1 Kings 4:24

KJV

For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he had dominion {H7287} over all the region on this side {H5676} the river {H5104}, from Tiphsah {H8607} even to Azzah {H5804}, over all the kings {H4428} on this side {H5676} the river {H5104}: and he had peace {H7965} on all sides {H5650}{H5676} round about {H5439} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he ruled all the area this side of the [Euphrates] River, from Tifsach to 'Azah. He was over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace all around him, on every side.

Berean Standard Bible

For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.

American Standard Version

For he had dominion over all the region on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings on this side the River: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:24 vividly portrays the unparalleled zenith of King Solomon's reign, illustrating a period of immense territorial dominion and comprehensive peace for ancient Israel. This verse encapsulates the tangible fulfillment of divine promises regarding the land and the unprecedented tranquility that characterized his rule, marking a golden age of stability, prosperity, and flourishing that stood in stark contrast to the preceding era of constant conflict and tribal fragmentation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger section of 1 Kings (specifically [1 Kings 4:20-34](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom")) that meticulously details the administrative structure, economic prosperity, and extraordinary wisdom divinely bestowed upon King Solomon. It immediately follows the account of Solomon's profound prayer for wisdom and God's subsequent blessing of not only wisdom but also immense wealth and honor ([1 Kings 3:4-15](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4-15 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom and God's Response")). The preceding verses in chapter 4 elaborate on the vast population under his rule and the immense daily provisions required for his court, thereby setting the grand stage for the description of his expansive and peaceful kingdom. This section collectively serves to highlight the unparalleled glory and stability of Solomon's reign before the narrative transitions to the monumental undertaking of building the Temple in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for Building the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, traditionally dated from c. 970-931 BC, occurred during a propitious geopolitical lull in the ancient Near East. Major regional powers like Egypt and Assyria were experiencing periods of internal weakness or preoccupation, which allowed Israel to ascend as a significant regional hegemon. The phrase "on this side the river" refers to the region west of the great Euphrates River, often known as "Trans-Euphrates" or "Aram-Naharaim." "Tiphsah" is widely identified with Thapsacus, a crucial city and crossing point on the Euphrates, while "Azzah" is Gaza, a prominent Philistine city located on the Mediterranean coast. This geographical span signifies Israel's control or suzerainty over a vital land bridge connecting the empires of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia, effectively dominating major international trade routes. The "kings on this side the river" were likely smaller city-states or regional rulers who paid tribute, formed alliances, or otherwise acknowledged Solomon's paramount authority, indicating a period of significant political and economic hegemony for the unified kingdom of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes powerfully evinced in this verse and the surrounding narrative include **Vast Dominion and Influence**, which reflects a significant, albeit partial and temporary, fulfillment of the expansive land promises made by God to Abraham ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")) and subsequently reiterated in the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:8-16](/2_samuel/7-8 "2 Samuel 7:8-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Another central and defining theme is **Unprecedented Peace (Shalom)**. Unlike his father David, who was explicitly described as a "man of war" ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David, a Man of War")), Solomon's era was uniquely characterized by an almost complete absence of external threats and a profound internal stability. This divinely granted peace (shalom) was absolutely foundational for the massive construction projects, the flourishing economic prosperity, and the widespread development of wisdom and culture that defined his reign, embodying a period of rest and security promised to a faithful Israel. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores **Divine Blessing and Fulfillment**, portraying Solomon's peaceful and expansive kingdom as a direct and undeniable result of God's favor and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dominion (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** From H7287, this primitive root means "to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off; (come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule." In the context of 1 Kings 4:24, it emphasizes the active and authoritative exercise of control and sovereignty by Solomon over the specified territories and their rulers, indicating a recognized political and military supremacy rather than mere influence.
