Definition: I got [me] servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ecclesiastes 2:7. It’s a bit poetic, but it’s about the things the author, King Solomon, valued most in his life. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: Basically, Solomon is talking about how he prioritized certain things over others. It’s not about how much wealth he had, but rather what he valued the wealth for. Here’s a breakdown of what he’s saying: "I got servants and maidens..." – This means he had people to help him with his duties and responsibilities. He wasn't just living in isolation; he had people to care for him. "...and had servants born in my house..." – This suggests that these servants were likely his closest, most trusted advisors and helpers. They were part of his family and close circle. "Also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:" – This is the key part. He was incredibly wealthy. He owned a huge amount of land and livestock (cows, sheep, etc.) in Jerusalem. He amassed a lot of resources – big and small – throughout the city. So, what does this all mean? The verse suggests that Solomon valued material wealth and possessions above other things like time, wisdom, or even relationships. He believed that accumulating riches was the most important thing for him to focus on. It’s a reflection of his perspective at the time – he saw prosperity as the ultimate goal. Important Note: It's worth noting that this isn’t necessarily a message about greed! It’s more about how Solomon viewed his priorities and what he considered most important in life. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Ecclesiastes 2:7 within the larger story of the book? Discuss why this passage might be interpreted as a reflection on the human desire for wealth?