1 Kings 4:32

And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

And he spake {H1696} three {H7969} thousand {H505} proverbs {H4912}: and his songs {H7892} were a thousand {H505} and five {H2568}.

He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.

Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.

Commentary

1 Kings 4:32 offers a remarkable glimpse into the extraordinary literary output and profound wisdom of King Solomon, a central figure in Israel's history.

Context

This verse immediately follows a description of God's immense gift of wisdom to King Solomon, surpassing all the wisdom of the East and Egypt. Verses 30 and 31 further elaborate on his intellectual superiority, even over renowned wise men of his time. This verse quantifies his literary genius, demonstrating the practical manifestation of the divine wisdom he received. It sets the stage for understanding why Solomon is traditionally credited with much of Israel's wisdom literature.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Prolific Wisdom: The mention of "three thousand proverbs" underscores the sheer volume of his wise sayings. While the Biblical Book of Proverbs contains only a fraction of these, it serves as a testament to his divinely inspired insight into human nature, morality, and practical living.
  • Solomon's Poetic and Musical Talent: The "thousand and five songs" reveal Solomon's artistic and creative side. He was not merely a philosopher but also a poet and musician, composing pieces that likely covered a range of themes, from love to worship. The Song of Solomon is the most prominent surviving example of his lyrical work.
  • Divine Endowment: This verse implicitly points back to the source of Solomon's abilities – God. His unparalleled wisdom and creative output were not merely human achievements but direct results of the divine blessing granted to him, as recorded earlier in 1 Kings.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "proverbs" is mashal (מָשָׁל), which can refer to a wide range of literary forms, including parables, riddles, allegories, and wise sayings. It implies a comparison or a pithy statement that conveys a truth. The term for "songs" is shir (שִׁיר), a general word for a song or poem, highlighting Solomon's role as a composer of sacred and perhaps secular melodies.

Significance and Application

This verse highlights the incredible breadth and depth of Solomon's God-given wisdom. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom encompasses not only practical advice but also artistic expression and understanding of the human heart. For believers, it encourages the pursuit of wisdom that comes from God, recognizing that His gifts can manifest in diverse talents and abilities. Solomon's example shows that intellectual and creative pursuits, when rooted in divine wisdom, can be incredibly fruitful and contribute to the understanding of life and faith. It also underscores the richness of biblical wisdom literature, much of which is directly or indirectly connected to Solomon's legacy, offering timeless guidance for all generations.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 12:9

    And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

  • Matthew 13:35

    That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:1

    ΒΆ The song of songs, which [is] Solomon's.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:17

    The beams of our house [are] cedar, [and] our rafters of fir.

  • Proverbs 1:1

    ΒΆ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

  • Proverbs 1:31

    Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.