Chalcol is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of wisdom literature. He is noted for his wisdom, which is highlighted in comparison to the renowned wisdom of King Solomon. Chalcol is referenced in 1 Kings 4:31, which states: "For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations."

Genealogy and Historical Context

Chalcol is identified as one of the sons of Mahol. The mention of Mahol and his sons, including Chalcol, suggests a family known for their wisdom and possibly their contributions to the cultural or intellectual life of Israel. The context in which Chalcol is mentioned places him among other wise men of his time, such as Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman, indicating a tradition or school of wisdom that was recognized in ancient Israel.

Wisdom Tradition

The wisdom tradition in Israel was an important aspect of its cultural and religious life. It involved the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and the application of insight to life’s challenges. Figures like Chalcol, along with Ethan, Heman, and Darda, are seen as part of this tradition, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the nation. Their wisdom was likely expressed in various forms, including proverbs, songs, and teachings that were valued by the community.

Comparison to Solomon

The comparison of Chalcol’s wisdom to that of Solomon serves to underscore the extraordinary nature of Solomon’s wisdom. Solomon is renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, a gift from God, as described in 1 Kings 3:12: "Behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you." By stating that Solomon was wiser than Chalcol and his contemporaries, the biblical text emphasizes the divine favor and exceptional intellect bestowed upon Solomon.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The mention of Chalcol and his peers highlights the value placed on wisdom in the biblical narrative. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine gift and a hallmark of righteous and effective leadership. The acknowledgment of wise individuals like Chalcol reflects the broader biblical theme that wisdom is to be sought after and cherished, as it leads to a deeper understanding of God’s will and the proper ordering of life.

Legacy

While Chalcol himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of wise men serves as a testament to the rich tradition of wisdom in ancient Israel. His legacy, along with that of his family, contributes to the understanding of the cultural and intellectual milieu in which the biblical texts were formed. The reverence for wisdom and the acknowledgment of wise individuals like Chalcol continue to inspire those who seek to live according to the principles of biblical wisdom.Chalcol

who nourishes, consumes, and sustains the whole

Chalcol

(1 Kings 4:31) [CALCOL]

CHALCOL

kal'-kol.

See CALCOL.

3633. Kalkol -- an Israelite noted for his wisdom
... noted for his wisdom NASB Word Usage Calcol (2). Calcol, Chalcol. From kuwl; sustenance;
Calcol, an Israelite -- Calcol, Chalcol. see HEBREW kuwl. 3632, 3633 ...
/hebrew/3633.htm - 6k

The Great Gain of Godliness
... all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.31 For he was
wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... himself in wisdom above those who were most eminent among the Hebrews at that time
for shrewdness; those I mean were Ethan, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezralite, and Heman, and Chalcol,
and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about." Yes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol,
and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... The temple was built, not merely by the dictates of Solomon, though he was wiser
than Ethen, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, and all men (1 Kings 4:31). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Chalcol (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHALCOL. kal'-kol. See CALCOL.
Multi-Version Concordance Chalcol (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:31 ...
/c/chalcol.htm - 6k

Chaldaea (9 Occurrences)

/c/chaldaea.htm - 9k

Mahol (1 Occurrence)
... Solomon (1 Kings 4:31). Their names were Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, Darda.
Multi-Version Concordance Mahol (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:31 ...
/m/mahol.htm - 7k

Chalcedony (1 Occurrence)

/c/chalcedony.htm - 8k

Calcol (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (1 Chronicles 2:6), sustenance, the same probably as Chalcol
(1 Kings 4:31), one of the four sages whom Solomon excelled in wisdom ...
/c/calcol.htm - 7k

Surrounding (78 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,
and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the ...
/s/surrounding.htm - 30k

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