Solomon’s Princes 1So King Solomon ruled over Israel, 2and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; 3Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha,a were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 4Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 5Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; 6Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniramb son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. Solomon’s Twelve Officers 7Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, 8and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; 9Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; 10Ben-hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him); 11Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dorc (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife); 12Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam; 13Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 14Ahinadab son of Iddo in Mahanaim; 15Ahimaaz in Naphtali (he had married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon); 16Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth; 17Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar; 18Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin; 19Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah.d Solomon’s Prosperity 20The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. 21And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphratese to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 22Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour,f sixty cors of meal,g 23ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. 24For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphratesh —over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides. 25Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. 26Solomon had 4,000i stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses.j 27Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking. 28Each one also brought to the required place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses. Solomon’s Wisdom 29And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. 30Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. 32Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. Footnotes: 3 a Shisha is also called Seraiah, Sheva, and Shavsha; see 2 Samuel 8:17, 2 Samuel 20:25, and 1 Chronicles 18:16. 6 b Adoniram is a variant of Adoram and Hadoram; see 2 Samuel 20:24 and 2 Chronicles 10:18. 11 c Or in all the heights of Dor; Naphath-dor is a variant of Naphoth-dor; see Joshua 11:2. 19 d Some LXX manuscripts; Hebrew And he was the one governor in the land. 21 e Hebrew the River; also in verse 24 22 f 30 cors is approximately 187 bushels or 6,600 liters (probably about 5.5 tons or 5 metric tons of flour). 22 g 60 cors is approximately 375 bushels or 13,200 liters (probably about 11 tons or 10 metric tons of meal). 24 h Or beyond the River 26 i Some LXX manuscripts (see also 2 Chronicles 9:25); Hebrew 40,000 26 j Or horsemen or charioteers Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Kings 4 Summary Solomon's ProsperityVerses 1–6 – Solomon’s Cabinet Forms Verses 7–19 – Twelve District Governors Verses 20–21 – Prosperity and Dominion Verses 22–23 – Daily Provisions of the Palace Verses 24–25 – Peace and Security Verses 26–28 – Logistics of Supply Verses 29–34 – Unmatched Wisdom 1 Kings Chapter 4 introduces us to a time of prosperity and abundance in the reign of King Solomon. This chapter portrays a well-organized and thriving kingdom, centered around the wisdom and administrative capabilities of Solomon. It gives us an insight into the extensive scale of Solomon's rule, his officials, the prosperity his reign brought to Israel, and the divine wisdom he was blessed with. Historical Setting Solomon’s fourth decade of reign (c. 971–931 BC) opens Israel’s golden age. The united kingdom borders Egypt in the south and reaches to the Euphrates in the north—territory promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18). Archaeological strata from Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer show large administrative complexes dating to the 10th century BC that align with the Bible’s picture of an expansive bureaucracy. Solomon’s Administrative Structure • Priestly oversight: Azariah son of Zadok embodies continuity with David’s priestly line, anchoring worship at the temple soon to be built. • Dual secretaries: Elihoreph and Ahijah handle royal correspondence, a growing necessity in an empire of vassal states. Cuneiform tablets and ostraca from later centuries mirror this scribal role. • Recorder: Jehoshaphat keeps royal chronicles—1 & 2 Kings repeatedly cite “the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.” • Military: Benaiah protects national security, later leading the elite Cherethites and Pelethites (1 Kings 1:38). • Chief of governors: Azariah son of Nathan bridges prophetic insight (his father Nathan) and political management. • Royal friend: Zabud influences policy from a trusted advisory position, foreshadowing “the friend of the bridegroom” imagery Jesus uses in John 3:29. • Palace manager & forced-labor overseer: Ahishar and Adoniram model the delegated authority Paul alludes to in Romans 13:1. The Twelve Districts and Their Geography 1. Hill country of Ephraim (Ben-Hur) 2. Western lowlands (Ben-Deker) 3. Beth-shemesh to Beth-anoth (Ben-Hesed) 4. The slopes of Shaphat (Ben-Abinadab, who marries Solomon’s daughter Taphath) 5. Northern Israel, including Taanach and Megiddo (Baana) 6. Argob in Bashan—60 walled cities (Ben-Gever) 7. Mahanaim, birthplace of Ish-bosheth’s brief reign (Ahinadab) 8. Naphtali’s hill country (Ahimaaz marrying Solomon’s daughter Basemath) 9. Asher and Bealoth on the coast (Baana son of Hushai) 10. Issachar’s fertile valleys (Jehoshaphat son of Paruah) 11. Benjamin surrounding Jerusalem (Shimei son of Ela) 12. Gilead across the Jordan (Geber son of Uri) The tribal boundaries (Joshua 13–19) are overlaid by new economic