1 Kings 4:16 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 4:1-19

Here we have, I. Solomon upon his throne (1 Kgs. 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 4:16

Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher ,.... In the tribe of Asher; a very plentiful tribe, particularly for oil; this officer was perhaps the son of Hushai, the Archite, David's friend, and, it may be, promoted for his sake: and in Aloth ; which signifies ascensions, mountains went upon by steps; near to this place was an high mountain, called the ladder of Tyre F20 Vid. Joseph. de Bello Jud. l. 2. c. 10. sect. 2. ; perhaps that and the parts adjacent may be meant here. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 4:7-19

The Twelve Prefects and the Twelve Apostles. "And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel." Considering how closely he foreshadows our blessed Lord, the twelve officers of Solomon can hardly fail to remind us of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. It may be instructive to compare their dignities, functions, etc. Observe— I. THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS . The officers of Solomon were princes ( 1 Kings 4:2 ); the officers of Jesus were peasants and fishermen. Ability, energy,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 4:16

Banaah [or Baana, the second prefect of that name ( 1 Kings 4:12 ). The names are identical in the Hebrew. In 2 Samuel 4:2 the name is Baanah] the son of Hushai [the Archite, David's friend. Cf. 2 Samuel 15:32 ] was in Asher and Aloth . [No town or district of this name is known. Probably the word should be Bealoth, as in the LXX ; Syr; and Vulg. Our translators have taken the initial בְּ for a prefix, but it is almost certainly part of the name. There was a Baaloth in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 4:14-18

1 Kings 4:14-18. The son of Iddo had Mahanaim The city and territory of Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2; Joshua 13:26. If this district seem of less extent than the rest, it must be observed, these portions were distributed into larger or lesser parts, according to their barrenness or fertility; and this seems to have been a very fruitful place, 2 Samuel 17:27. Shimei, the son of Elah This is added to distinguish him from the Shimei who cursed and insulted David. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 4:1-34

The administration of the kingdom (4:1-34)Details are now given of how Solomon administered Israel. First the leading religious, civil and army officials are listed (4:1-6). Solomon revised the taxation system by dividing the country into twelve zones, each of which had to provide the royal household with all its food supplies for one month of the year. These twelve zones apparently replaced the former tribal areas (7-19).Neighbouring nations that had become part of the Israelite empire also... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 4:16

Hushai. See note on 1 Kings 4:5 , read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:7-19

Solomon’s district governors 4:7-19These men were responsible for providing for the needs of Solomon’s large household, including his courtiers, and for his thousands of horses (1 Kings 4:28). Two were Solomon’s sons-in-law (1 Kings 4:11; 1 Kings 4:15). The district arrangement seems designed to move Israel away from tribal independence to cooperation under the new centralized government, though the district boundaries approximated the tribal boundaries. [Note: See the map "Solomon’s 12... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:13-34

B. The Foundation of Solomon’s Reign 2:13-4:34The writer noted that Solomon’s sole reign began well. The things most responsible were God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon (the central section), his political decisions (the first section), and his administrative ability (the third section). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 4:1-34

Solomon’s Officers and Court2. Azariah the son of Zadok] he was really the grandson of Zadok (1 Chronicles 6:8-9). 3. Shisha] also called Shavsha and Sheva. In David’s reign he filled the same office now discharged by his sons (2 Samuel 20:25). Scribes] i.e. the royal secretaries. Jehoshaphat] he had previously served David (2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24). Recorder] probably the keeper of the state archives (RM ’chronicler’), though some suppose that his function was to remind the king of state... read more