1 Kings 4:15

KJV

Ahimaaz [was] in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:

KJV (with Strong's)

Ahimaaz {H290} was in Naphtali {H5321}; he also took {H3947} Basmath {H1315} the daughter {H1323} of Solomon {H8010} to wife {H802}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Achima'atz, in Naftali; he also took Basmat the daughter of Shlomo as his wife;

Berean Standard Bible

Ahimaaz in Naphtali (he had married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon);

American Standard Version

Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon to wife);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:15 introduces Ahimaaz, one of King Solomon’s twelve regional officers, specifically responsible for providing provisions from the territory of Naphtali. The verse uniquely notes his marriage to Basmath, one of Solomon's daughters, a detail that underscores the strategic integration of key administrative figures into the royal family, thereby solidifying loyalty and illustrating the meticulous organization and extensive reach of Solomon's prosperous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a detailed account of King Solomon’s unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and administrative prowess, specifically in [1 Kings 4:7-19](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7-19 - Solomon's Administrative Officers"). Following the establishment of his throne and the demonstration of his divinely granted wisdom (as seen in [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wisdom in Judgment")), Solomon implemented a sophisticated system of twelve district governors. Each governor was responsible for supplying the royal household for one month out of the year, ensuring a continuous flow of resources for the king's vast court, numerous officials, and extensive building projects, including the Temple. This section immediately follows a general description of Solomon's reign and precedes a summary of his immense wisdom and prosperity, serving as a concrete example of the organized and stable kingdom he oversaw.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the ancient Near East, royal marriages were often more than personal unions; they were strategic political alliances. Kings would marry off daughters to solidify relationships with neighboring kingdoms or to integrate powerful domestic figures into the royal family, thereby securing loyalty and preventing potential insurrections. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was characterized by unprecedented peace and prosperity, largely due to his administrative acumen and diplomatic marriages, which extended his influence without constant warfare. The appointment of district officers like Ahimaaz, who managed the logistical demands of the kingdom, was crucial for maintaining the stability and affluence described in [1 Kings 4:20-28](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-28 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom"). The territory of Naphtali, located in the northern part of Israel, was agriculturally rich and strategically important, making Ahimaaz's role vital.
* **Key Themes:** The mention of Ahimaaz and his marriage to Basmath contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it highlights **Administrative Efficiency**, showcasing Solomon's meticulous organization and delegation of authority, which was essential for managing a kingdom of Israel's size and prosperity. Secondly, it underscores **Royal Integration and Loyalty**, as the marriage served to bind a key official directly to the royal family, reinforcing centralized power and ensuring allegiance. Such unions were a common method of securing the loyalty of powerful individuals and families. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Prosperity and Abundance** during Solomon's reign, as the ability to maintain such a large and complex administrative structure, including a vast royal household, speaks to the immense resources and peaceful conditions that characterized this period, as further elaborated in [1 Kings 4:24-25](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24-25 - Peace and Security in Solomon's Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahimaaz (Hebrew, _ʼĂḥîmaʻaṣ_):** Meaning "my brother is wrath" or "brother of counsel." While the name itself doesn't directly reveal his character in this verse, it signifies a person of standing. In the biblical narrative, another Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, was a swift runner and loyal messenger during David's reign ([2 Samuel 15:27](/2_samuel/15-27 "2 Samuel 15:27 - Ahimaaz, Son of Zadok")). This Ahimaaz, though distinct, occupies a similarly significant position within the royal administration, elevated further by his marriage into the royal family.
* **Naphtali (Hebrew, _Nap̄tālî_):** One of the twelve tribes of Israel, situated in the northern part of the Promised Land, known for its fertile lands and strategic location. Ahimaaz's assignment to Naphtali indicates the geographical reach of Solomon's administrative system and the importance of securing provisions from all corners of the kingdom. The region's agricultural output would have been crucial for supplying the royal court.
* **Basmath (Hebrew, _Bāśmaṯ_):** Meaning "fragrance" or "perfume." She is identified as "the daughter of Solomon," a crucial detail. This distinguishes her from another Basmath, a wife of Esau ([Genesis 36:3](/genesis/36-3 "Genesis 36:3 - Basmath, Esau's Wife")), and highlights her royal lineage. Her marriage to Ahimaaz is not merely a personal event but a strategic political and social maneuver by the king, reinforcing the bond between the monarchy and its key officials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ahimaaz [was] in Naphtali;":** This clause identifies Ahimaaz as one of Solomon's twelve district officers. The phrase "in Naphtali" specifies his assigned region, indicating his responsibility for administering and collecting provisions from this particular tribal territory for one month each year. This highlights the highly organized and decentralized yet centrally controlled administrative structure Solomon established to manage his vast kingdom and its resources.
* **"he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:":** This second clause provides a significant personal detail about Ahimaaz, revealing his marriage to one of King Solomon's daughters. This detail is not incidental; it signifies a strategic alliance. Such a marriage would have elevated Ahimaaz's status, solidified his loyalty to the crown, and integrated him directly into the royal family, strengthening the bonds between the monarchy and its key administrative personnel. It underscores Solomon's wisdom in not only appointing capable men but also in securing their allegiance through personal ties.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** as it is part of a list of Solomon's twelve district officers, each assigned to a specific region and tasked with providing for the royal household. This systematic listing emphasizes the comprehensive and organized nature of Solomon's administration. Furthermore, the inclusion of the marriage detail utilizes **Specific Detail** to convey broader implications. The seemingly minor fact that Ahimaaz married Basmath, Solomon's daughter, serves as a powerful illustration of Solomon's strategic use of familial ties to cement political alliances and ensure loyalty among his key officials. This detail functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the personal union of marriage symbolizes the political integration and secure allegiance of a vital administrator to the royal house, reinforcing the stability and centralized power of the kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:15, though a brief administrative detail, contributes to the broader biblical themes of wise governance, divine blessing, and the establishment of an ordered society. Solomon's meticulous organization, exemplified by the appointment of district officers and the strategic use of royal marriages, reflects a divinely endowed wisdom that brought unprecedented peace and prosperity to Israel. This period of stability under Solomon, where "Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and under his fig tree" ([1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "1 Kings 4:25 - Peace and Prosperity")), is a testament to God's blessing on a kingdom governed with order and foresight. The verse subtly points to the importance of structure and loyalty in any God-ordained institution, whether a nation or the church, for effective functioning and the flourishing of its people.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rule and Prosperity")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Nehemiah 11:3](/nehemiah/11-3 "Nehemiah 11:3 - Administrative Organization in Post-Exilic Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of ancient administration in 1 Kings 4:15 offer profound insights into principles of wise leadership and the importance of order, even in our contemporary lives. Solomon's strategic delegation and the cultivation of loyalty through personal bonds underscore that effective governance, whether in a nation, a business, or a church, requires both competence and relational integrity. For believers, this verse reminds us that God is a God of order, and He often works through structured systems and faithful people. It encourages us to approach our responsibilities with diligence, to build strong, trusting relationships within our spheres of influence, and to recognize that even seemingly small details of organization contribute to the overall flourishing of a community or endeavor. Our commitment to excellence and integrity in our roles, however humble, can reflect God's own character and contribute to the well-being of those we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom, as exemplified by Ahimaaz's role, challenge or affirm your understanding of effective leadership today?**
* **In what ways can "strategic alliances" or strong relational bonds contribute to the health and effectiveness of the communities or organizations you are a part of?**
* **What "mundane" or organizational details in your own life or work might be opportunities to reflect God's character of order and wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ahimaaz's marriage to Solomon's daughter, Basmath, specifically mentioned in this administrative list?**

