1 Kings 4:16

KJV

Baanah the son of Hushai [was] in Asher and in Aloth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Baanah {H1195} the son {H1121} of Hushai {H2365} was in Asher {H836} and in Aloth {H1175}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Ba'ana the son of Hushai, in Asher and in Alot;

Berean Standard Bible

Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth;

American Standard Version

Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:16 introduces Baanah, the son of Hushai, as one of King Solomon's twelve district governors, specifically assigned to the regions of Asher and Aloth. This verse is part of a detailed administrative roster that highlights the sophisticated organization and immense prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, demonstrating the practical application of his divinely granted wisdom in managing the vast resources required to provision the royal court.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 4:16 is situated within a crucial section (1 Kings 4:7-19) that meticulously lists the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon. This list immediately follows the enumeration of Solomon's chief officials (1 Kings 4:1-6), establishing the administrative framework of his reign. The purpose of these governors, as detailed in the subsequent verses (1 Kings 4:20-28), was to provide monthly provisions for the king and his extensive household. This administrative detail underscores the unprecedented scale of Solomon's court and the meticulous planning required to sustain it, setting the stage for the description of his wisdom, wealth, and peace that follows in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked a zenith of Israelite power and prosperity, necessitating a robust administrative system far beyond what had existed under Saul or David. The concept of dividing a kingdom into administrative districts for the purpose of taxation or provisioning was common in the ancient Near East, seen in empires like Egypt and later Assyria. Solomon's implementation of such a system reflects a sophisticated approach to governance, enabling the efficient collection and distribution of resources. The mention of "Asher and Aloth" places Baanah's jurisdiction in the fertile northern tribal territory of Asher, extending to a specific locality, possibly indicating a precise mapping of the kingdom's productive regions for royal support.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader administrative record in 1 Kings 4, contributes significantly to several key themes. It emphasizes the theme of **Order and Organization**, showcasing Solomon's divinely inspired wisdom (as requested in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")) applied to the practicalities of governance. The ability to sustain a court that consumed vast quantities of provisions daily, as described in [1 Kings 4:22-23](/1_kings/4-22 "1 Kings 4:22-23 - Daily Provisions for Solomon's Court"), highlights the theme of **National Prosperity** and abundance. Furthermore, the wide geographical reach implied by the listed districts, including Asher, underscores the **Fulfillment of God's Promises** regarding the extent of Israel's dominion, echoing the covenant made with Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land") and the peace enjoyed under Solomon's rule as noted in [1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "1 Kings 4:25 - Peace and Security in Solomon's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baanah (Hebrew, _Ba`anah'_):** A common personal name in ancient Israel, meaning "in affliction" or "son of affliction." In this context, it simply identifies the individual appointed as a district governor. While the name itself carries a potential meaning, its primary function here is as a proper noun within an administrative list.
* **Hushai (Hebrew, _Chushay'_):** Another common Hebrew personal name, possibly meaning "hasty" or "speedy." This individual is distinct from Hushai the Archite, David's loyal advisor (2 Samuel 15:32), indicating that the name was not unique to one prominent figure. The patronymic "son of Hushai" is a standard way of identifying individuals in ancient Near Eastern records.
* **Asher (Hebrew, _'Asher'_):** Refers to the tribal territory of Asher, located in the fertile northern coastal plain of Israel, stretching from Mount Carmel northward. This region was known for its agricultural richness, making it a valuable source of provisions for the royal court. Its inclusion signifies the integration of the traditional tribal lands into Solomon's centralized administrative system.
* **Aloth (Hebrew, _'Aloth'_):** The precise location of Aloth is debated among scholars. It is likely a specific town or sub-region within or near the territory of Asher. Some suggest it might be a variant of "Beth-aloth" or another specific administrative center, further emphasizing the granular detail of Solomon's territorial organization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Baanah the son of Hushai":** This phrase serves as a precise identification of the individual, following the common ancient Near Eastern practice of identifying a person by their name and their father's name. It establishes the specific official being discussed in this entry of the administrative list.
* **"[was] in Asher and in Aloth":** This clause specifies the geographical jurisdiction or administrative district assigned to Baanah. "Asher" refers to the tribal territory, while "Aloth" likely denotes a more specific locality or sub-region within that area. This detail highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Solomon's administrative division of the kingdom, ensuring that all productive regions contributed to the royal provisions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 4:16, and indeed throughout the list of governors (1 Kings 4:7-19), is **Catalog** or **List**. This technique is used to enumerate individuals and their assigned territories, conveying a sense of comprehensiveness, order, and the vast scale of Solomon's kingdom. The very act of listing these administrators underscores the king's organizational prowess and the centralized authority he wielded. Furthermore, the use of specific place names like **Asher** and **Aloth** employs **Toponymy**, grounding the narrative in a real geographical context and lending authenticity to the historical account. This precise geographical detail not only informs the reader of the extent of Solomon's dominion but also implicitly speaks to the systematic and thorough nature of his administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a mere administrative detail, 1 Kings 4:16, as part of Solomon's organizational structure, subtly reflects divine principles. God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33), and the meticulous arrangement of Solomon's kingdom mirrors this divine attribute. Effective governance, even in secular matters, can be a testament to wisdom and stewardship, qualities often associated with God's design for human society. The establishment of clear roles and responsibilities, like those of Baanah and the other governors, speaks to the importance of delegation and accountability in any well-functioning system, whether a nation, a church, or a family. This administrative order facilitated a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity, demonstrating how sound leadership, when aligned with God's blessings, can lead to flourishing.

