Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 4:33

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Kings 4:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Kings 4:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And he spake of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall; he spake also of beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of fishes." — 1 Kings 4:33 (ASV)

Trees ... - A keen appreciation of the beauties of nature and a habit of minute observation are apparent in the writings of Solomon that remain to us. The writer here means to say that Solomon composed special works on these subjects. The Lebanon cedars were the most magnificent of all the trees known to the Hebrews and, hence, represent in the Old Testament the grandest of vegetable productions (Psalms 104:16; Song of Solomon 5:15; Ezekiel 31:3; etc.). For the hyssop, see the note on Exodus 12:22.

Of beasts, and of fowls, and of creeping things, and of fishes - This is the usual Biblical division of the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 9:2; Psalms 148:10).