1 Kings 10:5
1 Kings 10:5 in Multiple Translations
the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of Jehovah; there was no more spirit in her.
And the food at his table, and all his servants seated there, and those who were waiting on him in their places, and their robes, and his wine-servants, and the burned offerings which he made in the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.
the food on the table, how his officials lived, how his servants operated and how they were dressed, the clothes of the waiters, and the burnt offerings he presented at the Lord's Temple, she was so astonished she could hardly breathe.
And the meate of his table, and the sitting of his seruants, and the order of his ministers, and their apparel, and his drinking vessels, and his burnt offrings, that he offered in the house of the Lord, and she was greatly astonied.
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the standing of his ministers, and their clothing, and his butlers, and his burnt-offering that he causeth to ascend in the house of Jehovah, and there hath not been in her any more spirit.
the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the LORD’s house, there was no more spirit in her.
And the provisions of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cup-bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
And the meat of his table, and the apartments of his servants, and the order of his ministers, and their apparel, and the cupbearers, and the holocausts, which he offered in the house of the Lord: she had no longer any spirit in her,
she saw the food that was served on his table every day; she saw where his officials lived (OR, how his officials were seated at the table), their uniforms, the servants who served the food and wine, and the sacrifices that he took to the temple to be offered. She was extremely amazed.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 10:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 10:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַאֲכַ֣ל
שֻׁלְחָנ֡/וֹ
וּ/מוֹשַׁ֣ב
עֲבָדָי/ו֩
וּ/מַעֲמַ֨ד
משרת/ו
מְשָׁרְתָ֜י/ו
וּ/מַלְבֻּֽשֵׁי/הֶם֙
וּ/מַשְׁקָ֔י/ו
וְ/עֹ֣לָת֔/וֹ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יַעֲלֶ֖ה
בֵּ֣ית
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/לֹא
הָ֥יָה
בָ֛/הּ
ע֖וֹד
רֽוּחַ
וּ/מַאֲכַ֣ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
food
Conj | N-ms
שֻׁלְחָנ֡/וֹ
shulchân
H7979
table
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מוֹשַׁ֣ב
môwshâb
H4186
seat
Conj | N-ms
עֲבָדָי/ו֩
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
וּ/מַעֲמַ֨ד
maʻămâd
H4612
office
Conj | N-ms
משרת/ו
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel | Suff
מְשָׁרְתָ֜י/ו
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel | Suff
וּ/מַלְבֻּֽשֵׁי/הֶם֙
malbûwsh
H4403
garment
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/מַשְׁקָ֔י/ו
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וְ/עֹ֣לָת֔/וֹ
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
Conj | N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יַעֲלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָ֛/הּ
Prep | Suff
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 10:5
וּ/מַאֲכַ֣ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
"food"
Conj | N-ms
This word means food or something to eat, like fruit or meat, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in Genesis. It's about nourishment and survival.
Definition: food, fruit, meat
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: food, fruit, (bake-)meat(-s), victual. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 33:20; Psalms 44:12.
שֻׁלְחָנ֡/וֹ
shulchân
H7979
"table"
N-ms | Suff
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
וּ/מוֹשַׁ֣ב
môwshâb
H4186
"seat"
Conj | N-ms
A seat can refer to a physical place of sitting or a gathering of people, like an assembly. It can also mean a dwelling place or location, and is sometimes used to describe a group of people living together.
Definition: 1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers 1a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly 1b) dwelling place, dwelling 1c) situation, location 1d) time of dwelling 1e) those dwelling, dweller
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: assembly, dwell in, dwelling(-place), wherein (that) dwelt (in), inhabited place, seat, sitting, situation, sojourning. See also: Genesis 10:30; 1 Samuel 20:25; Psalms 1:1.
עֲבָדָי/ו֩
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וּ/מַעֲמַ֨ד
maʻămâd
H4612
"office"
Conj | N-ms
Maamad means an office or position, like a job or function, and can also refer to attendance or service. It is used in the Bible to describe roles and responsibilities. This term appears in several biblical books.
Definition: 1) attendance, office, function, service 1a) station, office, post 1b) office, function 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: attendance, office, place, state. See also: 1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 9:4; Isaiah 22:19.
משרת/ו
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
מְשָׁרְתָ֜י/ו
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
וּ/מַלְבֻּֽשֵׁי/הֶם֙
malbûwsh
H4403
"garment"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to clothing or garments, like the attire people wear. It's used in the Bible to describe what people wore, including special vestments.
Definition: clothing, apparel, vestments, raiment, attire
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: apparel, raiment, vestment. See also: 1 Kings 10:5; Job 27:16; Isaiah 63:3.
וּ/מַשְׁקָ֔י/ו
mashqeh
H4945
"cupbearer"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means to give drink or water, and can also refer to a butler or cupbearer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often describing a well-watered region or a person who serves drinks.
