So king Solomon was king over all Israel.
And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend:
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:
The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth–shemesh, and Elon–beth–hanan:
The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:
The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth–shean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth–shean to Abel–meholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
The son of Geber, in Ramoth–gilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:
Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:
Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:
Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.
Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
And Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,
Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, all the days of Solomon.
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon’s table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
I Kings 4 reveals the multifaceted blessings God bestowed upon Solomon, solidifying his reign as a golden age for Israel. The chapter highlights Solomon's wisdom, administrative prowess, vast kingdom, and the resulting peace and prosperity enjoyed by his people. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and using even the resources of unbelievers for His kingdom purposes.
Solomon's Efficient Administration (I Kings 4:1-19)
Solomon's wisdom wasn't just theoretical; it manifested practically in the way he organized his kingdom. He understood the importance of delegation and appointed capable officials to manage various aspects of the government. I Kings 4:1-6 lists key figures like Azariah the son of Zadok, who served as the priest, Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, who were secretaries, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, was over the army, Azariah the son of Nathan, was over the officers, Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer and the king’s friend, Ahishar was over the household, and Adoniram the son of Abda, was over the tribute. The secretaries, a position comparable to a modern-day secretary of state, were responsible for preparing official documents crucial to the administration of Solomon's kingdom. The court historian meticulously recorded the daily activities of the court, providing a valuable historical record. The presence of priests and a commander of the army further highlights the comprehensive nature of Solomon's administration. This well-structured system ensured order and efficiency throughout the kingdom.
To further streamline governance, Solomon divided the nation into twelve administrative districts, each with a deputy responsible for providing food for the king and his household for one month each year (I Kings 4:7). This system ensured a consistent and reliable supply of provisions for the royal court, demonstrating Solomon's organizational skills and attention to detail. The burden on each deputy must have been significant, yet they fulfilled their responsibilities diligently (I Kings 4:27).
Kingdom Expansion and Tribute (I Kings 4:20-21)
The population of Judah and Israel flourished under Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's promise in Genesis 22:17 to multiply Abraham's descendants. Solomon's kingdom extended far and wide, and he exacted tribute from the nations under his rule (I Kings 4:21). This serves as a powerful reminder that God can use the resources of even unbelievers to further His kingdom purposes. Solomon's dominion stretched "from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt" (I Kings 4:21), showcasing the vastness of his influence and the respect he commanded.
Royal Provisions and National Security (I Kings 4:22-28)
The sheer volume of provisions required to sustain Solomon's court was staggering (I Kings 4:22-24, 27). These included "thirty kors of fine flour and sixty kors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed oxen, a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and choice fowl" (I Kings 4:22-23). The twelve district deputies faced a monumental task in supplying this immense quantity of food each month (I Kings 4:27; see I Kings 4:7). Despite the challenges, they "neglected nothing" (I Kings 4:27), demonstrating their dedication to serving the king and ensuring the smooth functioning of the kingdom. As a result, "Judah and Israel lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba, all during Solomon’s reign" (I Kings 4:25). This idyllic image of peace and security underscores the blessings of God's favor upon Solomon and his people.
Solomon's Unparalleled Wisdom (I Kings 4:29-34)
God blessed Solomon with unsurpassed wisdom, making him a true "Renaissance man" (I Kings 4:29). He excelled in various fields, including authorship (proverbs), music (songs), botany, and zoology (I Kings 4:32-33). His three thousand proverbs and 1,005 songs testify to his remarkable intellectual and artistic abilities. His knowledge of plants "from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls" and animals, birds, reptiles, and fish (I Kings 4:33) highlights the breadth and depth of his understanding of the natural world.
Solomon's wisdom far surpassed that of the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt (I Kings 4:30), regions renowned for their intellectual traditions. The author emphasizes that there was no comparison: Solomon was simply wiser than anyone. His reputation spread far and wide, attracting emissaries from every kingdom on earth who sought to learn from his wisdom (I Kings 4:31, 34). Kings sent their representatives to listen to Solomon's wisdom, demonstrating the profound impact of his God-given intellect on the world. The kingdom of God, through Solomon, was blessing the kingdoms of the world.
A Note on Solomon's Ancestry
It's worth noting Solomon's diverse ancestry. He was the son of David and Bathsheba, a woman of Hamitic descent. Bathsheba's name literally means "daughter of Sheba," and Sheba is identified in the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10:7) as being in the line of Ham, from an African nation. Therefore, Solomon's heritage includes African roots. This, along with the inclusion of women like Rahab and Ruth in his lineage (see commentary on 1 Samuel 16:13), highlights God's inclusive nature and the richness of biblical history. Solomon stands as an example of achievement and a testament to the diverse tapestry of God's people.
