1 Kings 4:13

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:

The son of Geber {H1127}, in Ramothgilead {H1568}{H7433}; to him pertained the towns {H2333} of Jair {H2971} the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, which are in Gilead {H1568}; to him also pertained the region {H2256} of Argob {H709}, which is in Bashan {H1316}, threescore {H8346} great {H1419} cities {H5892} with walls {H2346} and brasen {H5178} bars {H1280}:

the son of Gever, in Ramot-Gil'ad; he was in charge of the villages of Ya'ir the son of M'nasheh in Gil'ad and in charge of the region of Argov in Bashan, sixty large cities with walls and bronze bars;

Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars);

Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; even to him pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars);

Commentary

1 Kings 4:13 introduces one of King Solomon's twelve regional administrators, "the son of Geber," responsible for a significant territory east of the Jordan River. This verse is part of a larger list detailing the sophisticated administrative structure Solomon implemented to efficiently govern his vast kingdom and provide for his large court.

Context

During King Solomon's reign, Israel experienced unprecedented peace and prosperity. To manage the immense resources and provisions needed for his royal household, army, and extensive building projects (including the Temple), Solomon divided his kingdom into twelve administrative districts. Each district was responsible for supplying provisions for one month out of the year. This particular verse highlights the officer in charge of the region encompassing Ramothgilead, the towns of Jair in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan. This meticulous organization underscores the immense scale of Solomon's kingdom and his strategic foresight, as mentioned in 1 Kings 4:21, where his dominion extended from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt.

Geographical and Historical Significance

  • Ramothgilead: An important Levite city of refuge in Gilead, often a strategic point of contention in later Israelite history due to its location.
  • Towns of Jair: These towns were part of the inheritance of Jair, the son of Manasseh, who conquered them during the Israelite settlement of the Transjordan region. His territory was known for its fertility.
  • Region of Argob in Bashan: Bashan was renowned for its fertile pastures and strong cities. The region of Argob specifically is described as containing "threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars." This detail emphasizes the formidable nature of these cities, likely remnants of the pre-Israelite inhabitants, such as the Rephaim, whose massive fortifications were legendary (see Deuteronomy 3:11 concerning Og, King of Bashan). The "brasen bars" (or bronze bars) indicate strong, reinforced gates, highlighting the secure and strategically important nature of this area under Solomon's control.

Key Themes

  • Order and Administration: The verse showcases Solomon's remarkable ability to organize and manage a large kingdom, ensuring stability and efficient resource allocation.
  • Prosperity and Provision: The sheer number of cities and the fertility of the land under this officer's charge reflect the abundant resources available to Solomon's kingdom, enabling it to sustain its grand operations.
  • Extent of Dominion: This specific district highlights the vast geographical reach of Solomon's empire, extending into historically significant and well-fortified areas beyond the Jordan River.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "brasen bars" uses an archaic KJV term for bronze. It implies not just wooden gates, but gates reinforced with strong, durable metal, signifying the robust defenses of these sixty cities. This detail paints a picture of substantial, well-protected urban centers now under Solomon's peaceful dominion.

Practical Application

While detailing ancient administrative structures, 1 Kings 4:13 subtly reminds us of the importance of good stewardship, organization, and diligent management in any endeavor. Solomon's success in providing for his kingdom, even in granular detail like this, reflects a leader who understood the value of order and responsibility. For believers, it can also serve as a reminder of God's blessing that enables such prosperity and order, and the responsibility that comes with managing resources, whether personal or communal, for His glory.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 32:41 (5 votes)

    And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair.

  • Deuteronomy 3:4 (5 votes)

    And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

  • 1 Kings 22:3 (4 votes)

    And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

  • 2 Kings 9:14 (2 votes)

    So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.

  • Deuteronomy 3:8 (2 votes)

    And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

  • Joshua 21:38 (2 votes)

    And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

  • Joshua 20:8 (2 votes)

    And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.