1 Kings 4:31

“For he was wiser than all men, etc.] Not only that lived in his time, but in ages past since the fall of Adam, and in times to come, especially in natural wisdom and knowledge, in all the branches of it; for though some men excel in some part of knowledge, yet not in all, as Solomon did: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; men of the same names are said to be sons of Zerah, grandson of Judah, (<130206>1 Chronicles 2:6); wherefore these are either other men, or their father had two names; or Mahol here may be an appellative, and describe the character of these then, and point at what they were famous for, as that they were sons of music, piping, and…”

“wiser than all men--that is, all his contemporaries, either at home or abroad. than Ethan--or Jeduthun, of the family of Merari (Ch1 6:44). Heman-- (Ch1 15:17-19) --the chief of the temple musicians and the king's seers (Ch1 25:5); the other two are not known. the sons of Mahol--either another name for Zerah (Ch1 2:6); or taking it as a common noun, signifying a dance, a chorus, "the sons of Mahol" signify persons eminently skilled in poetry and music.”

“It is most probable that the persons with whom Solomon is compared were contemporaries, men noted for “wisdom,” though there is no other mention of them. His fame was in all nations - See below, 1 Kings 10:0. return to 'Top of Page'”

“All men - Either of his nation; or, of his time: or, of all times and nations, whether of the east or any other country excepting only the first and second Adam. Ethan, &c. - Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned, Ch1 2:6, Ch1 15:19, Ch1 25:4; Psa 88:1(title,) Psa 89:1(title). Chalcol, &c. - Of whom see Ch1 2:6. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:32”

“4:31 Ethan and Heman were among the musicians appointed by David (see 1 Chr 6:33-47; 15:16-19; Pss 88, 89). • The sons of Mahol were Temple singers, so Heman, Calcol, and Darda may have participated in the worship services (see 1 Chr 15:17, 19-22).”

“wiser: Kg1 3:12; Mat 12:42; Luk 11:31; Col 2:3 Ethan: Ch1 15:19; Psa 89:1 \*title Heman: Ch1 2:6, Ch1 6:33, Ch1 15:17; Psa 88:1 \*title his fame: Kg1 5:7, Kg1 10:1, Kg1 10:6; Ch2 9:23; Mat 4:24 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:32”