1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 34
And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
And there came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
And there came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
of all people
H5971
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
of all people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
to hear
H8085
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵאֵת֙
H853
מֵאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
to hear
H8085
שָֽׁמְע֖וּ
to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
13 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.