1)

What is "v'Chol Asher Sha'alu Einai"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: Everything that my gaze was drawn to and desired it.

2.

Seforno: Everything that the eyes of my intellect wanted to grow wise in, even if it is not a Divine investigation [I did not withhold it] - "va'Ydaber Al ha'Etzim? va'Ydaber Al ha'Behemah" (Melachim I, 5:13).

3.

Metzudas David: It is my heart's desires; it desires only what the eyes see.

2)

What is the meaning of "Lo Atzalti"?

1.

Rashi: I did not distance. Similarly, "va'Yatzel Min ha'Ru'ach? va'Yiten Al? ha'Zekenim" (Bamidbar 11:25) - like a lamp used to light many lamps, and it does not lose any of its light (Sifri Bamidbar 93).

2.

Ibn Ezra: It is like Etzel (Bereishis 41:3; at) - I took from what is by it.

3.

Rashbam: I did not raise myself above them 1 [and refrain from them]. I did every matter of importance that I saw.

4.

Ri Kara: I did not refrain from them.


1

Magihah (in Toras Chayim): Atzalti it is an expression of grandeur, like "v'El Atzilei Bnei Yisrael" (Shemos 24:11)

3)

What is "mi'Kol Simchah"?

1.

Seforno: It is spiritual Simchah via attaining knowledge that I desired.

2.

Metzudas David: Every matter that makes one rejoice.

4)

What is the significance of "Ki Libi Some'ach mi'Kol Amali"?

1.

Seforno: My intellect had added Simchah due to my efforts to grow wise - the opposite of one who exerts with his physical powers; they weary, and he is pained.

2.

Metzudas David: Even though there is some sadness due to the toil, I did not refrain, due to the Simchah that my heart would receive from them, which was much greater.

5)

What was "Chelki mi'Kol Amali"?

1.

Rashi citing Gitin 68b #1: After he was cast off (refer to 1:12:1:2), he was left with only his staff.

2.

Rashi citing Gitin 68b #2: After he was cast off (refer to 1:12:1:2), he was left with only his earthenware cup, to drink from it 1 .

3.

Ibn Ezra, Ri Kara: I rejoiced; this was my only reward for my toil 2 .

4.

Rid: It was only the little benefit that my body received.

5.

Seforno: What I understood, it was only my portion; no one else had a share in it - unlike what I toiled for things that perish. Also others have them 3 !

6.

Metzudas David: I had only the Simchah, and I cast off the sadness from the toil needed to attain it (I was not concerned for it).


1

Rashi (68b): Alternatively, it was his cloak.

2

Magihah (in Toras Chayim): "Zeh" (masculine) refers to Libi (which had Simchah).

3

I do not understand this. Also others grew wise, just not as much as Shlomo. Similarly in acquisitions that perish, Shlomo had more than anyone else! (PF)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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