1 Kings 4:11

The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

The son of Abinadab {H1125}, in all the region {H5299} of Dor {H1756}; which had Taphath {H2955} the daughter {H1323} of Solomon {H8010} to wife {H802}:

the son of Avinadav, in all the area of Dor; he had Tafat the daughter of Shlomo as his wife;

Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife);

Ben-abinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife);

Commentary

1 Kings 4:11 is a specific detail within a larger passage describing King Solomon's highly organized administration. This verse introduces one of Solomon's twelve district governors, the "son of Abinadab," who was responsible for the region of Dor. The most notable detail is his marriage to Taphath, one of Solomon's daughters, highlighting the strategic alliances and centralized control of Solomon's reign.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed list found in 1 Kings 4:7-19, outlining King Solomon's highly organized administrative structure. To manage his vast and prosperous kingdom, Solomon appointed twelve officers, each responsible for providing provisions for the royal household and court for one month of the year. This system ensured a steady supply of food and resources, demonstrating the immense wealth and logistical capabilities of Solomon's kingdom. The region of Dor, located on the coast, was strategically important for its trade routes and fertile land.

Key Themes

  • Centralized Power and Control: The appointment of these twelve governors, each with a specific territory and duty, underscores Solomon's firm grip on his kingdom and his ability to delegate authority effectively. This systematic approach to governance was a hallmark of his reign.
  • Royal Alliances and Loyalty: The marriage of Taphath, Solomon's daughter, to the son of Abinadab was more than a personal union; it was a strategic political move. Such marriages cemented loyalty and integrated influential families into the royal administration, strengthening Solomon's authority and ensuring stability throughout his kingdom. This practice was common among ancient Near Eastern monarchs to secure alliances and maintain control over key regions.
  • Prosperity and Order: The very existence of such a sophisticated administrative system, capable of sustaining the massive needs of the royal court, points to a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity in Israel under Solomon's rule, as also described in 1 Kings 4:25.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The identification "the son of Abinadab" reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of identifying individuals by their patronymic (father's name), especially when their personal name might not be unique or when their lineage was important. Taphath is one of the few daughters of Solomon explicitly named in the biblical record, giving us a rare glimpse into his immediate family beyond his many wives and sons.

Significance and Application

This seemingly minor detail in 1 Kings 4:11 offers significant insight into the nature of Solomon's kingship. It illustrates his divinely-granted wisdom applied to practical governance, showcasing his skill in administration and diplomacy. For believers today, it highlights the importance of good leadership, effective organization, and the strategic use of relationships to achieve stability and well-being within any sphere of influence, whether it be a household, a community, or a larger organization. It also reminds us that even in periods of great blessing and prosperity, diligent administration is necessary to maintain order and sustain growth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 11:2 (3 votes)

    And to the kings that [were] on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

  • Joshua 12:23 (2 votes)

    The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;

  • Joshua 17:11 (2 votes)

    And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

  • Judges 1:27 (1 votes)

    Neither did Manasseh drive out [the inhabitants of] Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.