1 Kings 4:20

¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

Judah {H3063} and Israel {H3478} were many {H7227}, as the sand {H2344} which is by the sea {H3220} in multitude {H7230}, eating {H398} and drinking {H8354}, and making merry {H8056}.

Y'hudah and Isra'el were as numerous as sand grains on the seashore; they ate, drank and enjoyed themselves.

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.

Judah and Israel were many as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry.

Commentary

Context

1 Kings 4:20 describes the zenith of the united kingdom of Israel and Judah during the reign of King Solomon. This verse is part of a larger section (1 Kings 4:1-34) that details the administrative structure, vast dominion, unparalleled wisdom, and immense prosperity that characterized Solomon's rule. Following the consolidation of his kingdom and the establishment of peace with surrounding nations, this period represents a golden age for Israel, marked by abundance and stability, fulfilling God's promises of blessing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Fulfillment: The description of Judah and Israel being "many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude" directly echoes God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding his descendants (e.g., Genesis 22:17). This verse highlights the faithful fulfillment of these divine assurances through Solomon's reign.
  • Abundance and Prosperity: The phrase "eating and drinking, and making merry" vividly portrays a nation enjoying peace, security, and material well-being. It signifies a time when basic needs were met, and there was cause for celebration, indicative of a flourishing economy and stable society under Solomon's wise governance.
  • National Unity and Contentment: The verse emphasizes the unity of both Judah and Israel, living together in harmony and prosperity. This shared experience of abundance contributed to a general sense of joy and contentment throughout the land.

Linguistic Insights

The idiom "as the sand which is by the sea" (Hebrew: kachol asher al-sefat hayam) is a powerful biblical metaphor used throughout Scripture to denote an immeasurable, countless multitude. Its usage here explicitly links Solomon's prosperous reign to the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants. The phrase "eating and drinking, and making merry" (Hebrew: okelim v'shotim u'smechim) conveys a strong sense of feasting, revelry, and joy, indicating a lack of want or threat and a general state of well-being.

Practical Application

This verse offers a glimpse into a period of great blessing and peace for God's people when they walked in obedience and were led by a king endowed with divine wisdom. It reminds us that God desires the well-being of His people, not just spiritually but also often materially, when they align with His will. While earthly prosperity can be fleeting, the ultimate promise of lasting peace and joy is found in God's eternal kingdom through Christ. This historical account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and the blessings that flow from wise and righteous leadership.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 22:17 (5 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • 1 Kings 3:8 (5 votes)

    And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

  • Genesis 32:12 (3 votes)

    And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

  • Zechariah 9:15 (2 votes)

    The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar.

  • Isaiah 22:13 (2 votes)

    And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

  • Zechariah 3:10 (2 votes)

    In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:39 (2 votes)

    And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.