1 Kings 4:1-12

Solomon’s Officials and Governors

1 So King Solomon ruled over all Israel.

2 And these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok—the priest;

3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha—secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud—recorder;

4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada—commander in chief; Zadok and Abiathar—priests;

5 Azariah son of Nathan—in charge of the district governors; Zabud son of Nathan—a priest and adviser to the king;

6 Ahishar—palace administrator; Adoniram son of Abda—in charge of forced labor.

7 Solomon had twelve district governors over all Israel, who supplied provisions for the king and the royal household. Each one had to provide supplies for one month in the year.

8 These are their names: Ben-Hur—in the hill country of Ephraim;

9 Ben-Deker—in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh and Elon Bethhanan;

10 Ben-Hesed—in Arubboth (Sokoh and all the land of Hepher were his);

11 Ben-Abinadab—in Naphoth Dor (he was married to Taphath daughter of Solomon);

12 Baana son of Ahilud—in Taanach and Megiddo, and in all of Beth Shan next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth Shan to Abel Meholah across to Jokmeam;

1 Kings 4:1-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 4

As in the preceding chapter we have a proof of the wisdom and understanding which the Lord gave to Solomon, as promised, so in this an account is given of the riches and honour he was possessed of; of him, as king over all Israel, and of his princes, 1Ki 4:1-6; of the providers of food for his household in the several parts of the land, 1Ki 4:7-19; of the largeness and extent of his dominions, and of the peace and prosperity thereof, 1Ki 4:20,21,24,25; of his daily provisions for his household and for his cattle, 1Ki 4:22,23,26-28; and of his superior wisdom and knowledge to all others in all nations, which brought some out of all to hear it, 1Ki 4:29-34.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 12:6; Job 12:12
• 2. 1 Chronicles 6:10; 2 Chronicles 26:17
• 3. S 2 Samuel 8:17
• 4. S 2 Samuel 8:16
• 5. S 2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 2:35
• 6. S 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Kings 2:27
• 7. S Genesis 41:40
• 8. S 2 Samuel 20:24
• 9. S Genesis 49:15
• 10. ver 27
• 11. S Joshua 24:33
• 12. Judges 1:35
• 13. S Joshua 15:10; Joshua 21:16
• 14. S Joshua 15:35
• 15. S Joshua 12:17
• 16. S Joshua 11:2
• 17. S Joshua 17:11; Judges 5:19
• 18. S Joshua 3:16
• 19. S Judges 7:22; 1 Kings 19:16
• 20. 1 Chronicles 6:68