Ecclesiastes 2:8

Silver and gold. On Solomon’s wealth in precious metals and in utensils of gold and silver, see 1 Kings 9:28; 10:14-27; 2 Chron. 1:15; 9:20-27. The tribute demanded of Hezekiah by the king of Assyria was paid in part from the king’s treasury (2 Kings 18:14-16). Hezekiah also exhibited his hoard of wealth to the representatives of the Babylonian monarch (2 Kings 20:13).

Peculiar treasure. Literally, “possessions.” This is probably a reference to the tribute and taxes of various kinds that Solomon levied. The word translated “peculiar treasure” is also applied by God to His people (Ex. 19:5; Ps. 135:4; cf. Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Mal. 3:17, “my jewels”).

Of the provinces. The definite article probably implies that this phrase should read, “and their provinces.” If so, it refers to tribute levied on subject rulers and their peoples (see 1 Kings 4:21, 24; 10:15).

I gat me. Literally, “I made for myself.” Here the verb may be understood as meaning “acquired,” “appointed,” or “instituted.” In Gen. 12:5 it is translated “gotten.”

Singers. Solomon must have done considerable entertaining, including the receiving of visitors from many countries. This would necessitate a large corps of professional entertainers (see 2 Sam. 19:35; Amos 6:5).

Musical instruments. Heb. shiddah weshiddoth, generally thought to mean “many concubines,” literally, “a concubine and concubines.” Shiddah is of uncertain derivation, but possibly from the verb “to despoil,” in reference to the taking of the women of a defeated people. Again, it may be from a verb equivalent to the Arabic “to moisten,” from which the Hebrews derived a word meaning the female breast. The LXX suggests “cupbearers, male and female.” Perhaps Solomon is saying, “I gat me ... the delights of the sons of men, a wife [literally, “a breast”] and wives [literally, “breasts”], which of course, Solomon did. According to this explanation shiddah weshiddoth would be comparable to racham rachamathayim, “a damsel or two,” literally, “a womb or two” (Judges 5:30).

And that of all sorts. These words are supplied by the translators.