What role did Baana son of Hushai play in Solomon's administration in 1 Kings 4:16? Canonical Text “Baana son of Hushai—in Asher and in Bealoth” (1 Kings 4:16). Name and Family Baana (Heb. בַּעֲנָא, Baʿănāʾ) probably means “made in affliction” or “builder.” His father, Hushai, shares the same name as “Hushai the Archite,” David’s trusted friend and strategist (2 Samuel 15–17). If the identification is correct, Baana would be the son of a renowned patriot and counselor, giving him instant credibility in Solomon’s court. Administrative Appointment 1 Kings 4 records that Solomon set up twelve district governors (Heb. נִצָּבִים, nitsṣābîm, “overseers”). Each governor supplied provisions for the royal household one month per year (1 Kings 4:7). Baana son of Hushai is the tenth named official on that roster. Territorial Jurisdiction • Asher – The fertile northern tribal allotment stretching along the Mediterranean coast and inward toward the Galilean hill country. Known for olive oil, wine, and grain, Asher could meet large provisioning quotas. • Bealoth – Likely identical with Baalath (1 Kings 9:18) near the northern border of Dan or a regional designation inside Asher. The LXX reads Ἀλώθ (Alōth), hinting that the term may cover upland settlements directly east of the coastal plain. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Agricultural collection: grain, wine, oil, and livestock sufficient to match Solomon’s daily consumption of “thirty cors of fine flour … ten fat oxen … one hundred sheep” and more (1 Kings 4:22-23). 2. Logistics and transport: moving tons of produce from the northwest to Jerusalem’s storehouses ~160 km away. The coastal Via Maris and inland ridge routes made this practical. 3. Local governance: adjudicating civil matters, coordinating labor levies (cf. 1 Kings 5:13-14), and maintaining order. 4. Fiscal accountability: ensuring that tribute neither oppressed the populace (Proverbs 29:4) nor fell short of royal needs (1 Kings 4:27). Political and Spiritual Significance Solomon’s district system broke strict tribal boundaries, promoting national unity and reducing the risk of regional secession. Baana’s participation demonstrates: • Continuity of loyal service from David’s reign to Solomon’s. • Wise delegation, a hallmark of godly administration (Exodus 18:21). • Foreshadowing of Christ’s future kingdom in which resources are perfectly managed for the good of all (Isaiah 9:6-7). Lessons for Today • Faithful stewardship: Like Baana, believers are stewards of resources entrusted by the King of kings (1 Peter 4:10). • Generational legacy: Hushai’s devotion bore fruit in his son’s public service (Proverbs 20:7). • Unity over tribalism: God-honoring leadership transcends provincial loyalties to serve the wider covenant community (Ephesians 4:3-4). Summary Baana son of Hushai served as one of Solomon’s twelve district governors, overseeing Asher and Bealoth. His task was to furnish the royal court’s provisions for one month each year, manage local governance, and strengthen national cohesion. Textual reliability, archaeological parallels, and theological implications together affirm his historical role and instruct contemporary believers in faithful service under the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. |
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