1 Kings 4:25

KJV

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Judah {H3063} and Israel {H3478} dwelt {H3427} safely {H983}, every man {H376} under his vine {H1612} and under his fig tree {H8384}, from Dan {H1835} even to Beersheba {H884}, all the days {H3117} of Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From Dan to Be'er-Sheva, Y'hudah and Isra'el lived securely, every man under his vine and fig tree, throughout the lifetime of Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.

American Standard Version

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:25 vividly portrays the pinnacle of King Solomon's reign, depicting a golden age of unprecedented peace, security, and prosperity for the united kingdom of Judah and Israel. This verse encapsulates a period of profound domestic tranquility and economic stability, where every individual enjoyed the fruits of their labor without fear, from the northernmost reaches of Dan to the southernmost boundaries of Beersheba. It signifies a divinely blessed era, a testament to God's favor and Solomon's wise governance, establishing an ideal standard of national well-being that would be remembered throughout Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a climactic summary within a larger section (1 Kings 4:1-34) dedicated to extolling the glory, wisdom, and administrative prowess of Solomon's reign. Immediately preceding it, the narrative details Solomon's extensive governmental structure and officials (1 Kings 4:1-19), the immense daily provisions required for his court (1 Kings 4:20-23), and his dominion over surrounding kingdoms (1 Kings 4:24). Following this idyllic description, the text further elaborates on Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, his vast literary output (proverbs and songs), and his comprehensive knowledge of the natural world (1 Kings 4:29-34). Thus, 1 Kings 4:25 serves as a succinct, idealized portrayal of the societal benefits and widespread flourishing that resulted from such a divinely empowered and well-ordered kingdom, standing in stark contrast to the internal strife and external threats that characterized earlier periods of Israel's history, such as the tumultuous era of the Judges or the embattled reigns of Saul and David. It establishes the immense height of prosperity from which the kingdom would later decline, setting the stage for the narrative of Solomon's eventual spiritual failures and the subsequent division of the kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a state of sustained peace and security was an extraordinary rarity, often interrupted by constant warfare, invasions, and internal rebellions. The phrase "dwelt safely" (Hebrew: *yashav lavetach*) signifies a remarkable achievement for any kingdom of that era, indicating a stable political environment, effective defense, and a lack of internal dissent. Solomon's strategic alliances, notably with Egypt and Tyre, played a significant role in maintaining this peace. The imagery of "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" is a powerful agrarian ideal, deeply embedded in the agricultural society of ancient Israel. It speaks to a time when individuals could enjoy the produce of their own land without fear of confiscation, destruction by invaders, or the necessity to flee. This was the antithesis of a land ravaged by war or famine, representing the epitome of domestic and economic stability and personal security. The geographical marker "from Dan even to Beersheba" was a common biblical idiom (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - From Dan to Beersheba")) signifying the entire territorial extent of the united kingdom of Israel, from its northernmost point to its southernmost, emphasizing the widespread and comprehensive nature of this peace and prosperity across the entire land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 1 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it embodies the theme of **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment**. This era of peace and prosperity is presented as a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, particularly those outlined in the Mosaic Law, where obedience would lead to security, abundance, and dwelling safely in the land (e.g., [Leviticus 26:5](/leviticus/26-5 "Leviticus 26:5 - Blessings of Peace and Security") and [Deuteronomy 28:7-8](/deuteronomy/28-7-8 "Deuteronomy 28:7-8 - Blessings of Victory and Prosperity")). Secondly, it highlights the **Fruits of Wisdom and Righteous Kingship**. Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, granted by God in response to his humble request (as detailed in [1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9-12 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")), is directly linked to the flourishing of his kingdom. His wise governance and the stability it brought are seen as a direct consequence of his initial devotion to God. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **National Security and Prosperity**, presenting an ideal picture of a nation at peace, both internally and externally, where every citizen enjoys the benefits of a well-ordered society. This idyllic state serves as a benchmark against which the later decline and division of the kingdom are measured, emphasizing the preciousness of the *shalom* that God had provided.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Safely (Hebrew, _beṭach'_):** Derived from H983, this word signifies security, confidence, and freedom from fear or anxiety. In the context of the ancient Near East, where constant warfare and instability were the norm, for Judah and Israel to "dwell safely" (a state described by the adverbial form *lavetach*) signified an extraordinary period of peace, both from external enemies and internal strife. It speaks to a profound sense of well-being and freedom from apprehension, indicating a secure and stable environment.
