1 Kings 4:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 4:20 masterfully encapsulates the unparalleled peace, demographic flourishing, and material abundance that characterized the united kingdom of Judah and Israel during the zenith of King Solomon's reign. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of a golden age, portraying a nation enjoying profound security, contentment, and joy, where the people lived free from want or external threat, celebrating the tangible blessings of God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises. It signifies a period of divinely ordained prosperity, marking a high point in Israel's national history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a broader literary unit (1 Kings 4:1-34) that meticulously details the administrative structure, vast dominion, unparalleled wisdom, and immense prosperity of Solomon's kingdom. Following the consolidation of his rule and the establishment of peace with surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines and the Arameans (1 Kings 4:21-24), 1 Kings 4:20 functions as a climactic summary statement of the resulting national well-being. It immediately follows the detailed account of Solomon's extensive provisions for his household and administrative districts (1 Kings 4:7-19) and precedes the description of his vast wisdom and international renown (1 Kings 4:29-34). The verse thus serves as a powerful affirmation of God's blessings, setting the stage for the narrative's subsequent focus on Solomon's wisdom and monumental building projects, most notably the construction of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents a unique period of peace and unprecedented prosperity for Israel, largely facilitated by his strategic diplomatic alliances, extensive international trade networks, and the absence of major external military threats. The imagery of "sand which is by the sea" directly echoes the foundational covenant promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their innumerable descendants and their secure possession of the promised land (e.g., [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants")). Culturally, the phrase "eating and drinking, and making merry" was a powerful idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying a society that was not merely surviving but genuinely thriving—a hallmark of profound peace, security, and economic stability. This era stands in stark contrast to the preceding turbulent period of the Judges and the often-embattled early united monarchy under Saul and David, highlighting a divinely orchestrated era of rest and abundance for the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment**, showcasing God's faithfulness in bringing to fruition the promises made generations prior to the patriarchs. The vast population and widespread prosperity are tangible evidence of divine favor and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. Secondly, it highlights **Abundance and Prosperity**, depicting a nation enjoying unparalleled material well-being, peace, and security, which are consistently presented in Scripture as blessings for obedience and righteous governance, as seen in the covenant stipulations of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **National Unity and Contentment**, as both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah are united in their shared experience of this golden age. This collective enjoyment of peace and plenty fostered a rare and precious sense of stability and joy across the entire kingdom, a stark contrast to the future division of the monarchy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"many" (Hebrew, _rab'_):** This word (H7227) denotes abundance in quantity, size, or number. In 1 Kings 4:20, it emphasizes the sheer numerical strength and demographic flourishing of the united kingdom, signifying a population that had grown exceedingly large, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.
* **"sand" (Hebrew, _chôwl'_):** Referring to (H2344) "sand (as round or whirling particles)," this term, especially when paired with "sea" (H3220, _yâm'_), forms a powerful idiom for an immeasurable, countless multitude. Its use here explicitly links Solomon's prosperous reign to the faithful fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to the patriarchs concerning their innumerable offspring.
* **"making merry" (Hebrew, _sâmêach'_):** This word (H8056) describes a state of being blithe, gleeful, or joyful. In the context of "eating and drinking" (H398, _ʼâkal'_ and H8354, _shâthâh'_), it vividly conveys a widespread atmosphere of peace, security, and material well-being, indicating a society free from want or threat, able to celebrate and enjoy life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Judah and Israel were many":** This initial clause establishes the demographic strength and national unity of Solomon's kingdom. It highlights the vast population that now inhabited the land, signifying a direct fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants and underscoring the breadth of Solomon's dominion over both the southern and northern tribes.
* **"as the sand which is by the sea in multitude":** This powerful simile hyperbolically reinforces the concept of an immense, uncountable population. It directly echoes the covenant promises found in [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 32:12](/genesis/32-12 "Genesis 32:12 - Jacob's Prayer and God's Promise of Descendants"), serving as a clear indicator of divine faithfulness to the ancestral covenants and the miraculous growth and blessing bestowed upon the nation.
* **"eating and drinking, and making merry":** This final clause vividly describes the quality of life enjoyed by the people. It signifies a profound state of peace, security, and material abundance. "Eating and drinking" implies plentiful provisions and a thriving economy, while "making merry" indicates a joyful, celebratory atmosphere, free from the anxieties of war, famine, or oppression. It paints a comprehensive picture of national contentment and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of national prosperity and divine blessing. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "as the sand which is by the sea," which draws a direct comparison between the vast population of Israel and the countless grains of sand. This simile also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the number to emphasize the immense, almost unimaginable, multitude, thereby underscoring the miraculous fulfillment of God's ancient promises to the patriarchs. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "eating and drinking, and making merry" acts as a vivid **Idiom**, a common expression in ancient Near Eastern literature used to denote a time of profound peace, abundance, and celebration. Together, these devices paint a rich, evocative picture of a kingdom at its peak, enjoying unprecedented security and joy under divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The flourishing of Judah and Israel, described in terms of both demographic strength and material abundance, is a direct fulfillment of the blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants, particularly the promise of innumerable offspring and possession of the land. It illustrates that God's desire for His people often includes not only spiritual well-being but also a tangible experience of peace, security, and prosperity when they walk in obedience and are led by righteous leadership. This period under Solomon serves as a historical high point, demonstrating the potential for human flourishing under divine favor, a foreshadowing of the ultimate peace and abundance found in God's eternal kingdom.