* **river (Hebrew, _nâhâr'_):** From H5104, this noun refers to "a stream (including the sea; expectation the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity." When used in conjunction with "on this side," as it is here, it almost invariably refers to the Euphrates River, which served as the traditional northeastern boundary of the land promised to Israel. Its inclusion precisely defines the extreme and impressive reach of Solomon's influence.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this rich Hebrew term means "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." Far more profound than merely the absence of conflict, _shalom_ encompasses a holistic state of wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. Solomon's peace was a comprehensive state of flourishing, a profound and comprehensive blessing from God that facilitated internal development and external stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river":** This initial clause establishes the vast geographical scope and authoritative nature of Solomon's rule. The phrase "on this side the river" specifically refers to the entire Levant region situated west of the Euphrates River, signifying that Israel, under Solomon, exerted significant political and economic control and influence over this crucial geopolitical corridor, extending its reach far beyond its immediate borders.
* **"from Tiphsah even to Azzah":** These specific geographical markers function as a merism, precisely defining the northern and southern limits of Solomon's sphere of influence. Tiphsah (Thapsacus) was a strategically important crossing point on the Euphrates, while Azzah (Gaza) was a major Philistine city located on the Mediterranean coast. This phrase comprehensively signifies the entire breadth of his dominion, from the far north to the far south, encompassing vital trade routes and strategically important territories.
* **"over all the kings on this side the river":** This phrase clarifies the precise nature of Solomon's dominion: it was not necessarily direct administrative control over every single square mile or city, but rather a recognized suzerainty or acknowledged overlordship over the various smaller kingdoms and city-states within the region. These kings likely paid tribute, formed alliances, or submitted to Solomon's overarching authority, significantly contributing to Israel's wealth, security, and regional prestige.
* **"and he had peace on all sides round about him":** This final clause highlights the most remarkable and divinely granted feature of Solomon's reign—a profound and comprehensive state of _shalom_. This peace was not merely the absence of warfare but a divinely bestowed period of rest, security, and prosperity that allowed Israel to flourish internally without the constant threat of external aggression, presenting a stark and welcome contrast to the perpetual warfare that characterized the reigns of Saul and David.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the unparalleled magnitude and blessed nature of Solomon's reign. **Merism** is prominently evident in the phrase "from Tiphsah even to Azzah," which ingeniously uses two extreme geographical points to represent the entire intervening territory, thereby emphasizing the vast and comprehensive nature of his dominion. The description of his rule "over all the kings on this side the river" may contain an element of **hyperbole**, a common rhetorical feature in ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions, used to underscore the unparalleled extent of his influence and authority, even if not every single ruler was directly subjugated. There is also an implicit **contrast** with the preceding era of David's reign, which was perpetually marked by relentless warfare and conflict, highlighting Solomon's unique and divinely granted blessing of profound peace. Finally, the entire description serves as a powerful **symbol** of the ideal, God-blessed kingdom, where peace and prosperity are the direct and tangible results of divine favor, wisdom, and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:24 stands as a powerful and tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to both Abraham and David. Solomon's vast dominion and profound peace represent a concrete, albeit temporary and imperfect, realization of the divine vision for Israel as a blessed nation, secure in its promised land and respected by its neighbors. This period of _shalom_ was not merely a political or military achievement but a profound divine gift, demonstrating God's deep desire for His people to live in a state of rest, security, and prosperity when they walk in obedience to His commands. It serves as a significant foreshadowing of a greater, more enduring peace and universal dominion that God ultimately intends for His eternal kingdom, perfectly realized in the person and reign of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land Boundaries")
* [2 Samuel 7:11-13](/2_samuel/7-11-13 "2 Samuel 7:11-13 - The Lord's Enduring Promise to David")
* [Psalm 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "Psalm 72:8 - A Messianic Psalm of Kingly Dominion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign in 1 Kings 4:24 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that true peace, _shalom_, is a comprehensive state of well-being that extends far beyond the mere absence of conflict, encompassing spiritual, social, emotional, and physical flourishing. This verse calls us to recognize peace as a divine blessing and a gift to be actively pursued and cultivated in our personal lives, families, churches, and communities, understanding that such an environment is uniquely conducive to spiritual growth, the acquisition of wisdom, and deeper communion with God. Furthermore, Solomon's reign stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem challenging or impossible. Just as God brought about an era of unprecedented peace and dominion for ancient Israel, He continues to work in our lives today, faithfully fulfilling His word and demonstrating His steadfast love and covenant loyalty, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "shalom" as comprehensive well-being, rather than just the absence of conflict, deepen your appreciation for God's multifaceted blessings in your life?**
* **In what specific ways do you currently see God's faithfulness to His promises at work in your own life or in the broader world today, particularly amidst challenges or uncertainties?**
* **How might intentionally seeking God's wisdom, as Solomon did, contribute to fostering genuine peace and holistic flourishing within your personal sphere of influence, whether in your family, workplace, or community?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's kingdom truly that large, encompassing "all the kings on this side the river"?**