* [Deuteronomy 16:18](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointment of Judges and Officials")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even a verse detailing an ancient administrative role, like 1 Kings 4:16, offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that order, structure, and diligent administration are not merely secular necessities but can be expressions of wisdom and good stewardship, reflecting God's own character. Solomon's system, which ensured the well-being of his vast kingdom, highlights the importance of every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly mundane their task. Baanah's role, though specific and perhaps unglamorous, was vital to the overall functioning and prosperity of the kingdom. This encourages us to consider how we faithfully steward the responsibilities God has entrusted to us, whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities. When each part of a system functions with integrity and purpose, the whole flourishes, leading to peace and productivity that can honor God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom, as exemplified by Baanah's role, reflect God's character of order and wisdom?**
* **In what areas of your life could greater order and intentionality (like Solomon's administration) lead to increased peace and productivity?**
* **How can we, like Baanah, faithfully fulfill our specific roles, knowing that even seemingly small contributions are vital to the larger whole of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Who was Baanah the son of Hushai, and what was his role?**

Answer: Baanah the son of Hushai was one of King Solomon's twelve district governors, as listed in [1 Kings 4:7](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7 - Solomon's Twelve District Governors") and subsequent verses. His specific jurisdiction was the region encompassing the tribal territory of Asher and the locality of Aloth. His primary role, along with the other eleven governors, was to provide provisions for King Solomon and his extensive royal household for one month out of the year. This system was crucial for sustaining the king's court and demonstrated the highly organized and efficient administration of Solomon's prosperous kingdom.

**Why does the Bible list these administrative details?**

Answer: The detailed listing of Solomon's officials and district governors, including Baanah, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it highlights Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and his remarkable administrative prowess in establishing a sophisticated governance system. Secondly, it illustrates the immense scale and unprecedented prosperity of his kingdom, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding their dominion and abundance (see [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Prosperity and Peace in Solomon's Reign")). These details also emphasize the peace and security enjoyed during Solomon's reign, which was facilitated by such effective organization. Ultimately, these administrative records underscore the historical reality and the practical implications of God's blessings upon His people when they honored Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The administrative order and unparalleled prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, exemplified by the meticulous organization and the appointment of governors like Baanah, serve as a prophetic shadow of the ultimate and perfect reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's dominion, though vast, was earthly and temporary, sustained by human administrators and material provisions. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is eternal and universal, transcending all earthly boundaries and sustained by divine power. He is the true King who establishes perfect order, not through a system of twelve district governors, but through His sovereign rule over all creation ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy and Creation")) and His headship over the Church, His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The peace and abundance under Solomon find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual peace and abundant life offered through Christ, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). The administrative details of Solomon's reign point forward to the day when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")), a kingdom of perfect justice, order, and provision for all who belong to Him.

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

2 Samuel 15:32

And it came to pass, that [when] David was come to the top [of the mount], where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

Joshua 19:24

¶ And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.

Joshua 19:31

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.