Kohelet, the book of Ecclesiastes, gives us a glimpse. In chapter 2, verse 7, it says, "I purchased myself slaves and maidservants and I had stewards. I also had great possession of herds and flocks, beyond all who preceded me in Jerusalem." Now, that’s quite a statement, isn't it? But what does it mean?
The Rabbis, in their commentaries on Kohelet, known as Kohelet Rabbah, dig into those details. When Solomon says "I purchased myself slaves and maidservants," it’s reminiscent of the passage in Nehemiah (7:60) that tallies up "All the Netinim," temple servants, "and the children of Solomon’s slaves," totaling three hundred and ninety-two. It paints a picture of a vast household, a kingdom bustling with people dedicated to its functioning.
And what about "stewards"? Well, 1 Kings 5:7 tells us that "Those officials provided for King [Solomon]…they lacked nothing." But what does that mean, "they lacked nothing?"
Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina offers a truly fascinating detail. He says that Solomon’s table never lacked anything. Not even a rose in the summer, or cucumbers in the rainy season! They tasted them throughout the year. Imagine that! This isn’t just about abundance; it’s about having access to anything you could desire, whenever you desire it. It speaks to Solomon’s ability to command resources from all corners of his kingdom—and perhaps beyond.
Then there’s the line, "I also had great possession of herds and flocks." And then the verse from 1 Kings 5:3 mentions "fattened fowl" – barburim. What are these mysterious barburim?
One explanation is that these were special species of fowl, grown in cages – birberayya. Like, think of the most pampered poultry you can imagine! But Rabbi Berekhya, citing Rabbi Yehuda, offers an even more intriguing idea. He describes it as a large, outstanding, exceptional bird that would ascend and perch on Solomon's table every single day. And where did this bird come from? Barbary! Each day, it would fly in from Barbary. A bird flying in daily from Barbary – which roughly corresponds to parts of North Africa today – to grace the table of King Solomon. It’s a symbol. A symbol of the reach of his power, the extent of his wealth, the connections he had across the known world. This bird, this daily miracle, highlights the sheer opulence and global influence of Solomon's reign.
So, when we read about Solomon’s wisdom, let's not forget the roses in winter, the pampered fowl, and the bird that flies in from afar. These details, preserved in texts like Kohelet Rabbah, bring the legendary king to life, and remind us that even the most extraordinary lives are built on the seemingly ordinary details of daily existence. And maybe, just maybe, that's where we can find the most profound lessons. What kind of "roses" do we seek out of season? What kind of "birds" grace our tables? What do those choices say about us?