and wisdom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12-13</a></span><br />behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30-31</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-12.htm">1 Kings 5:12</a></span><br />And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22</a></span><br />But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-42.htm">1 Kings 11:42-43</a></span><br />Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. / And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-12.htm">2 Chronicles 1:12</a></span><br />therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:16</a></span><br />I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:9</a></span><br />So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-29.htm">Matthew 6:29</a></span><br />Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-23.htm">2 Chronicles 9:23-24</a></span><br />All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">1 Kings 4:34</a></span><br />So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.</p><p class="hdg">exceeded Mr.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12,13</a></b></br> Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</a></b></br> And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that <i>is</i> on the sea shore… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22,23</a></b></br> And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/8-60.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Exceeded</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">Excelled</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-21.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-7.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-8.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">Exceeded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">Excelled</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-9.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-29.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-12.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-20.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">The queen of Sheba admires the wisdom of Solomon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-14.htm">Solomon's gold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-16.htm">His targets</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-18.htm">The throne of ivory</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-21.htm">His vessels</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">His presents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm">his chariots and horse</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/10-28.htm">his tribute</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So King Solomon</b><br>Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, and he reigned as the third king of Israel. His name means "peaceful," and his reign is often seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Israel. Solomon is known for building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history. His rule is often considered the height of Israel's power and influence in the ancient world.<p><b>surpassed all the kings of the earth</b><br>This phrase highlights Solomon's unparalleled status among contemporary rulers. During his reign, Israel became a major power in the region, with extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wealth and influence of Israel under Solomon were significant, as seen in the remains of large building projects and artifacts from this period. This also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would have a great kingdom.<p><b>in riches</b><br>Solomon's wealth is legendary, with the Bible describing vast amounts of gold, silver, and other treasures. His wealth came from various sources, including trade, tributes from other nations, and the exploitation of natural resources. The biblical account of Solomon's wealth is supported by historical records of the extensive trade networks in the ancient Near East, including connections with regions such as Ophir, known for its gold.<p><b>and wisdom.</b><br>Solomon's wisdom is a central theme in his story, famously demonstrated in the account of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child. His wisdom was a gift from God, granted in response to Solomon's request for an understanding heart to govern the people. This wisdom is also reflected in the biblical books traditionally attributed to him, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Solomon's wisdom is seen as a type of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the embodiment of divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_solomon.htm">King Solomon</a></b><br>The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kings_of_the_earth.htm">The Kings of the Earth</a></b><br>This phrase refers to the rulers of other nations during Solomon's time. It highlights the extent of Solomon's fame and the global recognition of his wisdom and wealth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_israel.htm">The Kingdom of Israel</a></b><br>Under Solomon's rule, Israel reached unprecedented levels of prosperity and influence, becoming a center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_wisdom_and_wealth.htm">The Source of True Wisdom and Wealth</a></b><br>Solomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, reminding us that true wisdom and prosperity come from Him. We should seek God's wisdom above all else.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_earthly_riches.htm">The Danger of Earthly Riches</a></b><br>While Solomon's wealth was a blessing, it also became a snare, leading to idolatry and eventual division in the kingdom. We must guard our hearts against the love of money.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Despite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marked by pride and disobedience. Humility and obedience to God are crucial for maintaining His blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_legacy_of_leadership.htm">The Legacy of Leadership</a></b><br>Solomon's reign teaches us about the impact of leadership. Our actions and decisions can have lasting effects on those we lead and influence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_historical_records_support_solomon's_wealth.htm">Does the account in 1 Kings 10:23 of Solomon’s unmatched riches align with known ancient records, or do historical sources contradict this portrayal?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_solomon's_kingdom_truly_wealthy.htm">The lavish imagery in Song of Solomon 1 implies a royal court with abundant wealth. Is there corroborating historical evidence that Solomon’s kingdom was this prosperous? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_on_minimalism_vs._maximalism.htm">What does the Bible say about minimalism vs. maximalism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_solomon_have_many_wives.htm">Why did Solomon marry many wives and concubines?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23-25) <span class= "bld">All the kings.</span>--These verses indicate the character of the empire of Solomon, as a loosely-compacted group of tributary states round the dominant kingdom of Israel, kept to their allegiance mainly by the ascendency of his personal wisdom and ability, partly by the ties of commercial intercourse and the attractions of his wealth and splendour, and to some degree (though in his case to a less extent than usual) by an imposing military force. It rose rapidly in the comparative abeyance of the great neighbouring empires of Egypt and Assyria, and fell as rapidly on the death of Solomon and the disruption of the kingdom. In the grand description of it in Psalms 72, we observe that while its wealth and prosperity are painted in bright colours, the chief stress is laid on its moral greatness, as a kingdom of righteousness and peace: "All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth . . . He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment." Here, with the same general idea, but with a characteristic difference of expression, the chief emphasis is laid on the wisdom of Solomon, acknowledged as the gift of God (see Note on <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm" title="And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.">1Kings 4:29</a>), and being a moral and religious at least as much as an intellectual power. In this higher character it was the type of the kingdom of the true Son of David. In this, rather than in wealth and power, lay its true glory; and the falling away from this in the later days of Solomon brought at once decay and ruin.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So King</span> <span class="cmt_word">Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and wisdom</span> [Cf. <a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a>. "There is something ominous of evil here. Riches are put <span class="accented">before</span> wisdom. This was not the case in the beginning of Solomon's reign (<a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">1 Kings 3:11</a>)" - Wordsworth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/10-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So King</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Solomon</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·mōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">surpassed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּגְדַּל֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḡ·dal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grow up, become great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכֹּ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the kings</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mal·ḵê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in riches</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעֹ֖שֶׁר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ō·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6239.htm">Strong's 6239: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and in wisdom.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְחָכְמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 10:23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 10:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 10:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 10:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 10:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>