פירוש על מלכים א 5:12

Three thousand parables. Three parabolical studies [=אלפים]. It is written three times, “the proverbs of Shlomo,” in the book of Mishlei.

And his songs numbered [one thousand and] five. The above three, and Shir Hashirim and Koheles.

One thousand. Each on its own is worthy of studying [=ואלף]. The Midrash Aggadah [states that Shlomo’s wisdom] enabled him to say three thousand allegories for each verse, and for each of the allegories [he was able to say] one thousand and five reasons.⁸See Maseches Eruvin 21b.