TRV
Translation
King James Version
The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:
KJV (with Strong's)
The son of Dekar H1128 H1857, in Makaz H4739, and in Shaalbim H8169, and Bethshemesh H1053, and Elonbethhanan H358:
Complete Jewish Bible
the son of Deker, in Makatz, Sha'albim, Beit-Shemesh and Eilon-Beit-Hanan;
American Standard Version
Ben-deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan;
World English Bible Messianic
Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonne of Dekar in Makaz, and in Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh, and Elon and Beth-hanan:
Young's Literal Translation
Ben-Dekar in Makaz, and Shaalbim, and Beth-Shemesh, and Elon-Beth-Hanan.
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In the KJVVerse 8,854 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Kings 4 verses 1–19
1 ¶ So king Solomon was king over all Israel.
2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:
6 And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
7 And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
8 And these are their names: The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim:
9 The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:
10 The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher:
11 The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
13 The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:
14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
15 Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:
17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:
18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:
19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.
Here we have,
I. Solomon upon his throne (Kg1 4:1): So king Solomon was king, that is, he was confirmed and established king over all Israel, and not, as his successors, only over two tribes. He was a king, that is, he did the work and duty of a king, with the wisdom God had given him. Those preserve the name and honour of their place that mind the business of it and make conscience of it.
II. The great officers of his court, in the choice of whom, no doubt, his wisdom much appeared. It is observable, 1. That several of them are the same that were in his father's time. Zadok and Abiathar were then priests (Sa2 20:25), so they were now; only then Abiathar had the precedency, now Zadok. Jehoshaphat was then recorder, or keeper of the great seal, so he was now. Benaiah, in his father's time, was a principal man in military affairs, and so he was now. Shisha was his father's scribe, and his sons were his, Kg1 4:3. Solomon, though a wise man, would not affect to be wiser than his father in this matter. When sons come to inherit their father's wealth, honour, and power, it is a piece of respect to their memory, caeteris paribus - where it can properly be done, to employ those whom they employed, and trust those whom they trusted. Many pride themselves in being the reverse of their good parents. 2. The rest were priests' sons. His prime-minister of state was Azariah the son of Zadok the priest. Two others of the first rank were the sons of Nathan the prophet, Kg1 4:5. In preferring them he testified the grateful respect he had for their good father, whom he loved in the name of a prophet.
III. The purveyors for his household, whose business it was to send in provisions from several parts of the country, for the king's tables and cellars (Kg1 4:7) and for his stables (Kg1 4:27, Kg1 4:28), that thus, 1. His house might always be well furnished at the best hand. Let great men learn hence good house-keeping, to be generous in spending according to their ability, but prudent in providing. It is the character of the virtuous woman that she bringeth her food from afar (Pro 31:14), not far-fetched and dear-bought, but the contrary, every thing bought where it is cheapest. 2. That thus he himself, and those who immediately attended him, might be eased of a great deal of care, and the more closely apply themselves to the business of the state, not troubled about much serving, provision for that being got ready to their hand. 3. That thus all the parts of the kingdom might be equally benefited by the taking off of the commodities that were the productions of their country and the circulating of the coin. Industry would hereby be encouraged, and consequently wealth increased, even in those tribes that lay most remote from the court. The providence of God extends itself to all places of his dominions (Psa 103:22); so should the prudence and care of princes. 4. The dividing of this trust into so many hands was prudent, that no man might be continually burdened with the care of it nor grow exorbitantly rich with the profit of it, but that Solomon might have those, in every district, who, having a dependence upon the court, would be serviceable to him and his interest as there was occasion. These commissioners of the victualling-office, not for the army or navy (Solomon was engaged in no war), but for the household, are here named, several of them only by their surnames, as great men commonly call their servants: Ben-hur, Ben-dekar, etc., though several of them have also their proper names prefixed. Two of them married Solomon's daughters, Ben-Abinadab (Kg1 4:11) and Ahimaaz (Kg1 4:15), and no disparagement to them to marry men of business. Better match with the officers of their father's court that were Israelites than with the sons of princes that were strangers to the covenant of promise. The son of Geber was in Ramoth-Gilead (Kg1 4:19), and Geber himself was in the country of Sihon and Og, which included that and Mahanaim, Kg1 4:14. He is therefore said to be the only officer in that land, because the other two, mentioned Kg1 4:13, Kg1 4:14, depended on him, and were subordinate to him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS 4:1
