And Abiathar was over the household ,.... Steward of the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute , over those that collected the tribute, as the Targum, whether from the people of Israel or other nations, or both; this man was in the same post in David's time, 2 Samuel 20:24 . read more
Ahishar was over the household - The king's chamberlain. Adoniram - was over the tribute - What we call chancellor of the exchequer. He received and brought into the treasury all the proceeds of taxes and tributes. He was in this office under David; see 2 Samuel 20:24 . read more
And Ahishar was over the household [steward and manager of the palace. We meet this office here for the first time, an evidence of the growing size and magnificence of the court (cf. 1 Kings 18:3 ; 2 Kings 18:18 ; Isaiah 22:15 ). That such an officer was needed, the fact mentioned below (on 1 Kings 4:23 ) as to the enormous size of the royal household will prove]: and Adoniram [see on 1 Kings 12:18 ] the son of Abda was over the tribute. [Marg. "levy," i.e; the forced... read more
Over the household - Comptroller of the household, like the “Steward” of the Persian court. On the importance of this office, see 2 Kings 18:18, and compare Isaiah 22:15-25.The tribute - The marginal reading, “levy,” is preferable. The reference is to the forced laborers whom Solomon employed in his great works (marginal reference). read more
1 Kings 4:5-6. The son of Nathan was over the officers Over those twelve officers named 1 Kings 4:7, &c., who were all to give up their accounts to him. The Hebrew word, נצבים nitsabim, here, and 1 Kings 4:7, rendered officers, signifies any governors, or commanders of the higher sort. See 2 Chronicles 8:10. Zabud the son of Nathan The prophet, who had been so highly instrumental in establishing Solomon on the throne; was principal officer Possibly president of the king’s council.... read more
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
6. Ahishar was over the household—steward or chamberlain of the palace. Adoniram—or Adoram (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 12:18), or Hadoram (2 Chronicles 10:18), was over the tribute—not the collection of money or goods, but the levy of compulsory laborers (compare 1 Kings 5:13; 1 Kings 5:14). 1 Kings 5:14- :. HIS TWELVE OFFICERS. read more
Solomon’s chief officials 4:1-6Delegation of authority is a mark of wisdom in a person with more to do than he or she can personally manage effectively. Azariah (1 Kings 4:2) was apparently Zadok’s grandson (1 Chronicles 6:8-9). "The priest" is a common designation for the high priest. Secretaries (1 Kings 4:3) prepared official documents and records while recorders (1 Kings 4:3) maintained diaries of daily events in the kingdom. Even though Solomon had dismissed Abiathar (1 Kings 4:4) from his... read more
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
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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