* [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Abraham's Descendants")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 72:7-8](/psalm/72-7-8 "Psalm 72:7-8 - Solomon's Reign and Messianic Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Kings 4:20 offers a compelling glimpse into a period of profound blessing and peace for God's people, a time when divine promises were visibly manifest in national prosperity and contentment. While this earthly abundance was a specific covenantal blessing for ancient Israel, it reminds us that God desires the holistic well-being of His people—not just spiritually, but often in tangible ways—when they align with His will. It challenges us to consider what true "merry-making" looks like in our lives: a joy rooted in security, peace, and the satisfaction of needs, rather than fleeting pleasures or material excess. This historical account serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the blessings that can flow from wise and righteous leadership, prompting us to pray for leaders who seek God's wisdom and to live in a manner that honors Him, trusting in His provision and ultimate promises of peace that transcend earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Judah and Israel's prosperity challenge or affirm your understanding of God's blessings for His people today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, cultivate a spirit of "eating and drinking, and making merry" that reflects contentment and gratitude, rather than a pursuit of fleeting pleasures?**
* **Considering the temporary nature of Solomon's golden age, what does this verse teach us about placing our ultimate hope in earthly prosperity versus eternal promises?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "as the sand which is by the sea" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "as the sand which is by the sea" is a deeply significant biblical idiom. In 1 Kings 4:20, it primarily signifies the immense, countless multitude of the people of Judah and Israel, highlighting their demographic strength and widespread presence in the land. More profoundly, it serves as a direct fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For instance, in [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise to Abraham"), God promised Abraham that his descendants would be "as the sand on the seashore." Thus, this verse in 1 Kings powerfully demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing His divine assurances to fruition through the flourishing population during Solomon's reign, showcasing His power to multiply and bless His chosen people.

**Does this verse imply that material prosperity is always a sign of God's favor?**

Answer: While 1 Kings 4:20 clearly depicts material prosperity as a sign of God's favor and covenant blessing for Israel during Solomon's reign, it's crucial to interpret this within its specific historical and theological context. For ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, obedience often brought tangible blessings like land, numerous offspring, and material abundance, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). However, the New Testament introduces a broader and more nuanced understanding of God's favor. While God certainly cares for our physical needs and can bless us materially, true spiritual prosperity, peace, and joy are not always tied to outward wealth. Jesus taught about the dangers of riches ([Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - The Rich Young Ruler")) and emphasized the spiritual nature of His kingdom ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Therefore, while 1 Kings 4:20 celebrates a specific historical blessing, it does not establish a universal principle that material prosperity is *always* an indicator of divine favor for all believers in all eras.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 4:20 describes the zenith of an earthly kingdom, its true Christ-centered fulfillment points to the superior and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's reign, with its unparalleled peace, prosperity, and joy, serves as a powerful, albeit imperfect, type of the coming Messiah's kingdom. The "sand of the sea" multitude, "eating and drinking, and making merry," foreshadows the vast, innumerable company of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language who will find ultimate peace and joy in Christ's spiritual and eternal kingdom. Unlike Solomon's temporary reign, which eventually declined and divided, Christ's kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and ever-expanding ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Jesus himself is the true King of Peace, who brings not just material abundance but an infinitely richer "life, and have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). His kingdom is characterized by "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")), a spiritual feast that transcends all earthly delights. In Christ, the ultimate "merry-making" is found in the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). Thus, Solomon's golden age, glorious as it was, ultimately serves to heighten our longing for and appreciation of the perfect, everlasting reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Genesis 22:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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