The officials elected by Solomon designate the order of the chosen ones whom Christ affirmed in his grace and appointed as rulers of his people. Indeed, twelve prefects were selected to administer the incomes of this king and his house, because just as many apostles had to be distributed over the entire world and had to be appointed as treasures of the divine mysteries, so that they might nourish with living and immortal food the Israel of God and might administer the incomes of the house of the peaceful king. Therefore, also the limits of each prefecture were clearly denoted, because, in a similar way, each apostle received a certain province: Simon preached in Rome, John in Ephesus, Matthew in Palestine and Thomas in the region of India.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:9 introduces "the son of Dekar" as one of King Solomon's twelve regional governors, tasked with supplying provisions for the royal household from the territories of Makaz, Shaalbim, Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan. This verse is part of a detailed administrative roster that illustrates the highly organized and efficient system Solomon implemented to manage the vast resources and provisions necessary for his prosperous kingdom and extensive building projects, signifying the zenith of Israel's national strength and the practical manifestation of divinely granted wisdom.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is embedded within a comprehensive account of King Solomon's reign, specifically detailing his sophisticated administrative infrastructure in 1 Kings 4:7-19. Following the narrative of Solomon's profound request for and reception of wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3, chapter 4 elaborates on the practical outworking of this divine gift. The meticulous list of twelve district governors, each responsible for supplying the royal court for one month of the year, vividly underscores the immense scale of Solomon's kingdom and the meticulous planning required to sustain it. This administrative detail directly precedes descriptions of Solomon's unparalleled prosperity and wisdom in 1 Kings 4:20-34, demonstrating how his God-given wisdom translated into effective governance and national flourishing.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's reign (circa 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for ancient Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, immense wealth, and significant territorial expansion. The establishment of a centralized administrative system, as meticulously described in this chapter, was a hallmark of a sophisticated monarchy, mirroring the organizational prowess of other powerful Near Eastern empires of the era. The identification of the governor as "the son of Dekar" reflects the common ancient Israelite practice of using patronymics (identifying an individual by their father's name), especially when the personal name might be omitted or less significant than the lineage or the office held. The listed towns—Makaz, Shaalbim, Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan—were strategically important locations, primarily situated in the Shephelah (lowlands) and the tribal territory of Dan. These regions were vital agricultural areas and often controlled key trade routes, ensuring a steady and diverse flow of provisions to the capital, Jerusalem. Bethshemesh, meaning "house of the sun," was particularly significant, known from the account of the Ark of the Covenant's return in 1 Samuel 6.
Key Themes: The meticulous administrative structure highlighted by this verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. First, it powerfully illustrates Solomon's Administrative Wisdom, directly linking his practical governance to the divine wisdom granted to him by God, as prayed for in 1 Kings 3:9. Second, the detailed system of provision underscores the theme of Prosperity and Abundance during Solomon's reign, a period where Israel experienced immense material blessings and stability, fulfilling God's promises of a flourishing kingdom. This is further emphasized by passages like 1 Kings 4:20, which describes the vastness and security of his kingdom. Finally, this administrative organization speaks to the theme of Centralization and Control, demonstrating Solomon's successful consolidation of power and resources in Jerusalem, a crucial aspect of establishing a unified and powerful monarchy in Israel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 4:9, and indeed throughout the broader passage of 1 Kings 4:7-19, is Listing. This technique is employed to present a comprehensive inventory of Solomon's administrative districts and their respective governors. The meticulous detail in naming each governor (or their patronymic) and their assigned territories serves to emphasize the vastness, orderliness, and efficiency of Solomon's kingdom. It conveys a strong sense of thoroughness and systematic organization, highlighting the practical application of Solomon's God-given wisdom in governing a large and prosperous nation. Furthermore, the use of a Patronymic ("the son of Dekar") is a specific naming convention that identifies an individual by their father's name, underscoring the importance of lineage and established family identity within ancient Israelite society and its administrative structures.