What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:10? Ben-hesed “Ben-hesed” (1 Kings 4:10) appears in the roster of twelve district governors who supplied Solomon’s court (1 Kings 4:7-19). • His name, meaning “son of Hesed,” reminds us that Solomon’s administration was staffed by real, traceable individuals—evidence of the text’s historical reliability (cf. 1 Kings 4:5, 4:19). • By appointing men like Ben-hesed, Solomon fulfilled the charge his father David gave him to rule with wisdom and justice (1 Kings 2:1-4; 3:28). • The verse underscores the principle of delegated authority: while Solomon ruled the whole kingdom, trustworthy officers handled local needs (Exodus 18:21-23; Acts 6:3-4). in Arubboth The phrase locates Ben-hesed’s base: “in Arubboth.” Though Arubboth is otherwise obscure, its mention situates this district south-west of Ephraim and north of Judah—likely in the Shephelah, the lowland corridor so often fought over in Israel’s history (Joshua 15:33; 1 Samuel 17:1). • Strategic placement meant Ben-hesed safeguarded a vital agricultural zone, channeling produce to Jerusalem (1 Kings 4:22-23). • Solomon’s comprehensive coverage—from the far north (1 Kings 4:13) to this western district—fulfills God’s promise of a broad, peaceful realm (Genesis 15:18; 1 Kings 4:24-25). Socoh Parenthetically, Scripture adds, “Socoh… belonged to him.” Socoh was a fortified town in Judah’s lowlands (2 Chronicles 11:7) and the scene of David’s clash with Goliath’s Philistines (1 Samuel 17:1). • Including Socoh under Ben-hesed signals that Solomon’s peace extended into former battlefields, a testament to God’s blessing (1 Chronicles 22:9; 1 Kings 5:4). • The town’s produce—grain, olives, and grapes from the fertile valleys—would help meet the king’s daily provisions (1 Kings 4:27-28). and all the land of Hepher Finally, “and all the land of Hepher” completes the district description. This territory traces back to the Canaanitish king defeated under Joshua (Joshua 12:17) and to the clan of Zelophehad’s daughters who inherited there by God’s decree (Numbers 27:1-7; Joshua 17:3). • Folding Hepher into Solomon’s administrative map shows continuity between the conquest under Joshua and the settled prosperity under Solomon—both anchored in the covenant promises (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; 1 Kings 8:56). • The phrase “all the land” highlights the thoroughness of Ben-hesed’s oversight, ensuring no pocket of the kingdom lay outside the king’s supply chain (1 Kings 4:7; Proverbs 27:23-27). summary 1 Kings 4:10 is more than a line in an ancient personnel chart; it reveals the practical outworking of God-given wisdom in Solomon’s reign. Ben-hesed’s district—Arubboth, including Socoh and all Hepher—illustrates how the king organized Israel for provision, peace, and covenant continuity. Each place name testifies that the Lord keeps His promises: the land is secure, leadership is orderly, and everyday needs are met, all pointing forward to the greater King whose reign will cover every territory in righteousness and peace (Psalm 72:1-8; Isaiah 9:6-7). |
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