Bible Commentaries

1 Kings 4:29

Consider:—

I. What is comprehended in "largeness of heart." By the term "heart" in the text, we are to understand the entire man, the whole round of the intellectual and moral powers, and the gift of largeness of heart seems to imply that he had conferred on him a breadth of view, of feeling, and or sympathy adapted to the circumstances in which he was placed. "Largeness of heart" in a spiritual and evangelical sense has an analogous meaning; it is, in fact, that "that mind may be in us which was also in Christ Jesus."

This heart will be (1) well furnished; (2) magnanimous; (3) enterprising.

II. This gift of "largeness of heart" is expressly stated to be a gift of Divine bestowment. And it behoves us to remember that this, like all our other blessings, comes from the Giver of every "good and perfect gift." But God gives it on certain terms, and the conditions of evangelical large-heartedness are in large measure the conditions of physical health. (1) It must have pure air. (2) It must have suitable food. (3) It will need healthful exercise. (4) There must be discipline.

III. We must all have this "largeness of heart" if our religion is to be worth anything, either for this world or for that which is to come. Breathing in healthful air, nourished by the Divine word, hardy with the exercise and discipline of life, go up to the mountain and ask it of God in prayer. "We will run the way of Thy commandments when Thou shalt enlarge our heart."

W. Morley Punshon, Sermons, 2nd series, p. 172.

References: 1 Kings 4:29.—H. Macmillan, Two Worlds are Ours, p. 30. 1 Kings 4:32, 1 Kings 4:33.—J. S. Howson, Good Words, 1875, p. 211. 1 Kings 4:33.—Homiletic Quarterly, vol. iv., p. 80. 1Ki 4—Parker, vol. vii., p. 280. 1 Kings 5:4, 1 Kings 5:5.—M. Nicholson, Communion with Heaven, p. 18. 1Ki 5—Parker, vol. vii., p. 289.