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The administrative precision detailed in 1 Kings 4:9, while seemingly mundane, carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates the practical outworking of God's blessing and wisdom upon Solomon's reign, showcasing a kingdom ordered and sustained by divine favor. God is a God of order, not chaos, and Solomon's meticulous organization reflects this divine attribute, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the nation. This systematic approach to governance, though eventually leading to burdens on the people, initially represents a period of unprecedented national strength and the fulfillment of covenant promises made to David regarding a stable and flourishing kingdom under his lineage. It underscores the principle that good governance and diligent stewardship are vital for societal flourishing, reflecting a divine value for responsible management of resources and people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry administrative details of 1 Kings 4:9 offer profound lessons on the importance of order, stewardship, and the practical application of wisdom. Solomon's diligent organization of his kingdom, ensuring its sustenance and flourishing, serves as a powerful reminder that God values thoughtful management and responsible oversight in all areas of life. For believers today, this translates into a call for diligent stewardship of the resources, talents, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us—whether in personal finances, family life, professional endeavors, or church administration. Just as Solomon's system ensured the provision for a vast kingdom, our organized and faithful management of what we have can contribute to the well-being of our households, communities, and the broader kingdom of God. It encourages us to approach our tasks with intentionality, recognizing that order and efficiency can be expressions of our worship and service to a God who brings order out of chaos and desires His creation to thrive under wise care.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the governor's personal name not mentioned, only "the son of Dekar"?
Answer: The practice of identifying individuals by their patronymic ("son of" followed by the father's name) was very common in ancient Israel and the broader Near East. In this context, it's highly probable that "the son of Dekar" was a sufficiently well-known figure, and his lineage provided all the necessary identification. Alternatively, the primary focus of the text here is on the administrative structure and the office itself, rather than the specific individual holding it, thereby highlighting the system's efficiency and the king's overarching authority over it. This approach emphasizes the function within the royal administration more than the personal identity of the officer.
What was the purpose of these administrative districts?
Answer: The primary purpose of these twelve administrative districts and their appointed governors was to efficiently provision King Solomon's vast royal household and to support his extensive building projects, most notably the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and his own opulent palace. Each governor was responsible for supplying the king's needs for one month out of the year, ensuring a continuous and stable flow of food, resources, and tribute to the capital. This sophisticated system was absolutely crucial for managing the immense wealth and large-scale endeavors of Solomon's prosperous reign, as further described in 1 Kings 4:22-28.
Were these districts oppressive to the people?
Answer: While the administrative system itself was initially designed for efficiency and to manage the kingdom's prosperity, the burden of supporting the royal court and Solomon's massive building projects could indeed become oppressive for the common people. The collection of provisions and the demands for labor (corvée) were significant and often onerous. This heavy burden is explicitly mentioned as a key factor in the rebellion that led to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death, when the people complained to his son Rehoboam about the "heavy yoke" Solomon had placed on them (1 Kings 12:4). So, while initially a sign of prosperity and organized governance, the system's demands ultimately contributed to national unrest and division.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed administrative structure of Solomon's kingdom, exemplified by 1 Kings 4:9, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely granted and impressive in its earthly manifestation, was ultimately limited and flawed, leading to a kingdom that would eventually divide and fall. Yet, his reign of peace, prosperity, and meticulous order points to the greater Son of David, Jesus, whose kingdom is not merely of this world (John 18:36) but is perfectly administered in righteousness, peace, and everlasting justice. Where Solomon's governors provisioned an earthly king through earthly means, Christ, as the ultimate provider and King, sustains His people spiritually and physically, promising to supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). The organized nature of Solomon's rule, ensuring the well-being of his subjects, dimly reflects the comprehensive, benevolent, and perfectly ordered governance of Christ, who sovereignly orders all things for the ultimate good of His church and the eternal glory of God. His is an eternal kingdom, without end, where true justice and perfect order will prevail, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where He will reign supreme as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Isaiah 9:6-7 and Revelation 21:1-4).