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** H1612 refers to a vine, specifically a grapevine. As a staple crop in ancient Israel, the vine symbolized fertility, prosperity, and joy. Its presence on one's property indicated a settled life and the ability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. The imagery of sitting under one's own vine evokes a sense of personal ownership, domestic tranquility, and abundant provision, representing a life free from want or disturbance.
* **Fig Tree (Hebrew, _tᵉʼên'_):** H8384 refers to the fig tree or its fruit. Like the vine, the fig tree was a common and valuable fruit tree, providing both shade and sustenance. It often symbolizes peace, prosperity, and a settled existence. To be "under his fig tree" suggests a quiet, undisturbed enjoyment of one's home and property, a stark contrast to the displacement and destruction brought by war or famine. Together with the vine, it paints a picture of idyllic, agrarian abundance and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judah and Israel dwelt safely":** This initial clause establishes the overarching condition of the united kingdom: a state of profound peace and security. It emphasizes the unity of the two major tribal divisions, Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern tribes), under one king, experiencing a shared sense of well-being and protection from all threats, both internal and external. This was a unique and divinely-enabled achievement, particularly given the later division of the kingdom.
* **"every man under his vine and under his fig tree":** This vivid idiomatic phrase describes the personal and domestic manifestation of the kingdom's peace and prosperity. It signifies that individual citizens, from the wealthiest to the humblest, enjoyed the stability to cultivate their own land, possess their own property, and partake in its produce without fear of molestation or loss. It speaks to economic stability, personal freedom, and a tranquil home life, illustrating a society where the blessings of peace reached down to the common person.
* **"from Dan even to Beersheba":** This is a well-known geographical merism, encompassing the entire north-south extent of the united kingdom of Israel. It emphasizes the universality and comprehensiveness of the peace and security described. This was not a localized phenomenon but a condition enjoyed by all people across the entire land, underscoring the vast reach of Solomon's benevolent rule and God's widespread blessing upon the nation.
* **"all the days of Solomon":** This final phrase indicates the duration of this idyllic state. While later chapters of 1 Kings reveal some internal disgruntlement and external adversaries emerging towards the end of Solomon's reign, this statement broadly characterizes the majority of his rule as a period of unprecedented peace and stability, especially when compared to the reigns of his predecessors and successors. It marks a distinct, prolonged era of blessing and a high point in Israelite history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of peace and prosperity. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "every man under his vine and under his fig tree." This is a well-established biblical idiom symbolizing domestic tranquility, personal security, and economic well-being, where individuals can enjoy the fruits of their labor in peace. It paints a picture of an agrarian ideal, deeply resonant with the Israelite understanding of blessing and covenant fulfillment. Another significant device is **Merism** in the phrase "from Dan even to Beersheba." This geographical pairing represents the whole of the united kingdom, from its northernmost to its southernmost points, thereby conveying the idea of totality and universality—that this peace and security extended across the entire land. The verse also uses **Symbolism**, with the vine and fig tree not just representing literal plants, but serving as powerful symbols of abundance, prosperity, and a settled, undisturbed life. While not strictly hyperbole, the phrase "all the days of Solomon" might contain an element of **Idealization**, presenting the reign in its most glorious light, even if minor challenges arose towards its conclusion, emphasizing the overall character of his rule as one of unprecedented peace and flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound peace and prosperity experienced by Israel under Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 4:25, stands as a vivid illustration of God's covenant faithfulness and the blessings promised for obedience. This era was a partial, yet significant, fulfillment of the divine promises made to Abraham regarding the land and to Moses concerning the fruits of covenant loyalty. It reflects the ideal of *shalom*—a comprehensive peace encompassing not just the absence of war, but also wholeness, well-being, and flourishing in every aspect of life. This divinely-ordained security under a wise king serves as a theological benchmark, highlighting the potential for human flourishing when a nation aligns itself with God's will. It also foreshadows a greater, ultimate peace that God intends for His people, a peace that transcends earthly circumstances and is rooted in His eternal reign, pointing to the eschatological hope of a perfect kingdom.

