1 Kings 10 24

1 Kings 10:24 kjv

And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

1 Kings 10:24 nkjv

Now all the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

1 Kings 10:24 niv

The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.

1 Kings 10:24 esv

And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.

1 Kings 10:24 nlt

People from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him.

1 Kings 10 verses

1 Kings 10 24 Meaning

King Solomon surpassed every monarch on earth in both his vast material wealth and his profound divine wisdom. This verse summarizes the apex of his glorious reign, portraying him as unparalleled in these two key areas among all rulers of his time.

1 Kings 10 24 Context

This verse functions as a powerful summary statement within the broader narrative of King Solomon's reign, particularly following the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit (1 Kgs 10:1-13) and the detailed enumeration of his annual gold intake (1 Kgs 10:14-17) and magnificent possessions (1 Kgs 10:18-23). The preceding verses vividly describe the grandeur of his court, his vast wealth (gold, ivory, apes, peacocks, chariots), and his esteemed position, making this verse a fitting capstone that highlights his absolute preeminence among contemporary rulers.

Historically, Solomon's era represents a golden age for the united monarchy of Israel, marked by unprecedented peace, extensive trade, vast building projects (including the Temple), and significant international diplomacy. His reputation, stemming from divinely granted wisdom and the subsequent material blessings, drew dignitaries like the Queen of Sheba from distant lands. This period showcased the pinnacle of Israel's national glory and prosperity, positioning Solomon as an unparalleled king whose blessings derived directly from God's favor in response to his initial humble request for wisdom. However, this verse, while laudatory, also subtly prefigures the Deuteronomic warnings against kings accumulating excessive horses, wives, and wealth, which Solomon ultimately disregarded, leading to the kingdom's later division and decline.

1 Kings 10 24 Word analysis

• So: This transitional particle implies a conclusion or direct consequence derived from the preceding descriptions of Solomon's wisdom and accumulating wealth. It signals that what follows is a summarized effect of all that has been detailed.
• King Solomon: Identifies the central figure of the verse, Solomon, son of David, and king of Israel. His kingship denotes a divinely appointed role in the theocracy.
• exceeded: (Hebrew: וַיִּגְדַּל, vayigdal) Literally "and he became great," or "grew mighty/exalted." This term emphasizes growth and becoming superior, not merely "surpassing" in a comparative sense but actively achieving a state of unrivalled prominence and preeminence. It speaks to a divine elevation and distinction.
• all the kings: This phrase implies a comprehensive comparison, signifying a global reach or at least an acknowledgement among the known rulers of the world at that time. It underscores his universal renown.
• of the earth: (Hebrew: הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz) Referring to the known world or inhabited earth, accentuating the extensive scope of Solomon's reputation and power, transcending merely regional influence. It presents a picture of his unequaled status universally.
• in riches: (Hebrew: בָּעֹשֶׁר, ba'osher) This refers to material prosperity, gold, silver, tribute, and all forms of valuable possessions that flow into a kingdom. For Solomon, this immense wealth was not solely accumulated by human ingenuity but was a direct, promised blessing from God (1 Kgs 3:13) granted alongside his wisdom. It represents tangible, quantifiable assets that established his earthly power and prestige.
• and in wisdom: (Hebrew: וּבְחָכְמָה, uv'chokhmah) This signifies profound discernment, understanding, sagacity, and practical skill. Unlike mere human intellect, Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift (1 Kgs 3:9-12), enabling him to govern justly, solve complex problems, speak proverbs, and understand the natural world. This was the source of his true greatness and global appeal, far beyond just his material wealth.

Words-group analysis:

• "exceeded all the kings of the earth": This phrase functions as an emphatic superlative, positioning Solomon not merely as a prominent king but as one without peer globally. It asserts his unparalleled supremacy and distinction, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to make him famous.
• "in riches and in wisdom": These two elements are presented as the twin pillars of Solomon's exceptional standing. Significantly, both were blessings directly granted by God (1 Kgs 3:13). While his wealth reflected his dominion, his wisdom was the divine gift that distinguished him most profoundly, allowing him to accumulate wealth, administer justice, and maintain peace. The listing together indicates that his supremacy was complete and comprehensive, encompassing both material and intellectual/spiritual realms as granted by God.

1 Kings 10 24 Bonus section

The depiction of Solomon's unprecedented wealth and wisdom reaches its zenith in this verse, serving as a critical moment in the narrative. While celebrating his achievements as God's chosen king, this verse also foreshadows the Deuteronomic warnings (Deut 17:14-20) that future kings should not multiply horses, wives, or silver and gold. Solomon, despite his divine wisdom, eventually transgressed these commands, ultimately leading to the division of the kingdom. Thus, this peak of human glory under divine blessing also subtly illustrates the limitations and dangers of worldly accumulation if not held in perfect submission to God's law. His fame, while reaching "all the kings of the earth," pales in comparison to the true, spiritual wisdom and eternal riches found only in the knowledge of God and His Messiah. The superlative language signifies a unique type of leadership granted to a singular individual, and such a level of dominion and knowledge has a higher parallel only in Christ, "something greater than Solomon."

1 Kings 10 24 Commentary

1 Kings 10:24 marks the high point of Solomon's earthly reign, underscoring his extraordinary prosperity and unparalleled wisdom. These were not achievements based solely on human ingenuity or conquest but were direct blessings from God, fulfilling His promise in response to Solomon's humble request for a discerning heart (1 Kgs 3:9-13). His "wisdom" encompassed not only intellectual understanding and judicial discernment but also practical administrative ability and broad knowledge, drawing admiration from global figures like the Queen of Sheba. The vast "riches" accumulating from tribute, trade, and royal enterprise positioned Israel as a formidable global power. This verse portrays the golden age of the united monarchy, a period of unprecedented national glory, reflecting divine favor. However, the grandeur described here also serves as a narrative peak before the subtle shift towards Solomon's later decline. The emphasis on wealth, though divinely given, sets up the thematic tension found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Deuteronomy's warnings for kings, or Ecclesiastes' reflections on the vanity of earthly pursuits), highlighting that true wisdom and ultimate security lie not in amassed earthly treasures or even extraordinary human intellect, but in unwavering devotion to God. This pinnacle of earthly glory contrasts sharply with the surpassing wisdom and lasting kingdom of Christ.