districts, demonstrating a shift from clan loyalty to centralized monarchy. Provision and Prosperity: Economic Insights Thirty kors of fine flour equal roughly 5.5 tons—a bakery operation feeding thousands daily. Coupled with 20 pasture-fed cattle and 100 sheep, the court reflects Deuteronomy 28:11 promises of “abundant prosperity.” Similar allocation tables appear in Neo-Assyrian records centuries later, showing that Solomon’s system was ahead of its time. Peace in the Borders: Covenant Fulfillment “Every man under his vine and fig tree” echoes the promise made in Leviticus 26:4–6 and points forward to the messianic hope of Zechariah 3:10. The cessation of war during Solomon’s reign previews Isaiah 2:4, when nations beat swords into plowshares. The Gift of Wisdom—Biblical Connections • 1 Kings 3:12 sets the foundation: “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” • Proverbs 1:1 attributes the wisdom literature directly to Solomon. • Ecclesiastes surveys life’s meaning from the viewpoint of the same sage. • Jesus references Solomon’s glory in Matthew 6:29 to show that divine care surpasses royal splendor. • James 1:5 restates God’s open offer of wisdom to all believers, modeled first in Solomon. Archaeological Notes • Megiddo’s “Solomonic gate” with six chambers matches 1 Kings 9:15 fortification projects. • Limestone stables at Hazor and Gezer accommodate hundreds of horses, aligning with 4:26. • Bullae (seal impressions) bearing names like “Azariah” and “Ahishar” found in the City of David demonstrate the existence of high-ranking officials with identical titles. • Trade lists from Ugarit and Alalakh parallel the month-by-month supply schedule found here. Christ-Centered Glimpses Solomon’s peaceful, wisdom-filled rule hints at a greater Son of David. Jesus declares, “Something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). Where Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs, Christ is Himself the incarnate Word (John 1:14). The worldwide draw to Solomon’s court prefigures the gathering of nations to the gospel (Revelation 7:9). Lessons for Today • Delegation is godly when accountability remains clear; Solomon’s structure mirrors the principle of shared ministry in Acts 6:1–7. • Abundance should propel worship, not pride—compare Solomon’s early humility with his later excesses (1 Kings 11). • Peace accompanies obedience; Israel’s rest underscores Jesus’ invitation, “Come to Me…and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. This verse encourages us to seek God's wisdom, just as Solomon did. Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. Solomon, the author of Proverbs, emphasizes the value of wisdom. Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This promise of provision echoes the abundance experienced during Solomon's reign. Teaching Points Solomon's Wisdom and AdministrationSo King Solomon ruled over all Israel (1 Kings 4:1). Solomon's wisdom was evident in his ability to organize and manage the kingdom effectively, appointing officials and governors to oversee various regions. The Prosperity of Israel Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his own vine and his own fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon (1 Kings 4:25). This verse illustrates the peace and prosperity that characterized Solomon's reign, a direct result of his wise leadership. Diverse and Abundant Provision The chapter details the daily provisions for Solomon's household, showcasing the abundance and diversity of resources available during his reign (1 Kings 4:22-23). Solomon's Renowned Wisdom And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore (1 Kings 4:29). Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift that set him apart and attracted people from all nations to hear his insights. Practical Applications Value of Wise LeadershipJust as Solomon's wisdom brought peace and prosperity, we should seek wisdom in our leadership roles, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. Importance of Organization Effective administration and organization are crucial for managing resources and responsibilities, as demonstrated by Solomon's structured governance. Trust in God's Provision Recognize that God is the ultimate provider, and trust in His ability to supply our needs abundantly, as He did for Solomon's kingdom. Seek Divine Wisdom Like Solomon, we should earnestly seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, knowing that it is a precious gift that can guide us in making sound decisions. People 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Azariah son of Zadok He is described as the priest. The name Azariah means "Yahweh has helped," and Zadok was a high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. 3. Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha They served as secretaries. The role of a secretary in this context involved recording and managing official documents and correspondence. 4. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud He served as the recorder, a position responsible for chronicling events and maintaining records. 5. Benaiah son of Jehoiada He was in charge of the army. Benaiah was a loyal supporter of Solomon and a commander of his forces. 6. Zadok and Abiathar They are mentioned as priests. Zadok remained loyal to Solomon, while Abiathar was eventually removed from his position for supporting Adonijah. 7. Azariah son of Nathan He was over the district governors. Nathan was a prophet during David's reign, and Azariah's role involved overseeing the regional administrators. 8. Zabud son of Nathan He served as a priest and advisor to the king. His dual role indicates a close relationship with Solomon. 9. Ahishar He was in charge of the palace, managing the king's household and affairs. 10. Adoniram son of Abda He was in charge of forced labor, overseeing the labor force used for Solomon's building projects. 