1 Reis 4
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 4
Wiersbe - David was a gifted administrator (2Sa 8:15–18; 2Sa 20:23–26) and his son inherited some of that ability. Even though Solomon had great wisdom and authority, he couldn’t handle the affairs of the kingdom alone. A good leader chooses capable associates and allows them to use their own gifts and thereby serve the Lord and the people. (Bible Exposition Commentary) John Woodhouse - In 1 Kings 4 we find a description of the wonder of Solomon’s kingdom. At first sight you might think that here we have one of the less interesting chapters in the Bible. There are lists with names and numbers, no doubt drawn from the official records of Solomon’s government. Not exactly riveting stuff! The story is put on hold while these statistics and details are recorded. It is one of those passages that any Bible reader might be tempted to skip over quickly. That would be a mistake. However we might feel about the details in 1 Kings 4, it is clear that the writer was rather excited! The details are presented in order to give us some idea of the wonder of Solomon’s kingdom. The value of this chapter lies in the ways in which we will see foreshadowed here the kingdom of Jesus Christ, greater than the kingdom of Solomon (see Matthew 12:42). (1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World) 1 Kings 4:2 These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; the princes: That is, great, chief, or principal men; for none of them were princes, in the common acceptation of the word. Ex 18:21 2Sa 8:15-18 20:23-26 1Co 12:28 Azariah: 1Ch 6:8-10 27:17 PRIEST LISTED BEFORE COMMANDER OF ARMY These were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest - Azariah was a very common name in the OT and means "Yahweh has helped" and he was actually the grandson of Zadok and son of Ahimaaz (1Ch 6:8–9). Ahimaaz (ISBE) The son of Zadok the high priest (1Ch 6:8,9,53). With his father he remained loyal to David in the rebellions both of Absalom and of Adonijah. With Jonathan the son of Abiathar he carried information to David when he fled from Absalom (2 Sam 15:27,36; 17:17,20). At his own urgent request he carried tidings to David after the death of Absalom (2 Sam 18:19 ff). He told the king of the victory, and also, through his reluctance to speak, informed him of Absalom's death. By his reluctance and his sympathy he softened a little the message, which the Cushite presently repeated more harshly. That Ahimaaz did not succeed his father as high priest has been inferred from the fact that in the Solomon list of heads of departments (1 Ki 4:2) Azariah the son of Zadok is mentioned as priest. It is assumed that this Azariah is the one who appears in the genealogy as the son of Ahimaaz, and that for some reason Ahimaaz was left out of the succession. These inferences are not Justified by the record, though possibly the record does not absolutely disprove them. As the list stands it makes Zadok and Abiathar the high priests. Azariah and Zabud, the son of Nathan (1 Ki 4:2,5), are spoken of as holding priestly offices of a different kind. Ahimaaz may have died early, or may have followed some other career, but the simple fact is that we do not know. MacArthur on Azariah the son of Zadok - was the son of Ahimaaz and the grandson of Zadok, as "son of" can mean "descendant of" (cf. 1Ch 6:8, 9). In David's roster of officials, the army commander came first (2Sa 8:16; 20:23). Under Solomon, the priest and other officials preceded the military leader. (See The MacArthur Bible Commentary - Page 396) Rod Mattoon (Treasures from 1 Kings) - Verses one through six give a record of Solomon's cabinet. They were the leaders of the nation. The names of these men fit perfectly with the character of the kingdom and foreshadow the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ. • Azariah= Jehovah is Help • Elihoreph= My God is Reward • Ahiah= Brother of Jehovah • Jehoshaphat= Jehovah Judges • Benaiah= Built up by Jehovah • Zabud= Gift bestowed of God • Abishar= Brother of Ability • Adoniram= Lord of Heights 1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Shisha: 2Sa 20:25, Sheva, 1Ch 18:16, Shavsha recorder: or, remembrancer. 