1 Kings 4:9

KJV

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;

Berean Standard Bible

Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan;

American Standard Version

Ben-deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan;

Commentary

### 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](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7-19 - Solomon's Administrative Districts"). Following the narrative of Solomon's profound request for and reception of wisdom from God in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom"), 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](/1_kings/4-20-34 "1 Kings 4:20-34 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom"), 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](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark Returns to Bethshemesh").

* **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](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for an Understanding Heart"). 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](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Israel's Prosperity Under Solomon"), 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
* **Dekar (Hebrew, _Deqer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pierce" or "a stab," Dekar is presented here as a proper name, specifically the father of one of Solomon's district governors. The use of a patronymic ("the son of Dekar") was a common and effective method of identification in ancient Israel, highlighting an individual's lineage and established identity within the community, often when their personal name was less significant than their familial connection or office.
* **Bethshemesh (Hebrew, _Bêyth Shemesh'_):** Meaning "house of the sun," this city name points to a significant urban and agricultural center. While its name might suggest a pre-Israelite association with sun worship, by Solomon's era, it was an established Israelite city, strategically located in the Shephelah, near the tribal boundary of Judah and Dan. Its inclusion in this list underscores its importance as a key provisioning point within the administrative district, reflecting the governor's oversight of a historically and economically vital region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Dekar,"**: This phrase introduces one of the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon. The omission of his personal name, identifying him solely by his father's lineage, suggests that his identity was sufficiently known through his family connection, or that the primary focus of the text is on the administrative structure and the office itself rather than the individual officer's personal identity. This was a common and accepted form of identification in ancient Near Eastern societies, emphasizing family reputation and established position.
* **"in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:"**: This clause precisely delineates the geographical extent of the governor's jurisdiction. These four locations demarcate the specific district from which "the son of Dekar" was responsible for collecting and delivering provisions to the royal court. Makaz is generally placed in the Shephelah, Shaalbim in the territory of Dan, and Bethshemesh and Elonbethhanan also in the Shephelah or adjacent areas. Their grouping indicates a geographically contiguous and strategically important region, likely chosen for its agricultural productivity, access to resources, and control over key trade routes, thereby ensuring a consistent and diverse supply of goods to Jerusalem.

#### 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](/1_kings/4-7-19 "1 Kings 4:7-19 - Solomon's Administrative List"), 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.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kingship")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where There Is No Counsel")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### 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
* **How does Solomon's administrative diligence challenge our approach to stewardship in our own lives, families, or communities?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, reflect God's character of order and wisdom in our daily responsibilities and decision-making?**
* **Considering the vastness of Solomon's kingdom and the eventual burdens, what are the potential pitfalls of great prosperity and extensive organization, and how can we guard against them in our own contexts?**

### 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](/1_kings/4-22-28 "1 Kings 4:22-28 - Solomon's Daily Provisions").

**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](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint to Rehoboam")). 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](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) 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](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). 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](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 Samuel 6:12

And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, [and] went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside [to] the right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.

Joshua 21:16

And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, [and] Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

Joshua 19:42

And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

Judges 1:35

But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.

1 Samuel 6:20

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?