1 Kings 10:23

KJV

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

So king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} exceeded {H1431} all the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} for riches {H6239} and for wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So King Shlomo surpassed all the kings on earth in both wealth and wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible

So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

American Standard Version

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:23 serves as a climactic declaration of King Solomon's unparalleled preeminence, asserting his supremacy in both material wealth and profound wisdom above all other monarchs of his time. This verse encapsulates the preceding detailed accounts of his reign's splendor, vast trade networks, and the international admiration he garnered, most notably from the Queen of Sheba, solidifying the impression of a golden age for Israel under his rule and marking the zenith of his earthly glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a powerful summary statement, concluding the extensive descriptions of Solomon's wealth and wisdom presented in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Great Wealth and Wisdom"). The chapter meticulously details the Queen of Sheba's visit, her awe at Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, the immense quantities of gold and silver flowing into Jerusalem, his elaborate throne, and his extensive trade networks. Verse 23 acts as a capstone, affirming that the glory described was not merely impressive but unparalleled among his contemporaries. It marks the high point of Solomon's reign in terms of earthly splendor and sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, which will gradually reveal the seeds of his spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom, making this verse a poignant peak before the descent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents the pinnacle of the united monarchy's power, peace, and prosperity in ancient Israel. Strategically positioned at the nexus of major trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia, Israel under Solomon capitalized on its geographical advantage through extensive trade agreements, particularly with the Phoenician city of Tyre. In the ancient Near East, a king's wealth and wisdom were not simply personal attributes; they were tangible indicators of divine favor, effective governance, and national strength. Solomon's international renown, as evidenced by the Queen of Sheba's journey from afar to witness his splendor and test his wisdom (as detailed in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1-13 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), underscores the genuine impact of his reign and the cultural emphasis on a ruler's ability to govern justly and accumulate resources as a sign of blessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic history. It highlights the theme of **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment**, as Solomon's extraordinary wisdom and riches were direct fulfillments of God's promises, specifically after Solomon humbly requested [an understanding heart to govern God's people](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom") rather than wealth or long life, which God then granted in abundance (as promised in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor")). It underscores **Wisdom as a Divine Gift**, demonstrating that true discernment for righteous judgment and effective governance originates from God, enabling Solomon to rule with unparalleled insight. Furthermore, it showcases **Material Prosperity** as a visible sign of God's favor, yet implicitly foreshadows the potential dangers of such abundance when a king's heart eventually turns from the Lord, as Solomon's did later in his reign (a theme explored in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Decline")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exceeded (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From the primitive root H1431, this verb signifies "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." In the context of 1 Kings 10:23, it conveys that Solomon surpassed, outstripped, and was preeminent above all other kings. It emphasizes an exceptional and unparalleled status, indicating that he was not merely great, but greater than all others in the specified domains.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _ʻôsher'_):** Derived from H6239, this noun refers to "wealth." It encompasses the vast quantities of gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuable commodities that flowed into Solomon's kingdom, as meticulously detailed in the preceding verses of [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Great Wealth and Wisdom"). It speaks to the tangible, visible, and extraordinary material prosperity of his reign.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this crucial term denotes "wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisely, wit." It encompasses not merely intellectual knowledge but a comprehensive, practical wisdom including discernment, sagacity, skill, administrative competence, judicial insight, and even poetic and scientific understanding (as seen in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29-34 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Understanding")). It represents a divinely imparted capacity for righteous and effective rule that set him apart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So king Solomon exceeded":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the central assertion of the verse: Solomon's unparalleled greatness. The introductory "So" indicates a conclusion drawn from the preceding descriptions of his immense wealth and the universal admiration shown by the Queen of Sheba and other rulers. It sets him apart, signaling that his status was not merely great, but uniquely superior.
* **"all the kings of the earth":** This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of Solomon's preeminence. While likely a hyperbole common in ancient Near Eastern literature to denote supreme greatness within the known world or sphere of influence, it powerfully conveys that his fame, wealth, and wisdom were recognized and admired far beyond the borders of Israel, making him a truly global figure of his time. It highlights the widespread acknowledgment of his exceptional status.
* **"for riches and for wisdom":** This concluding phrase specifies the two primary domains in which Solomon's superiority was manifested. These two aspects are intrinsically linked to God's promises to Solomon in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom and God's Promise"), where God granted him both wisdom (which he requested) and riches (which he did not request but was given in abundance). This highlights the divine source of his extraordinary status and the specific areas of his unparalleled blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore Solomon's unparalleled status. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the kings of the earth," which, while not meant to be taken absolutely literally across every single monarch globally, effectively conveys the extraordinary and unmatched extent of Solomon's renown and prosperity within his known world. The verse also functions as a powerful **Summary Statement** or **Climax**, serving as a concluding flourish to the detailed accounts of Solomon's splendor in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Riches"), solidifying the image of his reign at its zenith. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of "riches and wisdom" highlights the two key aspects of God's blessing upon Solomon, presenting them as the dual pillars of his exceptional reign and drawing attention to the specific nature of his divinely granted superiority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to David and extended to Solomon, regarding a prosperous and stable kingdom. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom is a divine gift, not merely a product of human intellect or effort, and that God blesses those who prioritize His will and seek to serve His people. Solomon's wisdom and wealth are presented as direct results of his initial humble request for an understanding heart to govern God's people. However, the verse also subtly foreshadows the inherent danger of immense earthly blessings; while Solomon's wealth and wisdom were divinely given, the narrative of his life ultimately reveals that even such extraordinary gifts can become a snare if the heart turns from the Giver. The verse thus invites reflection on the nature of true prosperity and the ultimate source of lasting security and fulfillment, warning that earthly glory, no matter how great, is fleeting if not anchored in steadfast devotion to God.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Wisdom is More Precious than Jewels")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's story, powerfully summarized by this verse, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It challenges us to critically examine our own priorities: do we, like Solomon initially, seek divine wisdom and discernment to honor God and faithfully serve others, or do we primarily pursue material wealth and fleeting worldly acclaim? While God can certainly bless with prosperity, Solomon's later life serves as a solemn cautionary tale, illustrating that even immense blessings can become a stumbling block if our hearts are not continually guarded, humble, and aligned with God's will. True wisdom, as a gift from God, equips us not just for earthly success but for righteous living, eternal perspective, and discerning God's purposes in every season of life. The enduring lesson is that the greatest riches are not found in fleeting material possessions, but in a right and abiding relationship with the Giver of all good things, and in the divine wisdom that guides us to live according to His eternal purposes, valuing spiritual wealth above all earthly treasures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over material gain in our own lives, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate a heart that seeks God's wisdom above all else?**
* **In what ways can God's blessings, whether material or otherwise, become a snare if our hearts are not continually aligned with Him and if we fail to acknowledge Him as the ultimate source?**
* **What does "true riches" mean in a spiritual sense, and how does pursuing them differ from or align with seeking earthly prosperity in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon literally richer and wiser than *every* king on earth?**