2Sa 8:16 20:24 1Ch 18:15 Isa 62:6 Solomon's Kingdom ca 971-931 BC ESV Global Study Bible Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha were secretaries (scribes; Lxx = grammateus) - These men would probably function like modern secretaries of state. David had only one secretary or scribe (Shisha, AKA Seriah - 2Sa 8:17 or Shavsha - 1Ch 18:16) and these two men were his sons. Two secretaries were necessary as Solomon's kingdom was considerably larger and more complex than David's (see map). Solomon in his wisdom was careful not to try to do everything (even as wise as he was), but parceled positions out to trusted men. Smith's Dictionary on Shisha - (Jehovah contends), father of Elihoreph and Ahiah, the royal secretaries in the reign of Solomon. (1Ki 4:3) He is apparently the same as Shavsha, who held the same position under David. (B.C. 1000.) (1Ch 18:16) Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder (zakar = remember; Lxx = hupomimnesko = remind, call to mind) - Jehoshaphat had been recorder during David’s reign (2Sa 8:16; 20:24), 1 Kings 4:4 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; Benaiah (KJV): 1Ki 2:35 Zadok (KJV): 1Ki 2:26-27,35 MILITARY AND PREVIOUS PRIESTS and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army - He had proven himself loyal to David and to Solomon and had been appointed head over the army (1Ki 2:35). And Zadok and Abiathar were priests (kohen; Lxx - hiereus) - David (2Sa 8:17; 20:25). Solomon "appointed Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar." (Ki 2:35) who had conspired with Adonijah (1Ki 2:27). However, it appears that Abiathar was allowed to retain his priestly title until he died. And as noted above the actual functioning priest was Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest. Zadok and Abiathar although not functioning as priest were probably honored on this list because they had served King David. Easton's Bible Dictionary on priests - The Heb. kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices. At first every man was his own priest, and presented his own sacrifices before God. Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5). The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, and to only one family of that tribe, the family of Aaron. Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Lev. 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the priests' dress (Ex. 28:40-43) and the manner of their consecration to the office (29:1-37). Their duties were manifold (Ex. 27:20, 21; 29:38-44; Lev. 6:12; 10:11; 24:8; Num. 10:1-10; Deut. 17:8-13; 33:10; Mal. 2:7). They represented the people before God, and offered the various sacrifices prescribed in the law. In the time of David the priests were divided into twenty-four courses or classes (1 Chr. 24:7-18). This number was retained after the Captivity (Ezra 2:36-39; Neh. 7:39-42). "The priests were not distributed over the country, but lived together in certain cities [forty-eight in number, of which six were cities of refuge, q.v.], which had been assigned to their use. From thence they went up by turns to minister in the temple at Jerusalem. Thus the religious instruction of the people in the country generally was left to the heads of families, until the establishment of synagogues, an event which did not take place till the return from the Captivity, and which was the main source of the freedom from idolatry that became as marked a feature of the Jewish people thenceforward as its practice had been hitherto their great national sin." The whole priestly system of the Jews was typical. It was a shadow of which the body is Christ. The priests all prefigured the great Priest who offered "one sacrifice for sins" "once for all" (Heb. 10:10, 12). There is now no human priesthood. (See Epistle to the Hebrews throughout.) The term "priest" is indeed applied to believers (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6), but in these cases it implies no sacerdotal functions. All true believers are now "kings and priests unto God." As priests they have free access into the holiest of all, and offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, and the sacrifices of grateful service from day to day. 1 Kings 4:5 and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king's friend; EXB Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the district governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and ·adviser [L friend] to the king; ICB Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the district governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; KJV 1 Kings 4:5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend: BGT 1 Kings 4:5 καὶ Ορνια υἱὸς Ναθαν ἐπὶ τῶν καθεσταμένων καὶ Ζαβουθ υἱὸς Ναθαν ἑταῖρος τοῦ βασιλέως LXE 1 Kings 4:5 And Ornia the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabuth son of Nathan was the king's friend. NET 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan was supervisor of the district governors. Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king. CSB 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan, in charge of the deputies; Zabud son of Nathan, a priest and adviser to the king; ESV 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king's friend; NIV 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan--in charge of the district officers; Zabud son of Nathan--a priest and personal adviser to the king; NLT 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the district governors. Zabud son of Nathan, a priest, was a trusted adviser to the king. NRS 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan was over the officials; Zabud son of Nathan was priest and king's friend; NJB 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah son of Nathan, chief administrator; Zabud son of Nathan, Friend of the King; NAB 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah, son of Nathan, chief of the commissaries; Zabud, son of Nathan, companion to the king; YLT 1 Kings 4:5 and Azariah son of Nathan is over the officers; and Zabud son of Nathan is minister, friend of the king; GWN 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah, son of Nathan, was in charge of the district governors. Zabud, son of Nathan, was the king's adviser. BBE 1 Kings 4:5 Azariah, the son of Nathan, was over those in authority in the different divisions of the country; Zabud, the son of Nathan, was priest and the king's friend; son of Nathan: 1Ki 1:10-53 2Sa 7:2 12:1-15,25 the officers: 1Ki 4:7,, 2Sa 8:18 20:26 the king's: 2Sa 15:37 16:16 19:37,38 1Ch 27:33 Pr 22:11 Joh 13:23 Joh 15:14,15 Jas 2:23 and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest - The NET renders over the deputies as "supervisor of the district governors." NIV has "district officers." Both of these renderings are of course somewhat "interpretative." Azariah was probably over the 12 district officers listed in 1Ki 4:8-19. Who was this Nathan? Was this the prophet Nathan? It would be quite reasonable to see Solomon honoring the memory of the great prophet Nathan. Zabud was a priest who likely served as special adviser to Solomon. Was the king's friend (re'eh; Lxx - hetairos = comrade, companion) - Friend of king is one who was a personal adviser, not just an acquaintance. He had a personal and official attachment to Solomon and promoted his welfare and cause. Zabud apparently functioned as royal advisor. The same designation is applied to Hushai, the counselor who represented David's interests during Absalom's revolt (2Sa 15:37; 2Sa 16:16). 1 Kings 4:6 and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor. Adoniram (KJV): 1Ki 12:18 2Sa 20:24, Adoram tribute: or, levy, 1Ki 5:13,14 9:15 LEADERS OF HOUSEHOLD AND WORKING FORCE and Ahishar was over the household - He would be over the dwelling or palace of the king and as discerned from the incredible list of daily provisions for the palace (see ) this would have been a very complex position. and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor - Adoniram means "my Lord is exalted." He was the son of Abda and one of King Solomon's chief officials. His particular responsibility was to oversee the forced labor groups. Thirty thousand men were broken into three separate shifts. Two groups were at home, while one spent a month in Lebanon cutting lumber for the building of the temple (1 Ki. 4:6; 5:14). Warren Wiersbe explains that "Adoniram was in charge of the men who were drafted to labor in the public works of the kingdom (1Ki 9:15–23; 2Ch 2:2, 17–18; 8:7–10). These would not be Israelites but foreigners in the land. However, in the building of the temple, Solomon did conscript Israelites to devote four months a year to public service (1Ki 5:13–18). Adoniram was also known as Adoram and he was stoned to death by the people when Rehoboam became king (1Ki 12:18–20). Samuel had warned the people that their king would do such things (1Sa 8:12–18+). (Bible Exposition Commentary) 1 Kings 4:7 Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year. each man: 1Ch 27:1-15 NAMES OF THE 12 DISTRICT OFFICERS This list of names of the 12 district officers is found in 1Ki 4:8-19. Click here for a very helpful map of the 12 deputies over the 12 districts of Solomon. Click the red icons for names of the officers and the corresponding Scripture. Here a link to another map in black and white. Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year - Beginning in 1Ki 4:8 and through 1Ki 4:17 we find a list of 12 men over 12 districts (geographic but not based on tribal boundaries) who were in charge of collecting taxes from their respective district. These 12 were apparently under the leadership of Azariah in 1Ki 4:5. Since the districts do not necessarily conform to the previous boundaries of the 12 tribes, you will need to look at the very helpful map. In addition apparently each district was to provide provisions for Solomon's court for one month per year. Note that the tribe and territory of Judah was given an exemption from taxation and provisions to the court. And these provisions were not a sack of potatoes and a lambchop as indicated by the quantities in 1Ki 4:22-28! When the nation was divided by God, Judah was the one tribe God gave to Solomon's son Rehoboam (along with the small tribe of Benjamin) while the other 10 tribes were split off under the rule of Jeroboam (1Ki 11:29-38) and became the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (See also What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org) Rod Mattoon - Taxes were heavy upon the land, as each region provided one month of provisions. Judah was not mentioned. Their exemption would create rivalry and resentment later on. (Treasures from 1 Kings) Warren Wiersbe - By establishing new districts that crossed over old boundaries, Solomon may have hoped to minimize tribal loyalty and eliminate some of the tension between Judah and the northern tribes. Instead, the plan only aggravated the tension, particularly since Judah wasn’t included in the redistricting program. Being the royal tribe that contained the royal city, Judah was administered separately....These twelve men had great power in the land and were a part of the corrupt bureaucracy that Solomon wrote about in Ecclesiastes 5:8–12. (Bible Exposition Commentary) 1 Kings 4:8 These are their names: Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim; The son of Hur: or, Ben-hur, Jdg 17:1 19:1 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 1 BEN-HUR These are their names: Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:9 Ben-deker in Makaz and Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh and Elonbeth-hanan; The son of Dekar: or, Ben-dekar Shaalbim: Jos 19:42, Shaalabbin Bethshemesh: 1Sa 6:12,20 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 2 BEN-DEKER Ben-deker in Makaz and Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh and Elonbeth-hanan Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:10 Ben-hesed, in Arubboth (Socoh was his and all the land of Hepher); The son of Hesed: or, Ben-hesed Sochoh: Jos 15:35 Hepher: Jos 12:17 17:2 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 3 BEN-HESED Ben-hesed, in Arubboth (Socoh was his and all the land of Hepher); Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:11 Ben-abinadab, in all the height of Dor (Taphath the daughter of Solomon was his wife); The son of Abinadab: or, Ben-abinadab Dor: Jos 12:23 17:11 Judges 1:27 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 4 BEN-ADINADAB Ben-abinadab, in all the height of Dor (Taphath [ornament] the daughter of Solomon was his wife); - Here we may have a little "nepotism." It is interesting that the Bible does not say how many daughters Solomon had, but here is one and there is a second one in 1Ki 4:15. Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean which is beside Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah as far as the other side of Jokmeam; Taanach: Jos 17:11 Judges 5:19 Megiddo: 2Ki 23:29,30 Bethshean: 1Sa 31:10,12 Zartanah: 1Ki 7:46, Zarthan, Jos 3:16, Zaretan Jezreel: 1Ki 18:46 Abelmeholah: 1Ki 19:16 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 5 BAANA SON OF AHILUD Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean which is beside Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah as far as the other side of Jokmeam; Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:13 Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (the towns of Jair, the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead were his: the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars were his); The son of Geber: or, Ben-geber Ramothgilead: 1Ki 22:3 De 4:43 Jos 20:8 21:38 2Ki 9:1,14 the towns: Nu 32:41 De 3:14 Argob: De 3:4,8,13,14 Ps 22:12 68:15 threescore great cities: These were the fortified cities; their gates and bars being covered with plates of brass. Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 6 BEN-GEBER Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (the towns of Jair, the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead were his: the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars were his); Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim; Mahanaim: or, to Mahanaim, Ge 32:2 2Sa 2:8 17:24,27 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 7 AHINADAB Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also married Basemath the daughter of Solomon); Naphtali: Jos 19:32-39 the daughter: 1Ki 4:11 1Sa 18:18 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 8 AHINADAB Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also married Basemath the daughter of Solomon) - Another touch of nepotism in this one! Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:16 Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth; Asher: Jos 19:24-31 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 9 BAANA SON OF HUSHAI Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth; Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; Issachar: Jos 19:17-23 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 10 JEHOSHAPHAT Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:18 Shimei the son of Ela, in Benjamin; Shimei: 1Ki 1:8 Zec 12:13 Benjamin: Jos 18:20-28 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 11 SHIMEI Shimei the son of Ela, in Benjamin; Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:19 Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only deputy who was in the land. the country of Sihon: Nu 21:21-35 De 2:26-37 3:1-17 Jos 13:9-12 Solomon's 12 Districts - click to enlarge (https://biblemapper.com/) DISTRICT 12 GEBER SON OF URI Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only deputy who was in the land. Another map of the 12 districts of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:20 Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance; they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. KJV 1 Kings 4:20 Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry. as the sand: 1Ki 3:8 Ge 13:16 15:5 22:17 Pr 14:28 eating: 1Sa 30:16 1Ch 12:39 Job 1:18 Ps 72:3-7 Ec 2:24 Isa 22:13 Mic 4:4 Zec 3:10 9:15 Ac 2:46 Related Passages: Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. SOLOMON'S GOLDEN AGE EAT, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY! Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance; they were eating and drinking and rejoicing - Note Judah is separated from Israel here, possibly alluding to the future split that would occur in 1 Kings 11. This is clearly an allusion to Yahweh fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17+ where He declared "I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies." (Ge 32:12) (JACOB SPEAKING WITH GOD) For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’” I agree with John MacArthur's comment that "The early years of Solomon's reign, characterized by population growth, peace, and prosperity, were a foreshadowing of the blessings that will prevail in Israel when the Abrahamic Covenant is fulfilled." (See MacArthur Study Bible) I would add that even better the abundance and the joy in Solomon's Kingdom are but a vague (inadequate) foreshadowing or foretaste of Messiah's Kingdom at the Second Coming of the King of kings! THOUGHT - If you are not yet a believer in Yeshua, the Messiah, let me strongly encourage you to receive His Word implanted (cf Jn 8:24+) which is able to save your soul from destruction and instead bring you into the Kingdom of the One in Whose presence will be fullness of joy and in Whose right hand there will be pleasures forevermore (cf Ps 16:11)! 1 Kings 4:21 Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. Solomon: 1Ki 4:24 Ge 15:18 Ex 23:31 De 11:24 Jos 1:4 2Ch 9:26-31 Ezr 4:20 Ps 72:8-11 brought: 1Sa 10:27 2Ki 17:3 2Ch 17:5 32:23 Ps 68:29 72:10,11 76:11 Related Passages: Exodus 23:31 “I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. Deuteronomy 1:7 ‘Turn and set your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites, and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negev and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. Joshua 1:4 “From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. Genesis 15:18+ On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: Solomon's Kingdom ca 971-931 BC ESV Global Study Bible THE EXTENT OF SOLOMON'S KINGDOM Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute (minchah) and served Solomon all the days of his life - The River refers to the Euphrates River in top right corner of map above. This territory includes modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel conquered much of Canaan, but they never fully possessed all the land described in Genesis 15:18 (cf Ex 23:31, Joshua 1:4). Many areas remained unconquered (e.g., Judges 1:27–36). Notice these boundaries closely approximate those originally promised by Yahweh to Abraham and his seed. While Solomon exercised influence over regions as far as the Euphrates (1Ki 4:24), this was primarily through vassal states, not direct occupation or settlement (see the greyish area labeled Hamath in the map above). I interpret the Bible literally and believe Yahweh's promise will be fulfilled in a future Messianic kingdom where Israel will possess the entirety of the land literally. God will keep His promise made to Abraham! Some think that Solomon's rule over all kingdoms was an answer to the prayer in Psalm 72 (some think Solomon wrote this but others think it was David" (because of the words in Ps 72:20) - Psalms 72:8-11 May he also rule from sea to sea And from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, And his enemies lick the dust. 10 Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. 