Literally, “number,” or “tale,” from the root saphar, “to recount,” “to count,” “to relate,” “to measure.” The noun sepher, “book,” is from the same root.

 Heb. ’adam, the generic term that includes both men and women (see on Gen. 1:26; 3:17; Num. 24:3).

Here Solomon explicitly states his objective. No one required him to pursue so risky and unwise a course; God could not commend him for doing it.

Perhaps, in this connection, “that which may lead to sin,” without actually being sinful in itself. The meaning seems to be that Solomon sought these experiences to get the most out of them, with a view to learning by experience what satisfaction they had to offer, but without allowing them to master him.

 Literally, “guiding.” The same verb is translated variously as “lead” or “guide” (Deut. 4:27; 28:37; Ps. 48:14; 78:52; Isa. 49:10). According to the implied metaphor, Solomon intended that his better judgment should hold the lines of appetite and passion in control and in the path of moderation. In other words, as he entered upon the experiment (see on v. 1), he purposed not to abandon good sense completely and go to excess. This, of course, is the intention of most people who yield to sensory pleasures. But the idea that it is possible to use moderately things inherently wrong, is a fatal deception.

 Rather, “to refresh my body with wine.” The word translated “to give” means literally “to draw” (see Deut. 21:3; Ps. 28:3; Hosea 11:4).

 “Myself,” Heb. beśari, literally, “my flesh,” that is the physical nature, the body. “Wine,” Heb. yayin (see on Gen. 9:21; Num. 28:7). This word is used to describe the “drink offering” in the sanctuary service and in heathen rites (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 23:13; Num. 15:5, 7, 10; 28:14). Solomon is saying then, “I drew [or, stimulated] my body with intoxicating drink,” as if the body were a vehicle drawn by a horse under the figure of wine.