Answer: The phrase "all the kings of the earth" is best understood as a hyperbole, a common biblical idiom used to emphasize unparalleled greatness within the known world or sphere of influence. It signifies his extraordinary preeminence and reputation, not necessarily a literal, exhaustive comparison with every single monarch across the globe. His fame and wealth were certainly unmatched in his region and era, as evidenced by the Queen of Sheba's awe-struck visit ([1 Kings 10:1-10](/1_kings/10-1-10 "1 Kings 10:1-10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")) and the tributes he received from surrounding nations. The intent is to convey that he was supremely great in these two areas among all rulers known to the biblical authors, making him a benchmark of earthly splendor and wisdom.

**How did Solomon acquire such immense wealth?**

Answer: Solomon's immense wealth was accumulated through several key avenues, all detailed within [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Great Wealth and Wisdom"):
* **Tribute:** Nations under his suzerainty paid annual tribute, bringing vast quantities of gold, silver, and other valuable goods ([1 Kings 10:25](/1_kings/10-25 "1 Kings 10:25 - Annual Tribute to Solomon")).
* **Trade Networks:** He established vast and lucrative trade routes, particularly in horses and chariots, acting as a middleman between Egypt and the Hittites ([1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28-29 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Solomon's Trade in Horses and Chariots")).
* **Gold and Silver Inflow:** The text explicitly states that 666 talents of gold (an enormous sum) flowed into Jerusalem annually ([1 Kings 10:14](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income")). Silver became so abundant that it was "nothing accounted of" ([1 Kings 10:21](/1_kings/10-21 "1 Kings 10:21 - Abundance of Silver")).
* **Tarshish Fleet:** His fleet, in partnership with Hiram of Tyre, brought back exotic goods like gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years ([1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Tarshish Fleet")).
* **Gifts:** Rulers and dignitaries, like the Queen of Sheba, brought lavish gifts when visiting to witness his wisdom and splendor ([1 Kings 10:10](/1_kings/10-10 "1 Kings 10:10 - Queen of Sheba's Gifts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unparalleled Riches and Wisdom") celebrates the unparalleled earthly glory of King Solomon, his story, particularly his eventual decline documented in later chapters, ultimately points to a greater King and a more enduring glory. Solomon, despite his divinely granted wisdom and immense riches, failed to maintain perfect fidelity to God's commands, illustrating the limitations and eventual shortcomings of even the greatest human ruler. Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the promised Messiah, fulfills and vastly exceeds all that Solomon foreshadowed. He is the embodiment of perfect wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike Solomon, whose wisdom and wealth were earthly and temporal, Jesus possesses eternal riches and offers spiritual wealth that transcends all material possessions, for "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Incarnation and Our Spiritual Riches")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself declared that "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon")), not merely in earthly splendor, but in His divine authority, perfect righteousness, and the eternal nature of His kingdom. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the messianic promise, reigning with perfect wisdom and offering true, lasting riches of salvation and eternal life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 3:12

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.

1 Kings 3:13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

Psalms 89:27

Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:19

For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell;

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.