11 And let all kings bow down before him, All nations serve him. Woodhouse - the “tribute” brought to David in the glory days of his reign (see 2 Samuel 8:2, 6) came after his military victories. The nations appear to have served Solomon without the need for armed force. For those prepared to see it, Solomon became “a light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). To serve this king, if you did so gladly, would be no burden. To bring him “tribute” would be to honor him.38(See 1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World - Page 98) John
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Wiersbe comments on these huge provisions and the ultimate impact - The conquered nations may have looked upon these monthly donations as part of their tribute to King Solomon, but the Jewish tribes considered the whole system to be a humiliating form of extortion. After Solomon’s death, it was no wonder that the ten tribes rose up in revolt against “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.” (Bible Exposition Commentary) John Woodhouse says that based on these large numbers in vv22-23 "estimates of the number of people in Solomon’s royal household range from 14,000 to 32,000. (See Keil, Kings, p. 38) Perhaps we should allow for some hyperbole, although comparable examples have been cited from Persia and Egypt. (Montgomery, Kings, p. 128.) The extent of the nations’ submission (glad or otherwise) to King Solomon is reflected in the extraordinary scale of the daily provisions for Solomon’s court enabled by their gifts (See 1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World - Page 98) Matthew
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Wiersbe - Contrary to God’s law, Solomon multiplied horses in the land (Dt 17:16) and built special cities for housing them (1Ki 4:26; 1Ki 10:26–29; 2Ch 1:14–17; 1Ch 9:25, 28). (Bible Exposition Commentary) Anything that breeds independence leads on to outright disobedience. Rod Mattoon - Verse number 26 has a copyist error. Forty thousand stalls reads as four thousand stalls in—2 Chronicles 9:25— The reason for copyist errors in any translation of the Bible is Hebrew numbers are written with Hebrew letters, not numbers. Hebrew letters have a numerical value. Some letters look alike with minute differences. One little dot can change the value of a number too. If the scribe does not catch it or if the manuscript is worn or damaged, he can copy a number incorrectly. There are a small number of places this occurs in our translation. They do not affect any Bible doctrines. Here in this passage, we see an area of disobedience in Solomon's life. It may seem small, but it was important to God. As Solomon disobeyed the Lord in having many wives, he disobeyed the Lord in having horses too.... You may not see the consequences for many years, but they eventually come Solomon was not perfect. His mistakes and disobedience caught up with him later on in his life. Even though he loved the Lord, his disobedience affected his life and eventually ruined him. Disobedience breeds more disobedience, which brings problems and repercussions. You may love the Lord, but when you violate Bible principles, you will pay a price in problems later on. You may not see the consequences for many years, but they eventually come. We do reap what we sow (Gal 6:7-8+). (Treasures from 1 Kings) ILLUSTRATION OF THE COST OF SIN - (CAVEAT - THIS IS AN INTERESTING STORY BUT MAY NOT BE TRUE) When Leonardo da Vinci was painting his masterpiece The Last Supper, he sought long and hard for a model for his Christ. At last, he located a chorister in one of the churches in Rome who was lovely in life and features. He was a young man named Pietro Bandinelli. Years passed, and the painting was still unfinished. All the disciples had been portrayed except one, Judas Iscariot. Leonardo started to find a man whose face was hardened and distorted by sin. At last he found a beggar on the streets of Rome with a face so villainous that he shuddered when he looked at him. He hired the man to sit for him as he painted the face of Judas on his canvas. When he was about to dismiss the man, he said, "I have not yet found out your name." The man replied, "I am Pietro Bandinelli. I am the one