1 Kings 4:15

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 4:15

1 Kings 4:15 introduces Ahimaaz, one of King Solomon's twelve district officers, responsible for supplying provisions for the royal household from the region of Naphtali for one month each year. The verse highlights not only his administrative role but also his marriage to Basmath, one of Solomon's daughters. This seemingly minor detail provides significant insight into Solomon's reign and the administrative structure of the united kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Kings 4:7-19) that details King Solomon's highly organized and efficient administration. Following the establishment of his kingdom and the display of his profound wisdom (see 1 Kings 3:12 for his divine wisdom), Solomon appointed twelve officers to oversee the various regions of Israel. Each officer was tasked with providing food and resources for the king and his extensive household for one month out of the year, ensuring the kingdom's stability and prosperity. This meticulous system allowed for a vast and well-supplied court, reflecting the peace and abundance during Solomon's reign.

Key Themes

  • Administrative Efficiency: The appointment of twelve district officers, including Ahimaaz, demonstrates Solomon's meticulous approach to governing. This sophisticated system ensured the steady flow of resources necessary to maintain his large court, army, and extensive building projects.
  • Royal Integration and Loyalty: The marriage of Ahimaaz to Basmath, Solomon's daughter, was more than a personal union. It was a strategic move by the king to solidify loyalty among his key officials. Such marriages often served to integrate important figures into the royal family, creating stronger bonds and ensuring allegiance to the crown. It elevated Ahimaaz's status and provided him with direct ties to the king, reinforcing the centralized power of the monarchy.
  • Prosperity and Organization: The ability to sustain such a large and complex administrative structure, as well as the king's vast household, speaks to the immense wealth and peaceful conditions that characterized Solomon's early reign.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ahimaaz (Hebrew: ืึฒื—ึดื™ืžึทืขึทืฅ, 'Achima'ats) means "my brother is wrath" or "brother of counsel." While not directly tied to a specific linguistic nuance in this verse, the combination of his name and his prestigious position, solidified by marriage to the king's daughter, underscores his importance in the royal administration. Basmath (Hebrew: ื‘ึผึธืฉื‚ึฐืžึทืช, Basmath) means "fragrance" or "perfume," a beautiful name for a king's daughter.

Practical Application

While this verse details an ancient administrative structure, it offers insights into principles of good governance and leadership. Solomon understood the importance of delegation, organization, and securing loyalty among key personnel. For leaders today, it emphasizes:

  • The value of a well-structured team and clear responsibilities.
  • The importance of building strong relationships and trust within an organization.
  • How personal connections can reinforce professional alliances and ensure smooth operation.
This verse, though brief, paints a picture of a kingdom operating with remarkable order and stability under Solomon's rule, a testament to his divinely granted wisdom and strategic leadership.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 18:18 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Joshua 19:32 (2 votes)

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

  • Joshua 19:39 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.