* [Leviticus 26:5](/leviticus/26-5 "Leviticus 26:5 - Blessings of Peace and Security")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Prophetic Vision of Peace")
* [Zechariah 3:10](/zechariah/3-10 "Messianic Peace and Prosperity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision presented in 1 Kings 4:25 resonates deeply with the universal human longing for peace, security, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. It reminds us that true societal flourishing is not merely about economic growth or military might, but about a holistic sense of well-being that extends to every individual and every corner of the land. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for His people to live in *shalom*. It challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and communities, contribute to or detract from such an environment. While we may not live under a Solomonic kingdom, we are called to be agents of peace and justice in our spheres of influence, seeking the welfare of our cities and nations, and living out the principles of God's kingdom. Furthermore, it encourages us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude for the blessings we do possess, recognizing that true security ultimately comes from God. This passage also invites us to look beyond temporary earthly peace to the enduring, perfect peace promised in God's eternal kingdom, a peace that transcends all understanding and earthly limitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" challenge our modern understanding of societal well-being and prosperity, moving beyond purely material measures?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities of faith, actively contribute to fostering peace and security in our own contexts, even amidst global instability and social challenges?**
* **How do we balance our legitimate desire for earthly peace and security with our spiritual longing for the ultimate, perfect and eternal peace found in God's eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What does the phrase "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful biblical idiom symbolizing a state of profound peace, security, and prosperity. It paints a picture of domestic tranquility and personal well-being. In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, owning and enjoying the produce of one's own vine and fig tree meant economic stability, self-sufficiency, and freedom from fear of invasion or oppression. It signifies a time when people could live quietly on their own property, enjoying the fruits of their labor without disturbance, representing the ideal conditions for a settled and blessed life. This imagery is not unique to Solomon's reign but appears in prophetic literature (e.g., [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Prophetic Vision of Peace")) to describe an ideal future state of peace and abundance under God's righteous rule, often with messianic implications.

**Was the peace described in 1 Kings 4:25 truly enjoyed "all the days of Solomon," or were there exceptions?**

Answer: While 1 Kings 4:25 presents an idealized summary of Solomon's reign, particularly its golden age, the phrase "all the days of Solomon" should be understood as characterizing the general state of his rule, especially its early and middle periods. The biblical narrative itself indicates that challenges and adversaries did emerge, particularly towards the end of his reign, as a consequence of his disobedience and idolatry. [1 Kings 11:14-25](/1_kings/11-14-25 "1 Kings 11:14-25 - God Raises Adversaries Against Solomon") details how God raised up adversaries like Hadad the Edomite and Rezon of Zobah, who harassed Israel. Furthermore, internal discontent over Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor policies, hinted at in [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Grievance to Rehoboam"), eventually led to the division of the kingdom after his death. Therefore, while the verse accurately captures the unprecedented peace and stability that marked the majority and peak of his reign, it's an overarching description of the prevailing condition rather than a claim of absolute, uninterrupted tranquility for every single moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The glorious reign of Solomon, characterized by unparalleled peace and prosperity, serves as a magnificent, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of the ultimate King of Peace, Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingdom, though vast and secure, was temporary and ultimately flawed by his own sin and the subsequent division of Israel. However, the vision of "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" finds its true and eternal fulfillment in the reign of Christ. He is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) yet brings a profound peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Christ, believers find true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), a security that transcends earthly threats, and an abundance of spiritual blessings. He himself is the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), and abiding in Him grants believers access to life, fruitfulness, and an eternal dwelling place where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). The peace of Solomon's reign, extending "from Dan even to Beersheba," points to the universal and everlasting peace of Christ's kingdom, which will ultimately encompass all nations and endure forever, a kingdom of righteousness and *shalom* without end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

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

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

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.

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

2 Kings 18:31

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.