who sat for you as a model of Christ." Sin takes its toll on our life. (Treasures from 1 Kings) Norman Geisler - 1 KINGS 4:26—How can this verse say Solomon had 40,000 stalls when 2 Chronicles 9:25 says he had only 4,000 stalls? PROBLEM: In recording the prosperity of Solomon, this passage states that he had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots. However, 1 Chronicles 9:25 affirms that Solomon had only 4,000 stalls for horses. Which one is right? SOLUTION: This is undoubtedly a copyist error. The ratio of 4,000 horses to 1,400 chariots, as found in the 2 Chronicles passage, is much more reasonable than a ratio of 40,000 to 1,400 found in the 1 Kings text. In the Hebrew language, the visual difference between the two numbers is very slight. The consonants for the number 40 are rbym,í while the consonants for the number 4 are rbh (the vowels were not written in the text). (The “y” in the word rbym is normally represented by the long “i” vowel. However, since the consonant yod was written to represent long vowels before the vowel points were added, it is inserted here as a transliteration of the letter which would have appeared in the unpointed text.) The manuscripts from which the scribe worked may have been smudged or damaged and have given the appearance of being forty thousand rather than four thousand. (See When Critics Ask) NIDOTTE - According to 1 Kgs 4:26 [1Ki 5:6 in Hebrew Bible] Solomon had 40,000 “stalls” for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses (or horsemen). The parallel v. in 2 Chron 9:25 says, “Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses … and 12,000 horses.” NIV reads 4,000 in 1 Kgs 4:26, which is the reading of some Septuagint manuscripts, but not the reading of the Heb. text. Admittedly, the 40,000 of 1 Kgs 4:26 [5:6] seems excessive, even for 12,000 horses. Were there three אֻרֹת / אֻרְיוֹת for every horse? On the other hand, the number 4,000 in 2 Chron 9:25 raises the problem: were there three horses in each אֻרְוָה? The larger number of 40,000 (versus 4,000) in 1 Kgs 4:26 [5:6] may be an example of a type of textual corruption in which “extra noughts can be added to a number” (Wenham, 21). Cf. the reference to “700” chariots in 2 Sam 10:18, and the reference to “7,000” chariots in the parallel v., 1 Chron 19:18; similarly, the mention of “4” years for the period of conspiracy planned against David by Absalom (2 Sam 15:7) is rendered by some manuscripts as “40” (see NIV footnote to 2 Sam 15:27). To be sure the Heb. text does not use zeroes, but this is Wenham’s way of describing one type of a variant that may be evidence of the use of a different type of pre-Massoretic notation. Davis (89), citing such a copyist’s error, says, “When contradictory numbers occur in parallel passages, the interpreter must take into view the intent of the passage and the nature of the events, in order to arrive at a conclusion as to which of the two numbers represents the true reading of the text.” But this thinking leads to the conclusion that our “biblical text is conveying to us an infallibly correct copy of a set of errors” (Barr, 310). QUESTION - Does the Bible contain errors, contradictions, or discrepancies? ANSWER - If we read the Bible at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors, we will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book. Yes, there are difficult passages. Yes, there are verses that appear to contradict each other. We must remember that the Bible was written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of around 1,500 years. Each writer wrote with a different style, from a different perspective, to a different audience, for a different purpose. We should expect some minor differences. However, a difference is not a contradiction. It is only an error if there is absolutely no conceivable way the verses or passages can be reconciled. Even if an answer is not available right now, that does not mean an answer does not exist. Many have found a supposed error in the Bible in relation to history or geography only to find out that the Bible is correct once further archaeological evidence is discovered. We often receive questions along the lines of “Explain how these verses do not contradict!” or “Look, here is an error in the Bible!” Admittedly, some of the things people bring up are difficult to answer. However, it is our contention that there are viable and intellectually plausible answers to every supposed Bible contradiction and error. There are books and websites available that list “all the errors in the Bible.” Most people simply get their ammunition from these places; they do not find supposed errors on their own. There are also books and websites available that refute every one of these supposed errors. The saddest thing is that most people who attack the Bible are not truly interested in an answer. Many “Bible attackers” are even aware of these answers, but they continue to use the same old shallow attacks again and again. So, what are we to do when someone approaches us with an alleged Bible error? 1) Prayerfully study the Scriptures and see if there is a simple solution. 2) Do some research using some of the fine Bible commentaries, “Bible defense” books, and biblical research websites. 3) Ask our pastors/church leaders to see if they can find a solution. 4) If there is still no clear answer after steps 1), 2), and 3) are followed, we trust God that His Word is truth and that there is a solution that just simply has not been realized yet (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17). Related Resources: Is the Bible reliable? Is the Bible truly God’s Word? Why is it important to believe in Biblical inerrancy? What does it mean that the Bible is infallible? What is biblical infallibility? 1 Kings 4:27 Those deputies provided for King Solomon and all who came to King Solomon's table, each in his month; they left nothing lacking. NET 1 Kings 4:28 Each one also brought to the assigned location his quota of barley and straw for the various horses. CSB 1 Kings 4:28 Each man brought the barley and the straw for the chariot teams and the other horses to the required place according to his assignment. ESV 1 Kings 4:28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty. NIV 1 Kings 4:28 They also brought to the proper place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and the other horses. NLT 1 Kings 4:28 They also brought the necessary barley and straw for the royal horses in the stables. NRS 1 Kings 4:28 They also brought to the required place barley and straw for the horses and swift steeds, each according to his charge. NJB 1 Kings 5:8 They also provided the barley and straw for the horses and draught animals, where required, each according to the quota demanded of him. NAB 1 Kings 5:8 For the chariot horses and draft animals also, each brought his quota of barley and straw to the required place. MONTHLY QUOTAS FULFILLED BY EACH OF THE 12 REGIONS Those deputies (1Ki 4:7-19) provided for King Solomon and all who came to King Solomon's table, each in his month; they left nothing lacking - The deputies were diligent to make sure nothing was lacking but made sure every provision was filled to the brim so to speak. This is exactly what Samuel had warned about in 1Sa 8:14 “He will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and give them to his servants." John Woodhouse points out that "Again we see in Solomon’s kingdom an anticipation of the kingdom of David’s greater son. Jesus said, “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29+). What a kingdom!" (See 1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World - Page 101) 1 Kings 4:28 They also brought barley and straw for the horses and swift steeds to the place where it should be, each according to his charge. Es 8:10,14 Mic 1:13 PROVISIONS FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE HORSES They also brought barley and straw for the horses and swift steeds to the place where it should be, each according to his charge - The writer goes on in this passage to explain the last note in v27 that there was nothing lacking! Even the horses were well fed! Spurgeon opines that "From the whole passage you will see that the kingdom of Israel under the sway of Solomon was a fair type of the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps it most exactly describes his future dominion, in the long-expected glory of the latter days." Paul House - As 4:7–19 has already explained, the twelve district governors collected taxes. Over time this burden became too great for the people to bear, so they asked Solomon’s successor for relief (1 Kgs 12:1–4). For now, though, Israel seems content that they have finally reached the goal they set almost a century before when they asked Samuel for a king: they are like other prominent nations (cf. 1 Sam 8:5). It is interesting to realize that at this point in the story the author expresses neither approval nor disapproval of Solomon’s activities. Certainly the writer presents Solomon as a man made wise by the Lord. Of course, the people seem happy now. Yet Moses’ warnings, especially the one against collecting “great numbers of horses” (cf. Deut 17:14–20), and Samuel’s cautions against royal excesses (1 Sam 8:10–18) linger in the minds of seasoned readers. What long-term good can come of such traditionally non-Israelite practices? (Borrow 1,2 Kings) C H