Answer: The mention of Ahimaaz's marriage to Basmath, Solomon's daughter, is not a mere biographical detail but a significant political and strategic one. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, royal marriages were powerful tools for securing loyalty and integrating key figures into the ruling elite. By marrying his daughter to Ahimaaz, Solomon elevated the district officer's status and created a direct familial bond, thereby solidifying Ahimaaz's allegiance to the crown. This practice reinforced the centralized power of the monarchy and ensured the smooth functioning of Solomon's extensive administrative system, contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the kingdom, as detailed in [1 Kings 4:20-28](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-28 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom"). It highlights Solomon's wisdom not just in appointing capable administrators but also in strategically securing their unwavering support.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 4:15 details the administrative order and strategic alliances of Solomon's earthly kingdom, it subtly points to the ultimate, perfect order and eternal covenant established by Christ. Solomon's wise governance and the integration of key figures like Ahimaaz into the royal family through marriage foreshadow the spiritual reality of Christ's kingdom. Jesus, the true Son of David, establishes a kingdom that is not merely earthly but eternal, characterized by perfect wisdom and righteousness ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). Unlike Solomon’s temporary alliances, Christ unites His people to Himself in an unbreakable covenant, making them "heirs with God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The Church, as the "bride of Christ" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), represents the ultimate spiritual marriage, securing an eternal bond of loyalty and intimacy far surpassing any earthly political union. Through Christ, believers are not merely administrators but adopted children, fully integrated into the divine family, partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")), living under the perfect, eternal reign of the King of kings.

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 Samuel 18:18

And David said unto Saul, Who [am] I? and what [is] my life, [or] my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?

1 Kings 4:11

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

Joshua 19:32

¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, [even] for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

Joshua 19:39

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

2 Samuel 15:27

The king said also unto Zadok the priest, [Art not] thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.