And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.
God Himself put wisdom in Solomon's heart, and that gift drew all the kings of the earth to seek Solomon's presence to hear it. The verse describes the most glorious period of Solomon's reign. That period was entered after Solomon was strengthened in heart and greatly cheered by assurance from heaven that his prayer on behalf of Israel had been heard. Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches, wisdom, glory and royal majesty, greater than any king before him in Israel. He sat on the throne of the Lord as king in David's place and prospered with all Israel obeying him, the Lord making him exceedingly great in the sight of all Israel, and this greatness was why the kings wanted to come to him.
The visiting kings brought gifts year after year. Many who sought him came to see the manner of his government and to receive instruction regarding the conduct of difficult affairs. For a time Solomon honored God by directing his visitors to the Creator and Ruler of the universe as the source of his wisdom, teaching them that God was the Creator of all things. The visitors returned to their homes with clearer conceptions of the God of Israel and of His compassionate love for the human race, beholding in the works of nature an expression of His love and a revelation of His character. Many were led to worship Him as their God, so that Solomon's righteousness and wisdom bore witness to the nations of God's power. This honor was not brought about by Solomon himself, for God gave him the talents of influence and great wisdom, and tact and ability do not come from the natural man, so those who depend on ministers or on any other men they regard as superior should understand that God is the One who endows man with talent.
God Himself put wisdom in Solomon's heart, and that gift drew all the kings of the earth to seek Solomon's presence to hear it. The verse describes the most glorious period of Solomon's reign. That period was entered after Solomon was strengthened in heart and greatly cheered by assurance from heaven that his prayer on behalf of Israel had been heard. Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches, wisdom, glory and royal majesty, greater than any king before him in Israel. He sat on the throne of the Lord as king in David's place and prospered with all Israel obeying him, the Lord making him exceedingly great in the sight of all Israel, and this greatness was why the kings wanted to come to him.
The visiting kings brought gifts year after year. Many who sought him came to see the manner of his government and to receive instruction regarding the conduct of difficult affairs. For a time Solomon honored God by directing his visitors to the Creator and Ruler of the universe as the source of his wisdom, teaching them that God was the Creator of all things. The visitors returned to their homes with clearer conceptions of the God of Israel and of His compassionate love for the human race, beholding in the works of nature an expression of His love and a revelation of His character. Many were led to worship Him as their God, so that Solomon's righteousness and wisdom bore witness to the nations of God's power. This honor was not brought about by Solomon himself, for God gave him the talents of influence and great wisdom, and tact and ability do not come from the natural man, so those who depend on ministers or on any other men they regard as superior should understand that God is the One who endows man with talent.