Definition: For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 4:31. It’s a really significant passage about King David's wisdom and influence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that David was incredibly smart and wise – way beyond anyone else in the whole world at the time. He wasn't just good, he was better than everyone else, and his intelligence spread far and wide. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For he was wiser than all men…” - This immediately establishes David as being exceptionally intelligent. It sets him up as a leader who possessed a high level of understanding. “…than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol:” – These are three prominent leaders from a particular tribe in ancient Israel. “The sons of Mahol” refers to a specific group of people. This highlights that David wasn’t just wise; he was superior to these other rulers. “…and his fame was in all nations round about.” - This is the really important part! "Fame" means reputation, recognition, and influence. “In all nations around” means his wisdom and accomplishments were known and recognized throughout the entire world – not just within Israel, but across many other cultures and kingdoms. What does this tell us about David? He was a leader with a broad perspective: He wasn’t just focused on one thing; he understood things that others didn't. He was influential: His wisdom and reputation made him a powerful figure, capable of shaping events and influencing people far away. It’s about God’s choice: The verse is often interpreted as a sign that God chose David to be the leader of Israel. He wasn't just smart; he was God’s chosen to lead. In short, this verse describes David as having an extraordinary level of intelligence and influence that spread far beyond his own people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Provide a little more context about the time period?