1 Kings 4

This chapter outlines the structure of King Solomon's kingdom and administration. It provides details about his officials, the extent of his rule, and his extraordinary wisdom. Solomon's reign is marked by prosperity, peace, and vast influence, making Israel a dominant force in the region.

1 Kings 4:1-5 (NKJV)
1 So King Solomon was king over all Israel.
2 And these were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;
3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder;
4 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, over the army; Zadok and Abiathar, the priests;
5 Azariah the son of Nathan, over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest and the king’s friend;

Solomon’s officials were carefully chosen and represent the organized structure of his government. Azariah, son of Zadok, served as priest, while Elihoreph and Ahijah acted as scribes, maintaining records and communications. Jehoshaphat was a recorder, possibly in charge of historical records, and Benaiah, a known military leader, continued over the army. Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, played significant religious roles, though Abiathar’s role was likely diminished after his support for Adonijah's failed claim to the throne. Solomon’s reign shows a mix of political, military, and religious leadership working cohesively.

1 Kings 4:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Ahishar, over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda, over the labor force.
7 And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month of the year.
8 These are their names: Ben-Hur, in the mountains of Ephraim;
9 Ben-Deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;

Ahishar was tasked with managing the royal household, ensuring its efficiency, while Adoniram oversaw the labor force, which likely included both voluntary and conscripted labor. Solomon also established twelve governors, each responsible for supplying food to the royal court for one month per year. This system ensured a steady supply of resources without overwhelming any one region. The mention of specific individuals and regions underscores the administrative reach and organization within Israel, with each governor managing specific areas, showing how well-structured Solomon’s reign was.

1 Kings 4:10-15 (NKJV)
10 Ben-Hesed, in Arubboth; to him belonged Sochoh and all the land of Hepher;
11 Ben-Abinadab, in all the regions of Dor; he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as wife;
12 Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth Shean, which is beside Zaretan below Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as the other side of Jokneam;
13 Ben-Geber, in Ramoth Gilead; to him belonged the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, in Gilead; to him also belonged the region of Argob in Bashan—sixty large cities with walls and bronze gate-bars;
14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim;
15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali; he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon as wife;

This section continues listing the governors and their areas of control. Ben-Abinadab, in particular, was married to Solomon’s daughter, reflecting how marriage alliances solidified political relationships. The regions these governors controlled were vital parts of Israel’s territory. For instance, Baana’s jurisdiction over key cities like Megiddo and Beth Shean indicates his importance in managing trade routes. Ben-Geber’s region, Ramoth Gilead, and the cities of Jair show the geographical diversity of Solomon’s reign, extending even to areas east of the Jordan River.

1 Kings 4:16-19 (NKJV)
16 Baanah the son of Hushai, in Asher and Aloth;
17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;
18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin;
19 Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan. He was the only governor who was in the land.

These verses list the final governors, managing regions across northern and eastern Israel. Geber, in Gilead, stands out, as he was responsible for a vast region previously ruled by Amorite kings, demonstrating Israel’s expansion and control over conquered lands. Solomon’s reign was not only centralized around Jerusalem but extended to various regions, including those across the Jordan River. These diverse governors ensured the smooth running of Solomon’s administration throughout the nation.

1 Kings 4:20 (NKJV)
20 Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing.

Under Solomon's reign, the nation of Israel enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and peace. This verse captures the flourishing of the population, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants being as numerous as the sand by the sea. The people were not only numerous but also living in abundance, enjoying the blessings of a peaceful and prosperous era under Solomon’s wisdom.

1 Kings 4:21-25 (NKJV)
21 So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 Now Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty kors of fine flour, sixty kors of meal,
23 ten fatted oxen, twenty oxen from the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted fowl.
24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace on every side all around him.
25 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

These verses highlight the vast extent of Solomon’s dominion, stretching from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt. The daily provision for Solomon’s household shows the immense wealth of his reign, as well as the size of his court. Solomon's peace and prosperity were unmatched, allowing every man in Israel to dwell safely “under his vine and his fig tree,” a phrase symbolizing a peaceful and prosperous life. This time was one of security and well-being, further showing how Solomon’s wisdom brought peace to the entire nation.

1 Kings 4:26-28 (NKJV)
26 Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
27 And these governors, each man in his month, provided food for King Solomon and for all who came to King Solomon’s table. There was no lack in their supply.
28 They also brought barley and straw to the proper place, for the horses and steeds, each man according to his charge.

Solomon’s military strength is evidenced by his large number of horses and chariots, indicating that while his reign was peaceful, he maintained a strong defense. His well-organized governors ensured that the needs of the royal household and military were met without any shortages. The supply chain for food, barley, and straw highlights the efficiency and orderliness of Solomon’s administration, ensuring that both people and animals were well provided for in his vast kingdom.

1 Kings 4:29-31 (NKJV)
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.
30 Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.
31 For he was wiser than all men—than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon was unparalleled. His wisdom surpassed not only the renowned sages of the East but also the Egyptians, who were famous for their learning. Solomon's wisdom was not just intellectual but also marked by compassion and an expansive heart. His fame spread far and wide, making him the most celebrated figure of his time. The mention of other wise men like Ethan and Heman highlights how Solomon’s wisdom was considered superior even to those revered for their knowledge.

1 Kings 4:32-34 (NKJV)
32 He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five.
33 Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish.
34 And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

Solomon’s wisdom was diverse, extending to proverbs, songs, and natural history. His proverbs provided practical advice on life, and his songs reflected his artistic ability. Solomon also had deep knowledge of nature, from the tallest trees to the smallest plants, and of the animal kingdom.