1 Kings 4

1 Kings 4

  • 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.

David’s Psalms in Other Places

David’s Psalms in Other Places

What was happening to David Passage in Samuel

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Passage in Psalms

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Saul sent men to kill David. 1 Samuel 19.11 Psalm 59
David fled from Saul to Achish, king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21.10–12 Psalm 56
David feigned insanity in Gath. 1 Samuel 21.13 Psalm 34
David fled to the cave of Adullam. 1 Samuel 22.1 Psalm 142
Doeg the Edomite told Saul that David was in Nob. 1 Samuel 211 Samuel 22.9 Psalm 52
The Ziphites told Saul that David was hiding in the hill of Hachilah. 1 Samuel 23.191 Samuel 26 Psalm 54
David spared Saul’s life. 1 Samuel 24.3, 4 Psalm 57
David and his army killed 18,000 Syrians in the Valley of Salt. 2 Samuel 8.13 Psalm 60
David admitted his sin with Bathsheba to Nathan the prophet. 2 Samuel 12.13 Psalm 51
David fled from his son Absalom. 2 Samuel 15.16 Psalm 3
The Israelites mourned the civil war between Absalom and David. 2 Samuel 15.23 Psalm 63
Shimei cursed David. 1 Samuel 21-24 or 2 Samuel 16.5 Psalm 7
David rejoiced over his deliverance from Saul. 2 Samuel 22.1–51 Psalm 18

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson Study Bible. New King James Version (2 Sa 22.6). Nashville. T. Nelson Publishers.