What does 1 Kings 4:16 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:16?

Baana

“Baana son of Hushai” (1 Kings 4:16) appears on the roster of Solomon’s twelve district governors (1 Kings 4:7). His appointment reminds us of God-given administrative gifts that keep covenant life orderly.

1 Kings 4:7, 27 shows each governor supplying the royal household month by month, a picture of steady stewardship.

Genesis 41:40-41 highlights Joseph in a similar provisioning role under Pharaoh.

Proverbs 29:2 teaches that righteous leadership blesses a nation, echoing the positive impact leaders like Baana could have.


son of Hushai

Hushai was David’s loyal friend who outwitted Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32-37; 17:14). Baana’s lineage testifies to generational faithfulness.

• A son walking in his father’s loyalty fulfills Psalm 103:17—“the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.”

2 Samuel 16:16-19 records Hushai’s selfless counsel; Baana now serves Solomon with the same devotion.

Exodus 20:6 underscores covenant blessings “to a thousand generations” of those who love God.


in Asher

Baana’s district covered Asher, the fertile coastal territory promised to Israel (Joshua 19:24-31).

Genesis 49:20 pronounces, “Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies,” directly linking the tribe’s bounty to Solomon’s table.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25 speaks of Asher being “most blessed,” showing how God’s word literally came to pass through Baana’s monthly shipments.

Judges 1:31-32 records Asher settling among the Canaanites, yet here we see the land firmly under Israel’s organized governance—evidence of covenant progress.


and in Aloth

Aloth (sometimes identified with Bealoth, Joshua 15:24) lay south of Asher, indicating Baana supervised multiple sub-regions.

1 Kings 4:22-23 lists the staggering amounts of daily food Solomon required; adding Aloth’s resources ensured those needs were met.

2 Chronicles 9:5-8 praises Solomon’s court, reflecting how administrative coverage—Asher plus Aloth—upheld that splendor.

Psalm 72:16 envisions abundant grain “on top of the mountains”; Aloth’s inclusion confirms God’s blessing overflowing beyond tribal lines.


summary

1 Kings 4:16 spotlights one man—Baana—whose inherited loyalty (son of Hushai) and broad jurisdiction (in Asher and in Aloth) helped sustain Solomon’s God-ordained kingdom. The verse underscores divine order: faithful leaders manage God’s rich land so covenant promises become daily reality for His people.

Why is Ahimaaz mentioned specifically in 1 Kings 4:15?
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