1 Kings 4:13

KJV

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him [pertained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in Gilead; to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is] in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

KJV (with Strong's)

The son of Geber {H1127}, in Ramothgilead {H1568}{H7433}; to him pertained the towns {H2333} of Jair {H2971} the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, which are in Gilead {H1568}; to him also pertained the region {H2256} of Argob {H709}, which is in Bashan {H1316}, threescore {H8346} great {H1419} cities {H5892} with walls {H2346} and brasen {H5178} bars {H1280}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Gever, in Ramot-Gil'ad; he was in charge of the villages of Ya'ir the son of M'nasheh in Gil'ad and in charge of the region of Argov in Bashan, sixty large cities with walls and bronze bars;

Berean Standard Bible

Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars);

American Standard Version

Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; even to him pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:13 introduces "the son of Geber," one of King Solomon's twelve regional administrators, whose vast jurisdiction lay east of the Jordan River. This specific verse details his responsibility over Ramothgilead, the historically significant towns of Jair in Gilead, and the formidable region of Argob in Bashan, which notably contained "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars." This meticulous administrative detail underscores the scale, prosperity, and highly organized nature of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing his strategic foresight in governing a unified and expansive Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a detailed administrative list in [1 Kings 4:7-19](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Officials and Prosperity"), which immediately follows a general description of Solomon's reign of peace and prosperity (e.g., [1 Kings 4:20](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity Under Solomon")). The list serves to illustrate the practical implementation of Solomon's wise governance and the immense resources required to sustain his royal court and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the subsequent accounts of his unparalleled wisdom and grand undertakings, demonstrating the underlying organizational structure that facilitated such achievements. The sheer detail of the administrative divisions emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his control over the promised land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a zenith of Israelite power and influence, characterized by unprecedented peace and economic prosperity. To manage the vast resources needed for his lavish court (as described in [1 Kings 4:22-23](/1_kings/4-22 "1 Kings 4:22-23 - Daily Provisions for Solomon's Court")) and ambitious construction programs, Solomon divided his kingdom into twelve administrative districts. Each district was responsible for supplying provisions for the royal household for one month out of the year. The territory described in this verse—Ramothgilead, the towns of Jair, and Argob in Bashan—was located in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. This area was historically significant, having been conquered by Moses and Joshua, and was known for its fertility and strategic importance. The mention of "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars" highlights the formidable nature of these ancient urban centers, some of which may have dated back to the Rephaim, whose massive fortifications were legendary (see [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og, King of Bashan")). Their integration into Solomon's administrative system signifies the complete consolidation of Israelite control over these historically contested and well-defended territories.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous administrative details in [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Wisdom and Administration"), including this verse, powerfully convey several key themes. First, **Order and Administration** are paramount, showcasing Solomon's remarkable ability to organize and manage a large, complex kingdom, ensuring stability and efficient resource allocation. Second, the description of fertile lands and numerous fortified cities speaks to the theme of **Prosperity and Provision**, reflecting the abundant resources available to Solomon's kingdom, which enabled it to sustain its grand operations and enjoy a period of unprecedented wealth. Finally, this specific district highlights the **Extent of Dominion** under Solomon, extending into historically significant and well-fortified areas beyond the Jordan River, fulfilling the divine promise of a vast and secure kingdom, as hinted at in [1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Extent of Solomon's Dominion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Geber (Hebrew, _geber_):** This is a proper name here, identifying the father of the district officer. While _geber_ generally means "man" or "strong man" in Hebrew, its use as a personal name in this context points to a recognized individual, perhaps indicating his father's prominence or a common naming convention of the era. The officer himself is identified only by his paternal lineage, a common practice in ancient Israelite records.
* **Ramothgilead (Hebrew, _Ramot Gil'ad_):** Meaning "Heights of Gilead," this city was a highly significant strategic location in the Transjordan region. It was one of the Levite cities of refuge (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth in Gilead as a City of Refuge") and [Joshua 20:8](/joshua/20-8 "Joshua 20:8 - Ramoth in Gilead as a City of Refuge")), and its control was often contested in later Israelite history due to its commanding position. Its inclusion as the administrative seat for this district underscores the importance of the Transjordan territories to Solomon's kingdom.
* **Brasen (Hebrew, _nechoshet_):** This archaic English term from the KJV translates the Hebrew word for "bronze" or "copper." When applied to "bars" for city gates, it implies robust, durable metal reinforcements, not merely wooden gates. This detail emphasizes the formidable and secure nature of these sixty cities, indicating that they were not merely settlements but well-fortified urban centers, now peacefully integrated into Solomon's vast and secure realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead;":** This clause introduces one of the twelve regional governors appointed by King Solomon. His name is not given directly but rather by his patronymic, "the son of Geber," indicating his identity through his father. His administrative seat is specified as Ramothgilead, a strategically important city in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This immediately situates the officer's jurisdiction within the Transjordan territories.
* **"to him [pertained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in Gilead;":** This expands on the specific territories under this officer's charge. The "towns of Jair" refer to the settlements conquered by Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, during the Israelite settlement of Transjordan (as recounted in [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest of Towns in Gilead") and [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Towns in Bashan")). These towns were known for their fertility and number, forming a significant part of the tribal inheritance in Gilead, now integrated into Solomon's unified administrative system.
* **"to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is] in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:":** This clause further details the officer's extensive jurisdiction, including the region of Argob in Bashan. Bashan was renowned for its fertile pastures and strong, ancient cities. The phrase "threescore great cities" (sixty cities) highlights the immense scale and wealth of this area. The specific mention of "walls and brasen bars" emphasizes the formidable defenses of these cities, which were likely remnants of pre-Israelite inhabitants known for their massive fortifications. This detail underscores the strength, security, and extensive reach of Solomon's kingdom, as these once-formidable strongholds were now under his peaceful and organized dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Cataloging** as a literary device, systematically listing the administrative officers and their respective territories. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of Solomon's governance, demonstrating his meticulous organization and control over every part of his vast kingdom. The specific mention of "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars" serves as a form of **Emphasis through Detail**, providing a vivid and concrete image that highlights the strategic importance, wealth, and formidable nature of the region now under Solomon's peaceful dominion. This particular detail also functions as a subtle form of **Hyperbole**, or at least a strong affirmation of scale, to impress upon the reader the immense resources and secure boundaries of Solomon's golden age.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:13, as part of the broader description of Solomon's reign, powerfully illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises regarding Israel's prosperity and secure dominion over the land. The meticulous organization and abundant resources highlight divine blessing upon the nation and its king, a period of peace and plenty directly attributable to God's covenant faithfulness. It showcases the wisdom granted to Solomon by God, enabling him to establish an administrative structure capable of sustaining such a vast and prosperous kingdom. This order and provision reflect God's own character as a God of order and a generous provider, who blesses those who walk in His ways.

