Proverbs 9:1

1. Wisdom חכמות , hhokmoth, literally, wisdoms, the plural of excellency, according to the Hebrew manner, (comp. Proverbs 1:20,) but the verbs and pronouns connected with it are in the singular, as usual, showing that, though the form is plural, the sense is singular.

Hath builded her house Compare Proverbs 14:1. Palace, rather than temple, in which she resides like a queen in royal state, carrying out the idea suggested in Proverbs 8:34.

Seven pillars Seven is probably used here, as often, as the mystical or complete number. The sentiment is that of the stability and beauty of the building.

Many, both among the ancients and moderns, fond of running out the allegory in every particular, have found in this “house” and its “seven pillars” a subject for the exercise of their ingenuity. But some, not satisfied with such general idea, have conjectured that the seven pillars were seven schools of the prophets then in existence: while others, again, considering Wisdom as identical with the Logos of the New Testament, have supposed that the building typified the Church, which is called God’s house, (1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:3-4,) in which the prophets, apostles, and ministers are pillars, (Galatians 2:9,) and in which a feast of fat things is provided for all that will partake of it. Isaiah 25:6; and the parable, Matthew 22:14; Luke 14:16-24. This much may be said concerning this application, that the principles involved are the same in both cases; and if these expositions are only used in an illustrative way, no great harm is done. But, inasmuch as they are altogether conjectural, they have no logical force when used dogmatically in support of any particular doctrine.

Miller, who spiritualizes every thing, gives us on Proverbs 9:2-3 a fair specimen of this allegorizing: “‘She has killed her’ killing; namely, Christ. ‘She has mingled her wine;’ namely, his atoning blood. She has, in every respect, a banquet, just as the strange woman offers her banquet. ‘She has spread her table;’ Christ and his cross not being efficient unless administered to men, she has established Churches and ordinances as the mere dishes and seats of the expected banquet. ‘She has sent forth her maidens;’ namely, sermons and providential strokes; the whole heraldry of the doctrine of salvation.”