11. Twelve District Governors These governors were responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household, each for one month of the year. Their names and regions are listed in verses 7-19. The roles and responsibilities of these individuals reflect the organized and hierarchical nature of Solomon's administration, as described in 1 Kings 4. Places 1. EphraimThis region is part of the central hill country of Israel, traditionally associated with the tribe of Ephraim. It is known for its fertile land and significant historical and religious importance. 2. Makaz A location mentioned as part of the district overseen by one of Solomon's officials. The exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the southern part of the kingdom. 3. Shaalbim A town in the territory of Dan, mentioned in the context of Solomon's administrative districts. It is noted in the Hebrew Bible for its association with the tribe of Dan. 4. Beth-shemesh A city located in the territory of Judah, near the border with Philistine lands. It is historically significant as a Levitical city and a site of various biblical events. 5. Elon-beth-hanan Another location within Solomon's administrative districts. The exact site is not clearly identified, but it is grouped with other towns in the region. 6. Arubboth A place mentioned as part of the district overseen by one of Solomon's officials. Its precise location is not well-documented, but it is included in the list of administrative regions. 7. Socoh A town in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. It is known for its strategic location and is mentioned in various biblical narratives. 8. Hepher A location mentioned in the context of Solomon's administrative districts. It is associated with the region of Manasseh, east of the Jordan River. 9. Dor A coastal city in the territory of Manasseh, known for its ancient port and strategic importance. It is frequently mentioned in biblical and extrabiblical sources. 10. Taanach A city in the Jezreel Valley, known for its archaeological significance and historical mentions in the Bible as a Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites. 11. Megiddo A prominent city in the Jezreel Valley, known for its strategic military importance and as the site of several significant battles in biblical history. 12. Beth-shean A city located at the junction of the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel Valley. It is known for its historical and archaeological significance, including its role in various biblical events. 13. Ramoth-gilead A city of refuge located east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad. It is significant in biblical history as a site of conflict and refuge. 14. Gilead A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It is associated with the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 15. Mahanaim A city east of the Jordan River, known for its role as a refuge and administrative center during the reigns of Saul and David. 16. Naphtali A region in the northern part of Israel, associated with the tribe of Naphtali. It is known for its fertile land and strategic location. 17. Asher A region in the northern part of Israel, associated with the tribe of Asher. It is known for its agricultural productivity and coastal access. 18. Issachar A region in the northern part of Israel, associated with the tribe of Issachar. It is known for its fertile land and central location. 19. Benjamin A region in the central part of Israel, associated with the tribe of Benjamin. It is known for its strategic location and historical significance. 20. Judah A region in the southern part of Israel, associated with the tribe of Judah. It is known for its central role in the history of Israel and its religious significance. Events 1. Solomon's Officials and GovernorsThe chapter begins by listing the key officials in Solomon's administration. These include Azariah son of Zadok the priest, Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha, as secretaries, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud as the recorder (1 Kings 4:2-3). The Hebrew term for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) indicates a religious leader, highlighting the integration of religious and political roles in Solomon's court. 2. Benaiah over the Army Benaiah son of Jehoiada is mentioned as being over the army (1 Kings 4:4). The Hebrew root for "army" (צָבָא, tsaba) emphasizes the organized military structure under Solomon's reign. 3. Zadok and Abiathar as Priests Zadok and Abiathar are listed as priests (1 Kings 4:4). This reflects the dual priesthood that existed during Solomon's early reign, with Zadok representing the line of Eleazar and Abiathar the line of Ithamar. 4. Azariah over the Officers Azariah son of Nathan is over the officers (1 Kings 4:5). The term "officers" (נָצִיב, natsib) in Hebrew refers to district governors or officials responsible for specific regions. 5. Twelve District Governors Solomon appoints twelve district governors over all Israel, each responsible for providing supplies for the king and his household for one month of the year (1 Kings 4:7). This system reflects the organized and efficient administration of the kingdom. 6. Provision for Solomon's Household The chapter details the provisions required for Solomon's household, including daily supplies of fine flour, meal, cattle, sheep, and other livestock (1 Kings 4:22-23). This abundance signifies the prosperity and wealth of Solomon's reign. 7. Peace and Safety in Israel The text describes a period of peace and safety in Israel, where "Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his own vine and fig tree" (1 Kings 4:25). The imagery of the vine and fig tree symbolizes prosperity and security. 8. Solomon's Wisdom and Fame The chapter concludes by highlighting Solomon's wisdom, which surpassed that of all the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt (1 Kings 4:30). The Hebrew word for wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah) underscores Solomon's God-given ability to govern and lead. Topics 1. Solomon’s Officials and GovernorsThis section outlines the key officials and governors appointed by King Solomon to administer his kingdom. The passage lists various individuals and their roles, emphasizing the organized structure of Solomon's administration. The Hebrew term "נָצִיב" (natsiv) is used for "governor," indicating a position of oversight and authority. 