What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:18?

Shimei

– 1 Kings 4 describes Solomon’s practice of appointing twelve district officials “who provided food for the king and his household, each one for a month of the year” (1 Kings 4:7).

– “Shimei” here is one of those twelve. The name is common (see also 2 Samuel 16:5; 1 Kings 1:8), so Scripture does not indicate that he is the same man who cursed David; instead, the verse simply presents him as a trusted administrator in Solomon’s well-ordered kingdom.

– His inclusion testifies to Solomon’s wisdom in selecting capable leaders, fulfilling the promise of 1 Kings 3:28, “all Israel knew the king had wisdom from God to administer justice.”

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son of Ela

– Attaching a father’s name was customary, anchoring each official in a recognized family line (cp. 1 Chronicles 27:16-22).

– Though “Ela” is otherwise unknown, the mention underscores personal accountability and verifiable identity, mirroring Numbers 1:18, where leaders “declared their pedigrees.”

– This small detail reminds readers that God’s Word records real people, not anonymous figures; every servant in His plan matters (cf. Psalm 87:6).

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in Benjamin

– Shimei’s district lay within the tribal territory of Benjamin, the region just north of Jerusalem (Joshua 18:11-28).

– Strategically vital trade routes ran through Benjamin (Judges 21:19), and cities like Bethel and Jericho needed steady provisioning.

– Stationing an official there ensured the royal court received resources, while the populace experienced orderly governance, aligning with Deuteronomy 17:14-20’s vision of a king who serves rather than exploits.

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summary

1 Kings 4:18 shows Solomon appointing “Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin” as one of his twelve provision officers. The verse highlights:

• a real, trustworthy man named Shimei;

• his traceable lineage through the mention of Ela;

• his responsibility over the strategically important territory of Benjamin.

Together these details illustrate how God granted Solomon wisdom to organize His people, fulfilling His promise of orderly, just administration and foreshadowing the greater, perfect reign of Christ, under whom every servant and every region are known and supplied.