- Verses 1-6 are a listing of Solomon’s administrators.
A major sin of Solomon is found in verse six. He uses forced labor, not only from conquered countries but from Israel. We will discuss this at length when we cover 1 Kings 5.13-14 (see our study).
The Word in Life Study Bible (1997) created the following chart
| Name | Position | Responsibilities |
| Azariah the son of Zadok | High priest | Oversaw worship and religious rituals, representing the people to God. |
| Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha | Scribes | Similar to secretaries of state or chancellors (1 Kings 4.22–23; 11.3). |
| Adoniram the son of Abda | Manager of the labor force | Oversaw Solomon’s numerous construction projects (1 Kings 5.13; 7.1–8; 9.15–19). |
| Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud | Recorder | Maintained written historical records of the king’s business and decisions. |
| Benaiah the son of Jehoiada (see 1 Kings 2.29) | Military commander | Oversaw the nation’s defenses, including its storage and chariot cities; led the army in military engagements; handled royal police matters (for example, 1 Kings 2.28–35). |
| Zadok and Abiathar | Priests | Oversaw religious matters and served as custodians of the Law. |
| Azariah the son of Nathan | General | Carried out the military orders of Solomon and Benaiah. |
| Zabud the son of Nathan | Personal confidant | Consulted with the king on personal matters. |
| Ahishar | Manager of Solomon’s household | Oversaw the palace complex and the needs of Solomon’s extensive court (1 Kings 4.22–23; 11.3). |
| Adoniram the son of Abda | Manager of the labor force | Oversaw Solomon’s numerous construction projects (1 Kings 5.13; 7.1–8; 9.15–19). |
- Verses 7-19 are a listing of Solomon’s governors.
In both of these, Solomon realized that he was unable to do all things, so he created a leadership team that would support him. The twelve division of governors are displayed in the map of the growth of Israel under Solomon and his reapportioning of Israel.
- Verses 20-21 are added to signify the era of peace and prosperity that God introduced through Solomon. It is also given to provide a word of fulfillment of God’s word to Abraham. That word, from Genesis 22.17, states that the descendants of Abraham would be as numerous as the grains of sand on the shore. The borders stretching to Egypt was also a prophecy and a promise given to Abraham in Genesis 15.18.
- Verses 22-28 depict his kingdom, wealth, and military. As for his horsemen, read Deuteronomy 17.16. Verse 24 describes the zenith of Solomon’s reign.
- Verses 29-34 display the worldwide fame Solomon and wisdom. He wrote most of the Proverbs. His songs are contained in Psalm 72 andPsalm 127 along with the Song of Solomon. He also wrote the lyrical book of Ecclesiastes. His name became synonymous with wisdom (Matthew 12.42).
The four names that appear here are listed as descendants of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2.6, and two of the men, Ethan and Heman, appear in the superscriptions of Psalm 88 and Psalm 89.