1 Kings 4
BSB1 So King Solomon ruled over Israel, 2 and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 4 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 5 Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; 6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. 7 Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, 8 and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; 9 Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; 10 Ben-hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him); 11 Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife); 12 Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam; 13 Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 14 Ahinadab son of Iddo in Mahanaim; 15 Ahimaaz in Naphtali (he had married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon); 16 Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth; 17 Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar; 18 Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin; 19 Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah. 20 The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. 21 And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 22 Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, 23 ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. 24 For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates —over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides. 25 Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. 26 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses. 27 Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking. 28 Each one also brought to the required place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses. 29 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. 32 Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34 So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Kings 4
- Themes from 1 Kings 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Kings 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by describing Solomon's administration, including his officials and their responsibilities (1 Kings 4:1-6). It then highlights Solomon's wisdom, citing his proverbs and songs (1 Kings 4:29-34). The chapter also describes the prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, including the abundance of food and the peace that prevailed during his reign (1 Kings 4:20-28). Additionally, it notes the tributes that Solomon received from other nations, which contributed to his wealth (1 Kings 4:21). The chapter concludes by emphasizing Solomon's wisdom and his reputation as a wise and just ruler (1 Kings 4:29-34).
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the history of Israel from the reign of Solomon to the division of the kingdom. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with his people and his plan of salvation. In the context of the book of 1 Kings, this chapter highlights Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, which is a key aspect of his reign. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative by emphasizing the importance of wisdom and God's blessing in ruling and leading.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing. Just as Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, we can also ask for wisdom and guidance in our lives. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us, and of using our talents and abilities to serve him and to bless others.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the wisdom and prosperity of King Solomon, who ruled Israel with great wisdom and wealth. It highlights Solomon's administrative skills, his wisdom, and his literary accomplishments. The chapter also emphasizes God's blessing on Solomon and his kingdom, and encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing. For example, in 1 Kings 4:29, we see that Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and this is similar to how Christ's wisdom is a gift from God.
Voices from the Church
“The wisdom of Solomon was a gift from God, and it is a reminder that all true wisdom comes from above.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prosperity of Solomon's kingdom was a result of God's blessing, and it is a reminder that all our blessings come from God's hand.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Solomon's Administration (1 Kings 4:1-6) — This section introduces Solomon's administration, including his officials and their responsibilities.
- Solomon's Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34) — This section highlights Solomon's wisdom, citing his proverbs and songs as examples of his literary skill.
- Prosperity of the Kingdom (1 Kings 4:20-28) — This section describes the abundance of food and the peace that prevailed during Solomon's reign, which was a result of God's blessing on his kingdom.
- Tributes from Other Nations (1 Kings 4:21) — This section notes the tributes that Solomon received from other nations, which contributed to his wealth and emphasized his reputation as a wise and powerful ruler.
- Conclusion (1 Kings 4:29-34) — This section concludes by emphasizing Solomon's wisdom and his reputation as a wise and just ruler.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the gift of wisdom to individuals. For example, in 1 Kings 4:29, we see that Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God.
- Provision of God
- The chapter also teaches that God provides for his people, giving them what they need to live and to serve him. This is evident in the abundance of food and the peace that prevailed during Solomon's reign.
- Stewardship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us, and of using our talents and abilities to serve him and to bless others.
- Wisdom
- The chapter highlights the importance of wisdom in ruling and leading, and encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing.
Lessons from 1 Kings 4
- Seeking Wisdom — The chapter encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing, just as Solomon did.
- Leadership and Governance — The chapter provides a model for leadership and governance, highlighting the importance of wisdom, justice, and compassion.
- Stewardship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us, and of using our talents and abilities to serve him and to bless others.
- Trust in God's Provision — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's provision and blessing, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the gift of wisdom to individuals.
Themes from 1 Kings 4
- Wisdom — The chapter highlights the importance of wisdom in ruling and leading, and encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing.
- Prosperity — The chapter describes the abundance of food and the peace that prevailed during Solomon's reign, which was a result of God's blessing on his kingdom.
- Stewardship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us, and of using our talents and abilities to serve him and to bless others.
- Leadership — The chapter provides a model for leadership and governance, highlighting the importance of wisdom, justice, and compassion.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the gift of wisdom to individuals.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Solomon's example about the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's provision and blessing?
- How does the chapter describe Solomon's administration, and what can we learn from his example about leadership and governance?
- What role does God play in the chapter, and how does he relate to Solomon and his kingdom?
- What can we learn from the chapter about the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us?