* [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Conquest of Bashan and Og")
* [1 Kings 4:20](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity and Population Growth")
* [1 Kings 4:24-25](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24-25 - Peace and Security Under Solomon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's administrative structure, even down to the specific territories and their features like "walls and brasen bars," offers profound insights into the importance of order, diligence, and wise stewardship. Solomon's success in providing for his kingdom, ensuring stability and prosperity, reflects a leader who understood the value of meticulous organization and responsible management. For believers today, this passage serves as a reminder that God is a God of order, and He calls us to exercise good stewardship over the resources, talents, and responsibilities He entrusts to us. Whether in our personal lives, families, churches, or workplaces, applying principles of diligence, planning, and effective administration can lead to flourishing and the efficient deployment of resources for God's glory. It challenges us to consider how we manage what we have been given, recognizing that all blessings ultimately flow from His hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God call us to be good stewards of the resources He provides, whether material, relational, or spiritual?**
* **What role does order and diligent administration play in our personal lives, and how can we cultivate these qualities?**
* **In what ways can we apply principles of wise governance and responsible management within our communities or the church?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of Solomon's administrative districts, as exemplified by the one described in 1 Kings 4:13?**

Answer: The primary purpose of Solomon's twelve administrative districts was to efficiently provision his vast royal court, army, and extensive building projects, including the Temple and his palace. Each district was responsible for supplying the necessary provisions for one month out of the year, ensuring a continuous and steady flow of resources to the central government. This sophisticated system allowed Solomon to manage the immense wealth and manpower of his kingdom effectively, supporting a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity, as described in [1 Kings 4:20](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity Under Solomon").

**Why is the detail "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The detail "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars" is highly significant because it emphasizes the formidable nature and strategic importance of the region of Argob in Bashan. "Threescore" means sixty, indicating a large number of urban centers. The mention of "walls and brasen bars" (bronze bars) highlights that these were not mere villages but well-fortified, defensible cities, likely remnants of powerful pre-Israelite inhabitants like the Rephaim, known for their massive structures (compare [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og, King of Bashan")). Their inclusion under Solomon's peaceful dominion underscores the extent of his control, the security of his kingdom, and the comprehensive nature of his administrative reach, demonstrating that even historically strongholds were now integrated into his unified realm.

**Who was Jair, and what was the significance of his towns mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Jair was a descendant of Manasseh who, during the Israelite conquest and settlement of the Transjordan region, conquered a significant number of towns in Gilead and Bashan (see [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest of Towns") and [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Towns")). These "towns of Jair" were part of the tribal inheritance of Manasseh east of the Jordan and were known for their fertility and abundance. Their inclusion in the administrative district of "the son of Geber" signifies the integration of these historically significant tribal lands into the centralized administrative system of Solomon's unified kingdom, highlighting the complete consolidation of Israelite territory under his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's reign, as depicted in 1 Kings 4, stands as a profound type of the coming Messiah's kingdom. The unprecedented peace, prosperity, and meticulous administration under Solomon foreshadow the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David. While Solomon's dominion was geographically limited and his peace eventually broken, Christ's kingdom is eternal and universal, bringing a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")). The wisdom Solomon possessed, which enabled his effective governance, points to the infinitely greater wisdom of Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The abundant provision for Solomon's court and kingdom prefigures the spiritual and eternal provision found in Christ, who promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The secure "cities with walls and brasen bars" under Solomon's control symbolize the ultimate security and fortification found in Christ, who builds His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Church Built on the Rock")). He is the perfect Administrator, perfectly managing His spiritual kingdom, bringing order to chaos, and eternally sustaining His people by His sovereign power and grace ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Christ, Head Over All Things for the Church")). Every believer, a "city" in His kingdom, is fortified not by earthly defenses but by the indwelling Holy Spirit and the power of God's salvation ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "Kept by God's Power")).

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

Numbers 32:41

And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair.

Deuteronomy 3:4

And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

1 Kings 22:3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

2 Kings 9:14

So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

Deuteronomy 3:8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

Joshua 21:38

And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.