Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:20-28
Solomon’s prosperity 4:20-28One explanation of the writer’s unusual reference to Judah and Israel (1 Kings 4:20) is that when he wrote Kings the nation had split, so perhaps the writer was using the designation that was common in his day. However, years before the formal division took place, northern and southern factions had already developed (cf. 1 Samuel 11:8; 1 Samuel 15:4; 1 Samuel 17:52; 1 Kings 1:35; et al.). Solomon’s kingdom was very populous (cf. Genesis 22:17) and peaceful (1 Kings... read more
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