Ver. 1. And when the queen of Sheba.] See on 1 Kings 10:1. Saba forte α σεβομαι, for the plenty of frankincense and sweet odours there.
Ver. 2. And Solomon told her all her questions.] Which were not of those curious and frivolous ones condemned by St Paul: but weighty and necessary, concerning God and his providence, concerning sin, good works, life eternal, &c., questions also political and moral.
Ver. 3. Had seen the wisdom of Solomon.] 1 Kings 10:4.
Ver. 4. And their apparel] 1 Kings 10:5.
Ver. 5. It was a true report.] Praeclare de ipso loquitur. Lipsius conqueritur—an Iustus ipse viderit—desiisse homines non mode laudanda facere, sed laudare. Praise worthy persons are not to be defrauded of their due praises. “If any virtue, if any praise.” (Philippians 4:8) Lib. ii. epist. 70.
Ver. 6. For thou exceedest, &c.] See 1 Kings 10:7.
Ver. 7. Which stand continually before thee.] Those that saw Christ in the flesh had therein a happiness; (Matthew 13:17) how much more such as see him in heaven! See on 1 Kings 10:8.
Ver. 8. To establish them for ever.] She speaketh of the spiritual Israel.
Ver. 9. And she gave the king.] See 1 Kings 9:14.
Ver. 10. And the servants also of Huram.] See 1 Kings 10:11. Brought algum trees.] Not corals, as some would have it, but brazil wood, or rather ebony.
Ver. 12. And king Solomon gave to the queen.] 1 Kings 10:13. Besides that which she had brought unto the king,] i.e., Besides that which he gave her in exchange or requital of her presents, he added many more thereunto, out of his own mere bounty and liberality; even the greatest rarities of his country. Munster’s translation therefore is not to be admitted, Sed non tantum quantum illa attulit regi. Ingenuous spirits love not to lie behind in their courteous retributions.
Ver. 13. Now the weight.] See 1 Kings 10:14.
Ver. 14. See 1 Kings 10:15-17, &c.
Ver. 17. Moreover the king made.] See on 1 Kings 10:18.
Ver. 18. And there were six steps.] Haec omnia fuerunt mystica. All about this throne was mystical and significative.
Ver. 19-23. , &c.] See 1 Kings 10:20-22, &c.
Ver. 25. And Solomon had, &c.] See 1 Kings 10:26.
Ver. 26. And he reigned.] See 1 Kings 4:21.
Ver. 27. That are in the low plains.] That grow in every hedgerow.
Ver. 28. And they brought.] See 1 Kings 10:28.
Ver. 29. Now the rest, &c.] And worst. See 1 Kings 11:41. First and last.] His first were best: of his last this historian saith nothing, but layeth his finger on the scar. In the book of Nathan.] In part of the First Book of Kings, written by these three prophets.