So king Solomon was king over all Israel.
And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend:
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:
The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth–shemesh, and Elon–beth–hanan:
The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:
The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth–shean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth–shean to Abel–meholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
The son of Geber, in Ramoth–gilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:
Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:
Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:
Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:
Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.
Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
And Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,
Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, all the days of Solomon.
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon’s table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
I Kings 4 reveals the multifaceted blessings God bestowed upon Solomon, solidifying his reign as a golden age for Israel. The chapter highlights Solomon's wisdom, administrative prowess, vast kingdom, and the resulting peace and prosperity enjoyed by his people. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and using even the resources of unbelievers for His kingdom purposes.
Solomon's Efficient Administration (I Kings 4:1-19)
Solomon's wisdom wasn't just theoretical; it manifested practically in the way he organized his kingdom. He understood the importance of delegation and appointed capable officials to manage various aspects of the government. I Kings 4:1-6 lists key figures like Azariah the son of Zadok, who served as the priest, Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, who were secretaries, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, was over the army, Azariah the son of Nathan, was over the officers, Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer and the king’s friend, Ahishar was over the household, and Adoniram the son of Abda, was over the tribute. The secretaries, a position comparable to a modern-day secretary of state, were responsible for preparing official documents crucial to the administration of Solomon's kingdom. The court historian meticulously recorded the daily activities of the court, providing a valuable historical record. The presence of priests and a commander of the army further highlights the comprehensive nature of Solomon's administration. This well-structured system ensured order and efficiency throughout the kingdom.
To further streamline governance, Solomon divided the nation into twelve administrative districts, each with a deputy responsible for providing food for the king and his household for one month each year (I Kings 4:7). This system ensured a consistent and reliable supply of provisions for the royal court, demonstrating Solomon's organizational skills and attention to detail. The burden on each deputy must have been significant, yet they fulfilled their responsibilities diligently (I Kings 4:27).
Kingdom Expansion and Tribute (I Kings 4:20-21)
The population of Judah and Israel flourished under Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's promise in Genesis 22:17 to multiply Abraham's descendants. Solomon's kingdom extended far and wide, and he exacted tribute from the nations under his rule (I Kings 4:21). This serves as a powerful reminder that God can use the resources of even unbelievers to further His kingdom purposes. Solomon's dominion stretched "from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt" (I Kings 4:21), showcasing the vastness of his influence and the respect he commanded.
Royal Provisions and National Security (I Kings 4:22-28)
The sheer volume of provisions required to sustain Solomon's court was staggering (I Kings 4:22-24, 27). These included "thirty kors of fine flour and sixty kors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed oxen, a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and choice fowl" (I Kings 4:22-23). The twelve district deputies faced a monumental task in supplying this immense quantity of food each month (I Kings 4:27; see I Kings 4:7). Despite the challenges, they "neglected nothing" (I Kings 4:27), demonstrating their dedication to serving the king and ensuring the smooth functioning of the kingdom. As a result, "Judah and Israel lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba, all during Solomon’s reign" (I Kings 4:25). This idyllic image of peace and security underscores the blessings of God's favor upon Solomon and his people.
Solomon's Unparalleled Wisdom (I Kings 4:29-34)
God blessed Solomon with unsurpassed wisdom, making him a true "Renaissance man" (I Kings 4:29). He excelled in various fields, including authorship (proverbs), music (songs), botany, and zoology (I Kings 4:32-33). His three thousand proverbs and 1,005 songs testify to his remarkable intellectual and artistic abilities. His knowledge of plants "from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls" and animals, birds, reptiles, and fish (I Kings 4:33) highlights the breadth and depth of his understanding of the natural world.
Solomon's wisdom far surpassed that of the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt (I Kings 4:30), regions renowned for their intellectual traditions. The author emphasizes that there was no comparison: Solomon was simply wiser than anyone. His reputation spread far and wide, attracting emissaries from every kingdom on earth who sought to learn from his wisdom (I Kings 4:31, 34). Kings sent their representatives to listen to Solomon's wisdom, demonstrating the profound impact of his God-given intellect on the world. The kingdom of God, through Solomon, was blessing the kingdoms of the world.
A Note on Solomon's Ancestry
It's worth noting Solomon's diverse ancestry. He was the son of David and Bathsheba, a woman of Hamitic descent. Bathsheba's name literally means "daughter of Sheba," and Sheba is identified in the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10:7) as being in the line of Ham, from an African nation. Therefore, Solomon's heritage includes African roots. This, along with the inclusion of women like Rahab and Ruth in his lineage (see commentary on 1 Samuel 16:13), highlights God's inclusive nature and the richness of biblical history. Solomon stands as an example of achievement and a testament to the diverse tapestry of God's people.