Topical Bible: Solomon: His Purveyors

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In the reign of King Solomon, the administration of the kingdom of Israel was marked by a well-organized system of governance and provision, which included a network of purveyors responsible for supplying the royal household. This system is detailed in the biblical account found in 1 Kings 4:7-19, where Solomon's administrative structure is outlined, highlighting the efficiency and prosperity of his reign.

The Role of Purveyors

Solomon appointed twelve officers over all Israel, each responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. Each officer was assigned to supply the needs for one month of the year, ensuring a continuous and steady flow of resources. This system not only demonstrated Solomon's wisdom in governance but also reflected the abundance and prosperity that characterized his reign. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each one made provision for one month of the year" (1 Kings 4:7).

List of Purveyors

The biblical text provides a detailed list of these purveyors, along with the regions they were responsible for:

1. Ben-Hur · In the hill country of Ephraim.
2. Ben-Deker · In Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan.
3. Ben-Hesed · In Arubboth, including Socoh and all the land of Hepher.
4. Ben-Abinadab · In all the heights of Dor; he was married to Taphath, Solomon's daughter.
5. Baana son of Ahilud · In Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth-shean beside Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as Jokmeam.
6. Ben-Geber · In Ramoth-gilead; he had the towns of Jair, son of Manasseh, in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan—sixty large cities with walls and bronze gate bars.
7. Ahinadab son of Iddo · In Mahanaim.
8. Ahimaaz · In Naphtali; he was married to Basemath, another of Solomon's daughters.
9. Baana son of Hushai · In Asher and in Aloth.
10. Jehoshaphat son of Paruah · In Issachar.
11. Shimei son of Ela · In Benjamin.
12. Geber son of Uri · In the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. He was the only governor in the land.

Significance of the System

The system of purveyors under Solomon's rule was a testament to his administrative acumen and the centralized control he maintained over the kingdom. By dividing the responsibilities among trusted officials, Solomon ensured that the needs of the royal household were met without placing undue burden on any single region. This division of labor also allowed for the efficient management of resources, contributing to the peace and prosperity that Israel enjoyed during his reign.

The appointment of these purveyors, many of whom were connected to Solomon through marriage or other alliances, also reflects the political strategies employed by Solomon to maintain loyalty and stability within his kingdom. The integration of family ties into the administrative framework helped to secure the allegiance of influential families and regions, further solidifying Solomon's rule.

In summary, the purveyors of Solomon played a crucial role in the administration of his kingdom, ensuring the smooth operation of the royal household and contributing to the overall prosperity of Israel during his reign. The biblical account of these officials provides insight into the organizational structure and political strategies that characterized Solomon's governance.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 4:7-19
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... who are eminent in debating power, and purveyors of arguments ... the prudence of old
age, even before his hair was ... Since it is by this that Solomon defines old age ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... Illustration: The Judgment of Solomon.]. ... Helius, as shown by the specimen represented
on his tomb, was ... Boot and shoe makers and purveyors of leather and lacings ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm