1 Kings 4:1

KJV

¶ So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

So king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} was king {H4428} over all Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo was king over all Isra'el,

Berean Standard Bible

So King Solomon ruled over Israel,

American Standard Version

And king Solomon was king over all Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 4:1 serves as a pivotal summary statement, declaring the undisputed and comprehensive establishment of King Solomon's reign over the entirety of Israel. This verse marks the culmination of Solomon's initial consolidation of power, his divinely granted wisdom, and the fulfillment of God's promises to David, ushering in a golden age of peace, prosperity, and administrative expansion for the united monarchy, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of his vast and prosperous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial transition point within the book of 1 Kings. It follows the detailed accounts of Solomon's succession to the throne, his decisive actions to eliminate political rivals (1 Kings 2), and most significantly, his profound encounter with God at Gibeon where he prayed for and received extraordinary wisdom (1 Kings 3). Having demonstrated his wisdom in judgment (e.g., the famous case of the two prostitutes in [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16-28 "Solomon's Wisdom in Judgment")), 1 Kings 4:1 summarizes the outcome of these preceding events: his reign is now firmly established. The verses immediately following ([1 Kings 4:2-19](/1_kings/4-2-19 "Solomon's Officials and District Governors")) elaborate on the structure of his vast administration, listing his chief officials and district governors, thereby illustrating the practical manifestation of the "all Israel" dominion declared in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign represents the zenith of the united monarchy in Israel, a period of unprecedented peace, wealth, and international influence. Following the tumultuous reign of his father, King David, which was marked by warfare and internal strife, Solomon inherited a kingdom that was militarily secure but still required strong, centralized leadership to maintain its unity and expand its prosperity. Culturally, this era saw significant advancements in architecture, trade, and the arts, largely due to Solomon's extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, and his vast network of international alliances. The phrase "all Israel" emphasizes a rare moment of tribal cohesion, a significant achievement given the historical tendency of the Israelite tribes towards regional autonomy and internal division.
* **Key Themes:** The declaration of Solomon's kingship over "all Israel" encapsulates several overarching themes of the book. Firstly, it underscores the **consolidation of power** and the establishment of a stable, centralized government after a period of transition. Secondly, it highlights the **unity of the twelve tribes**, a rare and significant achievement that would later fracture. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it signifies the **divine blessing and fulfillment of covenant promises**. Solomon's secure and expansive reign is presented as a direct result of God's faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant, particularly the promise of an enduring dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). His reign is portrayed as a period of shalom (peace and wholeness), a direct consequence of his initial obedience and God's favor, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of prosperity in [1 Kings 4:20-34](/1_kings/4-20-34 "Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** (H4428) Derived from the verb meaning "to rule," this noun signifies a sovereign ruler, one who exercises royal authority. The repetition of "king" in the Hebrew text (implied in the KJV's "king Solomon was king") emphasizes the definitive and established nature of Solomon's reign, highlighting that he was not merely designated but fully vested with supreme, unchallenged authority.
* **Solomon (Hebrew, _Shᵉlômôh'_):** (H8010) Meaning "peaceful" or "his peace," this name is highly significant. It connects directly to the era of peace and prosperity that characterized his reign, a stark contrast to the warfare that marked his father David's time. As David's successor, Solomon's name itself foreshadowed the tranquil and flourishing period of the united monarchy under his rule.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** (H3478) Meaning "he will rule as God," this is the symbolic name given to Jacob, which then became the name for his descendants and the nation. In this context, "all Israel" signifies the entire unified nation comprising all twelve tribes, from Dan to Beersheba. It denotes the complete territorial and demographic extent of Solomon's comprehensive dominion, representing a rare moment of national cohesion and unity under a single, divinely appointed king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ So king Solomon":** This opening phrase, introduced by the consequential "So" (which translates the Hebrew _waw_ connective), immediately identifies the subject of the statement and links his established reign to the preceding events. It signifies that the narrative is now moving from the process of Solomon becoming king—his succession, the elimination of rivals, and his divine endowment of wisdom—to the state of his firmly established and recognized kingship.
* **"was king":** The repetition of the noun "king" and the verb "was king" (implied in the Hebrew structure) emphatically declares the settled and undisputed nature of Solomon's rule. This is not merely a temporary state or a claim to the throne, but a confirmed and secure reality, highlighting the stability and authority achieved after the initial challenges to his succession. It underscores the divine appointment and the successful consolidation of his power.
* **"over all Israel":** This crucial phrase defines the comprehensive scope and extent of Solomon's dominion. It asserts that his authority extended unequivocally over the entire unified nation, encompassing all twelve tribes without exception. This signifies a period of unprecedented national unity, centralized control, and territorial integrity, marking the golden age of the Israelite monarchy under Solomon's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The most prominent is **Summary Statement**, as it concisely encapsulates the outcome of the preceding chapters, effectively transitioning the narrative from Solomon's rise to his established reign. The repetition inherent in "king Solomon was king" (more explicit in the Hebrew structure) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the finality, stability, and undisputed nature of his rule. The phrase "all Israel" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "Israel" represents the entire nation and its territory, signifying comprehensive dominion over the whole. Additionally, the introductory "So" (or the Hebrew _waw_ consecutive) acts as a **Transitional Device**, signaling a shift in the narrative focus from the process of succession to the detailed description of the established kingdom's administration and prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:1 powerfully articulates the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to King David. The establishment of Solomon's undisputed reign over "all Israel" is a direct manifestation of God's faithfulness in raising up a successor from David's lineage to sit on his throne, as promised in the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant: God's Promise to David")). This verse signifies a period of divine blessing, where the nation experiences peace and unity under a divinely appointed and wise king. It sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of Israel's unprecedented prosperity and Solomon's renowned wisdom, all flowing from God's favor upon His chosen monarch and His people. The secure throne of Solomon is a testament to God's sovereign hand in history, guiding and establishing His purposes through human leaders, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant: God's Promise to David")
* [Psalm 72:8-11](/psalms/72-8-11 "Psalm 72: A Prayer for the King, Foreshadowing Christ")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration of Solomon's undisputed reign over "all Israel" in 1 Kings 4:1 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the importance of God-ordained leadership and the blessings that flow from a unified people under His guidance. Just as Solomon's authority brought stability and prosperity to Israel, we are called to recognize and submit to legitimate authority, understanding that true peace and flourishing often depend on order and wise governance. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He fulfilled His word to David concerning his lineage, and He remains faithful to His promises to us, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Furthermore, the concept of "all Israel" speaks to the strength and beauty of unity within the community of faith. When believers are united under the headship of Christ, working together with a shared purpose, the potential for God's blessing and impact on the world is magnified. It challenges us to pursue unity, recognizing that our collective strength is greater than our individual efforts and that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to David's lineage in this verse strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways can the concept of "all Israel" united under one king inspire greater unity and cooperation within your local church or Christian community?**
* **What lessons can be drawn from Solomon's established rule about the importance of wise and divinely-guided leadership in any sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "all Israel" in 1 Kings 4:1?**

Answer: The phrase "all Israel" (Hebrew: _kol-Yisra'el_) is highly significant because it emphasizes the comprehensive and unified nature of Solomon's dominion. At this point in Israel's history, it signifies that Solomon's authority extended over all twelve tribes, from Dan in the far north to Beersheba in the south, representing the full territorial and demographic extent of the united kingdom. This was a rare and ideal state of national cohesion, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and centralized administration under a single monarch. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promises for a flourishing kingdom under the Davidic line, as contrasted with the tragic later division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, which is detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "The Division of the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 4:1 celebrates the earthly zenith of Israel's united monarchy under King Solomon, its true Christ-centered fulfillment points to a far greater and eternal reign. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, peace, and the building of the first Temple, serves as a significant type of Christ. Just as Solomon's reign was established "over all Israel" as a result of divine wisdom and the consolidation of power, so too is Jesus Christ established as the undisputed King, not just over a single nation, but over "all things" ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Christ as Head Over All Things")). He is the true and greater Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) but is spiritual and eternal, encompassing believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb Redeems People from Every Nation")). Solomon's temple, though magnificent, was a shadow of the ultimate Temple, which is Christ Himself and His body, the Church ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple"); [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign foreshadow the ultimate peace (shalom) and abundant life found only in Christ, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")). Thus, 1 Kings 4:1, in declaring Solomon's comprehensive rule, ultimately directs our gaze to the universal and everlasting reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 12:19

So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

1 Kings 12:20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

2 Samuel 5:5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

1 Chronicles 12:38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.

Ecclesiastes 1:12

¶ I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 11:35

But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, [even] ten tribes.

1 Kings 11:36

And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.