1Ki 4:30-31 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 30. The children of the east country ] That is the Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who, with the Egyptians, were famed for wisdom and knowledge through all the world.

‏ 1 Kings 4:30-31

Verse 30. The children of the east country] That is the Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who, with the Egyptians, were famed for wisdom and knowledge through all the world.

Verse 31. He was wiser than all men] He was wiser than any of those who were most celebrated in his time, among whom were the four after mentioned, viz., Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. Ethan was probably the same as is mentioned in some of the Psalms, particularly Ps 89:1, title; and among the singers in 1Ch 6:42. There is a Heman mentioned in the title to Ps 88:1. In 1Ch 2:6 we have all the four names, but they are probably not the same persons, for they are there said to be the sons of Zerah, and he flourished long before Solomon's time.

Some suppose that beney machol should be rendered masters of dancing or music, as machol signifies not only a dance or choir, but also an instrument of music of the pipe kind. Perhaps a reference is here made to Solomon's skill in music and poetry, as he is compared to persons who appear to have been eminent poets and musicians.