2. Solomon’s Daily Provisions The text details the daily provisions required for Solomon's household, highlighting the abundance and prosperity of his reign. The Hebrew word "כָּלְכָּלָה" (kolkalah) refers to the provisions or sustenance, reflecting the wealth and resources available to Solomon. 3. Solomon’s Wisdom and Understanding This section describes Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and understanding, which were gifts from God. The Hebrew word "חָכְמָה" (chokmah) is used for "wisdom," and "תְּבוּנָה" (tevunah) for "understanding," underscoring the depth and breadth of Solomon's insight. 4. Solomon’s Fame and Influence The passage highlights Solomon's widespread fame and influence, as his wisdom attracted people from all nations. The Hebrew term "שֵׁם" (shem) for "fame" indicates a reputation that extends beyond borders, showcasing the impact of Solomon's God-given wisdom. 5. Peace and Prosperity in Solomon’s Reign The text describes the peace and prosperity that characterized Solomon's reign, with the people of Israel living securely. The Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom) for "peace" conveys a sense of completeness and well-being, reflecting the stability of Solomon's kingdom. Themes 1. Wisdom and Understanding of SolomonSolomon's wisdom is a central theme in 1 Kings 4. The chapter highlights his God-given wisdom, which surpasses that of all the people of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. This wisdom is described as a gift from God, emphasizing the divine source of true understanding. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), underscores the depth and breadth of Solomon's insight. ^"God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore."^ (1 Kings 4:29) 2. Prosperity and Peace in Solomon's Reign The chapter describes the prosperity and peace that characterized Solomon's reign. This period of peace is seen as a blessing from God, allowing the nation to thrive. The Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom) is often translated as peace, but it also conveys a sense of completeness and welfare. ^"For he ruled over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River, from Tiphsah to Gaza, and had peace on all sides."^ (1 Kings 4:24) 3. Administrative Organization Solomon's administrative organization is detailed, showcasing his ability to govern effectively. The chapter lists the officials and governors who managed various regions and responsibilities, reflecting the structured and orderly nature of his kingdom. This organization is indicative of wisdom in leadership and governance. ^"And these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;"^ (1 Kings 4:2) 4. Abundance and Provision The abundance during Solomon's reign is highlighted, with descriptions of daily provisions and the wealth of the kingdom. This abundance is seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor upon Solomon and Israel. The Hebrew word "רָב" (rav) conveys the idea of abundance and multitude. ^"Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal,"^ (1 Kings 4:22) 5. Cultural and Intellectual Influence Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his reign attracted people from surrounding nations, indicating Israel's cultural and intellectual influence during this time. This theme underscores the idea that God's blessings can extend beyond Israel to impact the wider world. ^"Men came from all the nations to hear Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom."^ (1 Kings 4:34) Answering Tough Questions 1. How historically credible is the claim that Solomon’s kingdom spanned from the Euphrates to Egypt (1 Kings 4:21)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does 1 Kings 4 highlight the importance of wisdom in leadership? 2. What does the organizational structure of Solomon's kingdom tell us about the way he governed? 3. In what ways did Solomon’s wisdom contribute to the prosperity of Israel? 4. How did Solomon's rule benefit the common people of Israel according to this chapter? 5. How can the administrative efficiency portrayed in Solomon’s kingdom be applied in modern-day governance? 6. What does the prosperity under Solomon's reign tell us about the potential impact of a wise and just leadership? 7. What lessons can modern societies learn from the peace and stability under Solomon's reign? 8. How can the principles of Solomon's wisdom be applied in our personal lives? 9. What can leaders today learn from Solomon’s method of appointing officials and governors? 10. How does the provision of resources in Solomon’s kingdom reflect the kingdom's wealth and abundance? 11. What do the descriptions of Solomon's wisdom teach about the value of knowledge and understanding? 12. What does the universal recognition of Solomon's wisdom suggest about the power of wisdom? 13. How might the structure of Solomon's kingdom apply to the organization of a modern-day corporation? 14. How does Solomon's management of resources correlate with the concept of sustainability today? 15. In what ways could the governance of Solomon's kingdom be viewed as a model for effective leadership? 16. How might you apply the lessons from Solomon's leadership in your own life or work environment? 17. How does the story of Solomon's reign reinforce the connection between wisdom and prosperity? 18. In what ways could the abundance under Solomon's rule be interpreted as divine blessing? 19. How does the peace and stability during Solomon’s time inspire your understanding of a harmonious society? 20. How can the principles of Solomon's wisdom and leadership guide your personal and professional decisions? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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