Answer: The biblical description of Solomon's dominion in [1 Kings 4:24](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24 - Solomon's Vast Dominion and Peace"), stretching "from Tiphsah even to Azzah" and ruling "over all the kings on this side the river," indeed depicts the largest extent of Israel's influence in its history. While it signifies a vast sphere of political and economic influence and acknowledged suzerainty, it does not necessarily imply direct administrative control over every single territory or city-state within that expansive geographical span. Rather, it indicates that surrounding kingdoms paid tribute, formed strategic alliances, or were otherwise subservient to Solomon's paramount authority, thereby establishing Israel as the dominant regional power. This remarkable period was a significant, albeit temporary, fulfillment of the land promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"), which spoke of dominion extending from the "river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates."

**How did Solomon achieve such widespread peace when his father David was a renowned warrior king?**

Answer: Solomon's unprecedented peace was a remarkable combination of divine blessing and astute, strategic leadership. Firstly, it was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would be a "man of rest" ([1 Chronicles 22:9](/1_chronicles/22-9 "1 Chronicles 22:9 - God's Promise of a Son of Peace to David")). God explicitly granted Solomon extraordinary wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), which he applied not only in discerning judgment but also in shrewd diplomacy and efficient administration. Solomon strategically built up Israel's military strength and fortified key cities ([1 Kings 9:15-19](/1_kings/9-15-19 "1 Kings 9:15-19 - Solomon's Building Projects and Fortified Cities")), effectively deterring potential aggressors. He also engaged in extensive international trade and formed crucial political alliances through strategic marriages, such as with the daughter of Pharaoh ([1 Kings 3:1](/1_kings/3-1 "1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon's Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter")), which significantly stabilized the region. The preceding conquests of David had largely subdued Israel's immediate enemies, creating a power vacuum that Solomon was able to fill with his diplomatic prowess and economic might, thereby ushering in a period of unparalleled _shalom_.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's reign, as magnificently described in [1 Kings 4:24](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24 - Solomon's Vast Dominion and Peace"), serves as a profound type and shadow of the ultimate, perfect, and eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. While Solomon's dominion was vast and impressive, it was inherently earthly, temporary, and ultimately flawed, eventually succumbing to division and decline. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Isaiah's Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")), establishes a kingdom that is eternal, universal, and righteous, extending "from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth" ([Psalm 72:8](/psalms/72-8 "A Messianic Psalm of Kingly Dominion")). The geopolitical peace Solomon enjoyed was a temporal blessing, but Christ offers a spiritual and eternal _shalom_ that transcends all earthly circumstances, a profound peace that the world cannot give or take away ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). Furthermore, Solomon's renowned wisdom, though divinely granted, pales in comparison to Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The ideal kingdom of peace and prosperity under Solomon points forward to the perfect, everlasting reign of Christ, who truly fulfills the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, establishing a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is the true and ultimate King who brings perfect rest, complete wholeness, and eternal salvation to all who believe in 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

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

Psalms 72:11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Genesis 10:19

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

1 Kings 5:4

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Judges 16:1

¶ Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.