And there came of all people to hear, &c. from all kings— It is a conceit of one of the Jewish interpreters, that all the kings of the neighbouring countries went to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and that, upon their return, their subjects came to them, to hear what he had said: but, as we hear of none, except the queen of Sheba, who came to visit Solomon, we cannot but think, that if any other crowned heads had resorted to him, the history would have recorded them as well as her. The words denote no more, than that the kings of all the neighbouring nations sent their ambassadors; and people of every land, who had heard of Solomon's fame, came to see him: for, as an ingenious writer observes, "no spectacle is more lovely and grateful than a wise and good king: all men flock to see him, and to partake of his pious and prudent mind. They who see him are loth to leave him, and they who hear of him, are as desirous to see him as children are to find their unknown father." Dion. Prusoeus, Orat. de Regno.
REFLECTIONS.—Vast were his dominions, prodigious his revenues; but greater than both were his treasures of wisdom.
1. God gave him an understanding deep as the great abyss of waters, and large as the sand on the shore, capacious, distinct, and comprehensive. Chaldea and Egypt afforded none equal to or like him; and the wisest of his cotemporaries acknowledged his superiority. Note; (1.) Every good gift cometh from above. God teacheth man knowledge. (2.) Uncommon abilities are a greater obligation to use them with uncommon diligence to the glory of the giver.
2. His productions were a proof of the wisdom that he possessed. As a sage, he spake three thousand proverbs, wise sayings, and observations, for moral conduct. As a poet, his compositions were numerous as exquisite, amounting to a thousand and five. As a philosopher, he dived into the secrets of nature, described all herbs, birds, beasts, with their nature, use, and qualities. Note; (1.) That is valuable wisdom which communicates its discoveries for general utility. (2.) A poetic genius is a blessing, when, like Solomon's, our songs speak of the beauties of our Immanuel.
3. The fame of such wisdom could not but spread abroad, and, curious to hear, or desirous to learn, people from all regions flocked to his court; and distant kings sent their ambassadors, by personal converse to bring them specimens of his superlative understanding. Note; They who would be wise to salvation, must go to Jesus to learn, and they will find that a greater than Solomon is there.