Lexical Summary Ben-chur: Ben-hur Original Word: בֶּן־חוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the son of Hur From ben and Chuwr; son of Chur; Ben-Chur, an Israelite -- the son of Hur. see HEBREW ben see HEBREW Chuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ben and Chur Definition "son of Hur," one of Solomon's leaders NASB Translation Ben-hur (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֶּןחֿוּר proper name, masculine (son of Chur) an officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:8. P. 301 Topical Lexicon Name and Lineage Ben-hur means “son of Hur,” indicating descent from, or association with, an Israelite named Hur. Scripture does not explicitly link him to the Hur who assisted Moses on the mountain (Exodus 17:10–12), yet his name testifies to a generational heritage among those who served God’s covenant people. Biblical Appearance Ben-hur is mentioned once, in Solomon’s roster of regional officials: “Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel who provided food for the king and his household. Each was to supply provisions for one month of the year… Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim” (1 Kings 4:7-8). Role in Solomon’s Administration 1 Kings 4 portrays the zenith of Solomon’s united kingdom. The twelve-district system ensured organized taxation and regular provision for the royal court. Ben-hur’s month of supply illustrates a balanced national structure: no single tribe bore the entire burden, and every district shared in supporting the wisdom-centered reign that typifies messianic peace (1 Kings 4:20-25). Geographic Sphere: Hill Country of Ephraim The hill country formed Israel’s central spine, containing Shechem, Shiloh, and later Samaria. Rich in vineyards and olive groves, it was capable of sustaining royal quotas. Stationing a governor here ensured oversight of major north-south routes and safeguarded worship centers that had housed the tabernacle. Ben-hur’s assignment underscores Ephraim’s prominence within the covenant community. Historical Significance 1. Administrative Innovation: Solomon’s move from tribal leaders to territorial governors signaled a shift from familial leadership to centralized monarchy. Ben-hur stands at this transitional point, embodying structural wisdom later reflected in the New Testament principle of delegated oversight (Acts 6:1-4). Spiritual and Ministerial Lessons • Faithfulness in Governance: Though scarcely mentioned, Ben-hur’s faithfulness supplied the king so that national worship and wisdom could flourish. Likewise, unseen administrators in church and mission work possess kingdom value (1 Corinthians 12:22). Foreshadowing of Christ’s Kingdom Solomon’s peaceful realm anticipates the Messiah’s universal reign. Ben-hur’s orderly month of provision prefigures the continuous, willing homage the nations will bring to the enthroned Son of David (Revelation 21:26). The governor’s unobtrusive efficiency points to the hidden yet indispensable ministries Christ entrusts to His servants until He comes. Later Tradition and Influence While Scripture adds no further detail, Ben-hur became a silent witness to prudent administration. Jewish and Christian commentators have viewed Solomon’s governors as paradigms for civil servants under God’s moral law—a reminder that governmental roles, when executed righteously, advance divine purposes in history. Key Reference Forms and Transliterations ח֖וּר חור chur ḥūrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:8 HEB: שְׁמוֹתָ֔ם בֶּן־ ח֖וּר בְּהַ֥ר אֶפְרָֽיִם׃ NAS: are their names: Ben-hur, in the hill country KJV: And these [are] their names: The son of Hur, in mount INT: These are their names Ben-hur the hill of Ephraim |
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