מלכים א, פרק י׳, פסוק כ״ד

Solomon's extraordinary wisdom transformed him into a magnet for the entire world. People were not satisfied with merely hearing rumors of his brilliance; they felt a deep, intense yearning to see the king in person [מצודת דוד]. To satisfy this desire, crowds undertook long journeys to witness his intellect up close. This global phenomenon was heavily driven by the extensive, long-distance trade networks that the king had successfully developed [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond the spiritual perfection Solomon achieved, his wisdom served as a highly practical tool for generating immense wealth [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. As people from all nations flocked to Jerusalem to hear him speak, they brought valuable gifts and offerings year after year. The constant presence of international crowds enriched the royal treasury, but the financial benefits also flowed into the streets. The residents of Jerusalem prospered greatly, making a comfortable living by selling food and supplies to the endless stream of visitors who arrived at their city [אברבנאל].