Definition: butler, cup-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: butler(-ship), cupbearer, drink(-ing), fat pasture, watered. See also: Genesis 13:10; Genesis 41:9; Isaiah 32:6.
וְ/עֹ֣לָת֔/וֹ
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַעֲלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָ֛/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 10:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 10:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
- Sermons on 1 Kings 10:5
Context — The Queen of Sheba
3And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.
4When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,
5the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.
6She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. 7But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 26:16 | The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 4:22–23 | Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 16:18 | And on account of the king of Assyria, he removed the Sabbath canopy they had built in the temple and closed the royal entryway outside the house of the LORD. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 44:3 | Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 9:18 | he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 9:4 | the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants and cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. |
| 7 | Joshua 5:1 | Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 46:2 | The prince is to enter from the outside through the portico of the gateway and stand by the gatepost, while the priests sacrifice his burnt offerings and peace offerings. He is to bow in worship at the threshold of the gate and then depart, but the gate must not be shut until evening. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 23:13 | And she looked out and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!” |
1 Kings 10:5 Summary
[This verse shows how the queen of Sheba was amazed by the wisdom and wealth of Solomon's kingdom, which was a gift from God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 29:12. She saw the beautiful food, the order of the servants, and the way the attendants and cupbearers served, and it all left her in awe. This reminds us that when we see God's work in the lives of others, we should be willing to acknowledge and praise Him, as encouraged in Psalms 107:31. By sharing our experiences and gratitude with others, we can reflect God's wisdom and provision, just like Solomon's kingdom did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was it about Solomon's kingdom that left the queen of Sheba in awe?
The queen was amazed by the food, seating, service, and attire of Solomon's attendants, as well as the burnt offerings presented at the house of the Lord, as seen in 1 Kings 10:5, which reflects the wisdom and prosperity given to Solomon by God, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:12.
How does this verse relate to the queen's initial intentions for visiting Solomon?
The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions, as mentioned in 1 Kings 10:1, but she was so impressed by what she saw that she ended up praising him, as seen in 1 Kings 10:6-7, and acknowledging the truth of the reports she had heard about his wisdom.
What can we learn from the queen's reaction to Solomon's kingdom?
The queen's reaction teaches us the importance of being open to learning and experiencing God's wisdom and provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7, and being willing to acknowledge and praise Him when we see His work in the lives of others, as seen in Psalms 107:31.
How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of 1 Kings?
This verse is part of the story of Solomon's reign, highlighting his wisdom and wealth, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to him, as seen in 1 Kings 3:12-13, and demonstrating the international recognition of Israel's king during this period of peace and prosperity, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can reflect God's wisdom and provision, and how can I share these with others?
- How can I, like the queen of Sheba, remain open to learning and experiencing new things, and be willing to praise God when I see His work in the lives of others?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of Solomon's kingdom, such as generosity and hospitality, in my own life and community?
- What are some things that 'take my breath away' in terms of God's work in my life or the lives of those around me, and how can I express my gratitude and praise to Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 10:5
And the meat of his table,.... The various sorts of it, the different dishes, and the multitude of them; see 1 Kings 4:22 and the sitting of his servants; at table, either with him, or at tables by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 10:5
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
The sitting of his servants, i.e. the order and manner in which his courtiers or other subjects (who all were his servants in a general sense) sat down at meals, at several tables in his court. The attendance of his ministers, to wit, upon the king, both at his table, and elsewhere in his court; and when he went abroad to the temple or other places, Their apparel; both the costliness of it:, and especially the conveniency of it to their several places and offices. His ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord from his own palace. See . But the ancients, and some others translate the words thus, and the burnt-offerings which he offered up in the house of the Lord; under which, as the chief, all other sacrifices are understood: when she saw the manner of his offering sacrifices to the Lord, which doubtless she would not neglect to see; and in the ordering of which she might discern really characters of excellent wisdom, especially when she had so excellent an interpreter as Solomon was to inform her of the reasons of all the circumstances of that service. There was no more spirit in her; she was astonished, and rapt up in a kind of ecstasy, and could scarce determine whether she did really see these things, or whether it was not only a pleasant dream.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.Ver. 5. And his ascent.] Called elsewhere the king’ s entry, and the king’ s gate. A costly and stately piece of work, doubtless. See 1 Kings 10:12. There was no more spirit in her.] She was in an ecstacy of deep admiration; like as afterwards was Nicostratus in Aelian, who finding a curious piece of work, and being wondered at by one, and asked what pleasure he could take to stand gazing as he did on the picture, answered, Hadst thou mine eyes, thou wouldst not wonder, but rather be ravished as I am, at the inimitable art of this rare piece.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