- How does the chapter connect to the larger biblical narrative, and what does it teach us about God's plan of salvation?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Solomon's Administration (1 Kings 4:1-6)
| 4:1 | This verse introduces Solomon's administration, including his officials and their responsibilities. |
| 4:2 | This verse lists Solomon's officials, including the high priest, the secretary, and the commander of the army. |
2. Solomon's Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34)
| 4:29 | This verse highlights Solomon's wisdom, citing his proverbs and songs as examples of his literary skill. |
| 4:30 | This verse compares Solomon's wisdom to that of the Egyptians and the wisdom of the East. |
3. Prosperity of the Kingdom (1 Kings 4:20-28)
| 4:20 | This verse describes the abundance of food during Solomon's reign, which was a result of God's blessing on his kingdom. |
| 4:21 | This verse notes the tributes that Solomon received from other nations, which contributed to his wealth and emphasized his reputation as a wise and powerful ruler. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Solomon's example about the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's provision and blessing?
We can learn that seeking wisdom and trusting in God's provision and blessing are essential for living a successful and fulfilling life, just as Solomon did. For example, in 1 Kings 4:29, we see that Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and this is similar to how Christ's wisdom is a gift from God.
How does the chapter describe Solomon's administration, and what can we learn from his example about leadership and governance?
The chapter describes Solomon's administration as wise and just, and we can learn from his example about the importance of leadership and governance that is guided by wisdom and a commitment to justice and compassion.
What role does God play in the chapter, and how does he relate to Solomon and his kingdom?
God plays a central role in the chapter, and he relates to Solomon and his kingdom by giving Solomon wisdom and blessing his kingdom with abundance and peace.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 4:29 → Proverbs 1:7 | This cross-reference connects Solomon's wisdom to the importance of fearing God, which is the beginning of wisdom. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 4:20 → Deuteronomy 8:7-10 | This cross-reference connects the abundance of food during Solomon's reign to God's promise to bless his people with abundance and prosperity. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:21 → Psalm 72:10-11 | This cross-reference connects the tributes that Solomon received from other nations to the prophecy that the kings of the earth will bring tribute to the King of kings. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 4:30 → Isaiah 19:11-12 | This cross-reference connects Solomon's wisdom to the wisdom of the Egyptians, which was renowned in the ancient world. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 4:32 → Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 | This verse connects Solomon's literary accomplishments to the importance of wisdom and literature in the biblical tradition. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 4:29 → John 1:1 | This cross-reference connects Solomon's wisdom to the wisdom of Christ, who is the embodiment of God's wisdom. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 4:20 → Matthew 6:33 | This cross-reference connects the abundance of food during Solomon's reign to the promise that God will provide for our needs if we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 4:21 → Revelation 21:24-26 | This cross-reference connects the tributes that Solomon received from other nations to the prophecy that the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 4:30 → 1 Corinthians 1:24 | This cross-reference connects Solomon's wisdom to the wisdom of Christ, which is the power of God and the wisdom of God. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 4:32 → Colossians 3:16 | This cross-reference connects Solomon's literary accomplishments to the importance of wisdom and literature in the biblical tradition, and to the command to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. |
Sermons on 1 Kings 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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All Is Vanity by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The |
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Blessing the Blesser by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God's power and grace in order to live a fulfilling spiritual life. He uses the analogy of trolley arm |
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The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wi |
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(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz |
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Who Is the King by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma |
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Bible Reading - Part 1 by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of Bible reading in the life of a believer, asserting that it is essential for understanding salvation and living a life aligned with G |
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His Excellent Greatness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the excellent greatness of the Lord Jesus, drawing parallels between Him and Solomon's dominion, bounty, and glory. He highlights that only the Father f |
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Largeness of Heart. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the need for a 'largeness of heart' to overcome the narrowness of our souls, which limits our capacity for love and understanding. He reflects on the idea tha |
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God’s Awful Judgment in the Breaking and Withering of the Strong Rods of a Community by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the awful judgment of God when strong rulers in a community, symbolized as strong rods, are broken and withered by death. He emphasizes the importan |
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The Eschatological End of Consumerism by Bryan Anthony | Bryan Anthony preaches on the eschatological vision of a world set aright by God's judgments and mercies, where righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit prevail. He highlig |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 4
In this chapter, we see the wisdom and prosperity of King Solomon, who ruled Israel with great wisdom and wealth. The chapter highlights Solomon's administrative skills, his wisdom, and his literary accomplishments, and emphasizes God's blessing on his kingdom. The chapter also provides a model for leadership and governance, highlighting the importance of wisdom, justice, and compassion. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, and it is a reminder that all true wisdom comes from above.' The chapter encourages us to seek wisdom and to trust in God's provision and blessing, just as Solomon did, and to use our talents and abilities to serve him and to bless others. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Solomon's Wisdom
Solomon's wisdom is highlighted throughout the chapter, and it is emphasized that his wisdom was a gift from God. This is evident in his ability to rule Israel effectively and to make wise decisions.
Prosperity of the Kingdom
The chapter notes the abundance of food and the peace that prevailed during Solomon's reign, which was a result of God's blessing on his kingdom.
Tributes from Other Nations
The chapter notes the tributes that Solomon received from other nations, which contributed to his wealth and emphasized his reputation as a wise and powerful ruler.