1 Kings 4:9 NIV

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 4:9

The son of Dekar in Makaz ,.... A place in the tribe of Dan, on the borders of it: and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan ; all in the same tribe, see Joshua 19:41 . 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 4:9

The son of Dekar [ Ben. Dekar ] , in Makaz [unknown otherwise], and in Shaalbim [ Joshua 19:42 ; 1:35 ] and Beth-shemesh [called Irshemesh, Joshua 19:41 . Now 'Ain Shemes ] , and Elon-beth-hanan. [Elon, Joshua 19:43 . Probably Beth-hanan is a different place, the "and" () ו having accidentally dropped out of the text. The LXX . ( ἕως βηθανὰν ) favours this view. It has been identified by Robinson with Beit Hunun. This second district embraces Daniel] read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 4:9

For some of the names, see Joshua 19:41-43. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 4:8-10

1 Kings 4:8-10. The son of Hur This person and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because they were known and famous in their generation. In mount Ephraim And the territory belonging to it, which must be understood also of the rest of the places mentioned in the following verses. Elon-beth-hanan Or, Elon, the house, or dwelling- place of Hanan. For Hanan may be a man’s name, and this place may be thus distinguished from other Elons. Or, as the word Elon signifies... 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 4:9

Elon-beth-hanan. Some codices, with three early printed editions, read "Elon-ben-hanan". Other codices read "Elon and Beth-han. an". Septuagint reads "Elon as far as Beth-hanan". 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

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