20 Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
20 The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.
20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy.
20 Judah and Israel were densely populated - like sand on an ocean beach! All their needs were met; they ate and drank and were happy.
20 Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing.
20 The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 4:20
Commentary on 1 Kings 4:20-28
(Read 1 Kings 4:20-28)
Never did the crown of Israel shine so bright, as when Solomon wore it. He had peace on all sides. Herein, his kingdom was a type of the Messiah's; for to Him it is promised that he shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and that princes shall worship him. The spiritual peace, and joy, and holy security, of all the faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus, were typified by that of Israel. The kingdom of God is not, as Solomon's was, meat and drink, but, what is infinitely better, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The vast number of his attendants, and the great resort to him, are shown by the provision daily made. Herein Christ far outdoes Solomon, that he feeds all his subjects, not with the bread that perishes, but with that which endures to eternal life.