Ben-abinadab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King Solomon's administrative organization of Israel. His name, meaning "son of Abinadab," indicates his lineage, though the Bible does not provide extensive details about his family background beyond this connection.

Biblical Reference:

Ben-abinadab is referenced in 1 Kings 4:11, which states: "Ben-abinadab, in all the height of Dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife)." . This passage is part of a larger section detailing the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon to oversee various regions of Israel. These governors were responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household, each for one month of the year.

Role and Responsibilities:

As one of Solomon's twelve district governors, Ben-abinadab was entrusted with the oversight of the region of Dor. Dor was a significant city located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its strategic importance and historical significance. The mention of Ben-abinadab's marriage to Taphath, Solomon's daughter, suggests a close relationship with the royal family, possibly indicating a position of favor and trust within Solomon's administration.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The appointment of district governors was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, serving to centralize authority and ensure efficient governance. Solomon's division of the kingdom into administrative districts reflects his wisdom and organizational skills, as he sought to maintain order and prosperity throughout Israel.

The marriage alliance between Ben-abinadab and Taphath also highlights the political strategies of the time, where marriages were often used to strengthen alliances and secure loyalty among influential families. This practice was not uncommon in the ancient world, where familial ties could enhance political stability and cooperation.

Significance:

While Ben-abinadab is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his role as a district governor under Solomon underscores the complexity and sophistication of Israel's governance during the united monarchy. His inclusion in the biblical record, albeit brief, provides insight into the administrative structure that supported Solomon's reign, a period marked by peace, prosperity, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Ben-abinadab's connection to the royal family through marriage further illustrates the intertwining of political and familial relationships in the governance of ancient Israel, reflecting broader cultural practices of the time.BEN-ABINADAB

ben-a-bin'-a-dab, ben-ab-i-na'-dab (ben 'abhinadhabh, "son of Abinadab"): One of the "captains" of Solomon who provided for the king and his household, each for a month in the year (1 Kings 4:11). His district was the region of Dor. In the King James Version he is called "the son of Abinadab." His wife was Tappath, the daughter of Solomon.

1125. Ben-abinadab -- "son of Abinadab," one of Solomon's leaders
Ben-abinadab. 1124, 1125. Ben-abinadab. 1126 . "son of Abinadab," one
of Solomon's leaders. Transliteration: Ben-abinadab Phonetic ...
/hebrew/1125.htm - 6kBenabinadab
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEN-ABINADAB. ben-a-bin'-a-dab,
ben-ab-i-na'-dab (ben 'abhinadhabh, "son of Abinadab"): One of the ...
/b/benabinadab.htm - 6k

Ben-abinadab (1 Occurrence)
Ben-abinadab. Benabinadab, Ben-abinadab. Ben-abin'adab . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... Benabinadab, Ben-abinadab. Ben-abin'adab . Reference Bible.
/b/ben-abinadab.htm - 7k

Taphath (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TAPHATH. ta'-fath (taphath): Daughter of Solomon
and wife of Ben-abinadab (1 Kings 4:11). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/t/taphath.htm - 6k

Ben-abin'adab (1 Occurrence)
... Ben-abinadab, Ben-abin'adab. Ben-ahilud . ... 1 Kings 4:11 Ben-Abinadab 'hath' all
the elevation of Dor, Taphath daughter of Solomon became his wife. (See RSV). ...
/b/ben-abin'adab.htm - 6k

Abinadab (12 Occurrences)
... (4) In 1 Kings 4:11 the King James Version has "the son of Abinadab," where the
Revised Version (British and American) has BEN-ABINADAB, which see. ...
/a/abinadab.htm - 14k

Upland (4 Occurrences)
... Gilgal, one; (DBY). 1 Kings 4:11 Ben-Abinadab had all the upland of Dor; Taphath
the daughter of Solomon was his wife. (DBY). Jeremiah 17 ...
/u/upland.htm - 8k

Elevation (7 Occurrences)
... one; (YLT). 1 Kings 4:11 Ben-Abinadab 'hath' all the elevation of Dor, Taphath
daughter of Solomon became his wife. (YLT). 1 Kings ...
/e/elevation.htm - 9k

Ben (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:11 BenAbinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter
of Solomon as wife); (WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/ben.htm - 20k

Ben-

/b/ben-.htm - 7k

Dor (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:11 BenAbinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter
of Solomon as wife); (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dor.htm - 13k

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