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1 Kings 4:9

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The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:

The son of Dekar {H1128}{H1857}, in Makaz {H4739}, and in Shaalbim {H8169}, and Bethshemesh {H1053}, and Elonbethhanan {H358}:

the son of Deker, in Makatz, Sha'albim, Beit-Shemesh and Eilon-Beit-Hanan;

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

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

Commentary

Context

1 Kings 4:9 is part of a detailed list found in 1 Kings 4:7-19, which describes King Solomon's sophisticated administrative structure. To manage the vast resources and provisions needed for the royal household and his extensive building projects, Solomon appointed twelve district governors, each responsible for supplying the king's needs for one month of the year. This particular verse identifies "the son of Dekar" (whose personal name is not given, indicating he was known by his father's lineage) as the governor over the regions of Makaz, Shaalbim, Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan. These areas were strategically important, located in the tribal territories of Dan and Judah, controlling significant trade routes and agricultural lands, ensuring a steady flow of provisions to Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Administrative Wisdom: This verse highlights Solomon's organizational genius, establishing a highly efficient system to manage the kingdom's prosperity and resources. This administrative prowess was a direct result of the wisdom God granted him, as detailed elsewhere in 1 Kings.
  • Prosperity and Provision: The existence of such a detailed and effective system of provision underscores the immense wealth and stability of Solomon's reign. The land was productive, and the kingdom was well-organized to harness its bounty, reflecting a period of peace and abundance for Israel.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Solomon's extensive kingdom, described in 1 Kings 4:21, and its administrative organization represent the peak of Israel's national strength and the fulfillment of God's promises of blessing and expansion to David's line.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the son of Dekar" simply indicates a patronymic, a common way of identifying individuals in ancient Israel when their given name might be omitted or less significant than their lineage. The names of the towns—Makaz, Shaalbim, Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan—are geographical markers, identifying specific locations within the administrative district. Bethshemesh, for example, means "house of the sun" and was a well-known city with historical significance, notably in the account of the return of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel 6.

Practical Application

While seemingly a mere list, this verse speaks to the importance of good governance and diligent stewardship, even in times of great blessing. Solomon's attention to detail in administration ensured the well-being of his kingdom and the efficient use of its resources. For believers today, it can be a reminder that God values order and responsible management. Whether in personal finances, family life, or church administration, thoughtful organization and faithful stewardship of resources are vital for sustained flourishing and effective service, reflecting the divine attribute of order.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 6:12 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

  • Judges 1:35 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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?