gathered = amassed. Hebrew. kanas, said to be a later Hebrew word (see App-76.)
the provinces. Hebrew. medinah, from dun = to rule, hence a country. There is no article before "kings", because they constantly change, whereas countries do not change. This is another word which is said to be of later date, but it is found in 1Ki_20:14, 1Ki_20:15, 1Ki_20:17, 1Ki_20:19. Lam_1:1. Eze_19:8. See App-76. Compare note on "event" in Ecc_2:14.
remained. The Divine wisdom given by God (1Ki_3:5-15) had not been taken away. See note at foot of p. 906. This must be remembered in reading this book. Like Luke's "understanding" it came "from above". See note on "very first" (Luk_1:3).