(4, 5) And when the queen of Sheba had seen.—There is something curiously inartificial and true to nature in the accumulation of different impressions as made upon the imagination of the queen. First of all comes the primary impression of Solomon’s wisdom, known by his answering all her questions, and “seen” in the various ordinances of his court and his government. Then the magnificence of the palace and all the arrangements of its service are referred to in detail, as especially likely to tell on one whose own splendour was probably of a simpler and more barbaric sort. Lastly, if our translation be correct, the record singles out the ascent or viaduct crossing the valley from the palace to Mount Moriah, and forming the royal entrance into the Temple (see 1 Chronicles 26:16;2 Kings 16:18), evidently a unique and remarkable structure. But it must be noticed that the LXX. and Vulgate and other versions render here, “the burnt offerings, which he offered in the house of the Lord,” and Josephus has the same interpretation. The magnificent scale of his sacrifices is illustrated in 1 Kings 8:63, and it is certainly natural that this point should not be left unmentioned in the description of the wonders of his court. This rendering, therefore, which the Hebrew will well bear, has much probability to recommend it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
Verse 5. The meat of his table] The immense supply of all kinds of food daily necessary for the many thousands which were fed at and from his table. See 1 Kings 4:22-23, and the notes there. And the sitting of his servants] The various orders and distinctions of his officers. The attendance of his ministers] See the account of these and their attendance, 1Kg 4:1, c. And their apparel] The peculiarity of their robes, and their splendour and costliness. And his cup-bearers] The original משקיו mashkaiv may as well be applied to his beverage, or to his drinking utensils, as to his cup-bearers. And his ascent by which he went up] It seems very strange that the steps to the temple should be such a separate matter of astonishment. The original is ועלתו אשר יעלה בית יהוה which all the versions have translated, And the holocausts which he offered in the house of the Lord. The Vulgate, Septuagint, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, all express this sense: so does the German translation of Luther, from which, in this place, we have most pitifully departed: And seine Brandopfer, die er in dem Hause des Herrn opferte "And his burnt-offering which he offered in the house of the Lord." There was no more spirit in her.] She was overpowered with astonishment; she fainted.
I have seen precisely the same effect produced; a lady who was herself an artist, viewing some exquisitely finished oriental paintings, was so struck with astonishment that she twice nearly fainted, and was obliged to leave the room. What happened to the queen of Sheba is a natural and not an uncommon effect which will be produced in a delicate sensible mind at the sight of rare and extraordinary productions of art. Of the profusion of Solomon's sacrifices we have already had proof, 1Kg 8:63; 1Kg 9:25.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 10:5
5. the sitting of his servants] Here ‘servants’ signifies the officers and distinguished persons who were privileged to sit at the king’s table, and were ranged according to rank and in large numbers at the royal banquets. the attendance of his ministers] This refers most probably to those persons who stood to serve the guests. The Hebrew word rendered ‘attendance’ is literally ‘standing.’ See A.V. marg. and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord] This passage is rendered by the light of the parallel place in 2 Chronicles 9:4. There the word εςμιϊε does mean ‘and his ascent’, but here the text gives εςμϊε, which should be rendered ‘and his burnt offering.’ So that the margin of the R.V. (which is also accepted by Luther, Coverdale and the Geneva Bible) is correct for this verse, ‘and his burnt offering which he offered in the house of the Lord.’ If she had been present at a great sacrifice in the Temple it would doubtless have impressed her much. But it is possible that the scribe in one of these verses made a small error, and that they ought both to be the same. In that case we must decide whether it is more probable that after a list such as has gone before, about meat, servants, attendants, cupbearers, &c., there would follow some mention of a part of the building, a covered way or staircase by which the Temple could be reached from the king’s palace, or a description of a solemn act of religious worship. Most people will be inclined to agree that the A.V. and R.V. have exercised a correct judgement in disregarding the text here, and interpreting by the light of the verse in 2 Chron. The R.V. has however added the rendering of the Massoretic text on the margin, which had not been done in A.V. The LXX. here gives ‘the burnt offering,’ τὴνὁλοκαύτωσιν, but its rendering in 2 Chronicles 9:4 is the same τὰὁλοκαυτώματα, where certainly the present Hebrew text should be translated ‘his ascent.’ Apparently the Greek translators regarded the verse before us as the true reading. there was no more spirit in her] Apparently the queen had come with some hope that she might get the better of Solomon, either in her display of queenly splendour, or in the questions which she propounded. What she found was so far in excess of what she had expected, that all thought of comparison of herself with Solomon’s state was gone, and she was lost in admiration.
For the expression cf. Joshua 5:1.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 10:5
And the meat of his table - Compare 1 Kings 4:22-23. The scene here described receives very apt illustration from the Assyrian banquet scenes, where we have numerous guests sitting, dressed
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 10:5
5. Meat of his table — The vast quantity and variety of his provisions.See 1 Kings 4:22-23. The sitting of his servants — Rather, the seats, or dwelling-places, of his servants.
Sermons on 1 Kings 10:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Who Is the King by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma |
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Guilt and Freedom by David Roper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial |