1 Kings 4:1 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 4:1

So King Solomon was king over all Israel. As David his father was not at first, only over Judah, and as Solomon's successors were not, after the division of the kingdom under his son Rehoboam; though this seems to have a particular respect to what is related in the preceding chapter concerning the wisdom of Solomon, for which he was so famous, that he reigned by the consent of all, and in the hearts of all the people of Israel. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 4:1

EXPOSITION SOLOMON 'S STATE AND COURT OFFICIALS .—The account of Solomon's marriage and entry upon his religious and judicious functions is appropriately followed by a description of his court, of the great functionaries of the realm, of his royal state and magnificence, and, lastly, of his varied and unprecedented wisdom. It must not be supposed, however, from the occurrence of the lists in this particular place, that they necessarily represent the appointments of the early... read more

Albert Barnes

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

Solomon, that is, was king over “all Israel” from the first; not like David, who for seven and a half years reigned over Judah only. This feature well introduces the glory of Solomon and the organisation of the court, of which the historian in this chapter intends to give us a general sketch. Solomon constitutes certain “princes” or officers of the first rank, deriving their station from him, and probably holding it during pleasure. read more

Joseph Benson

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

1 Kings 4:1. Over all Israel Reigned over all the tribes, and with the full consent of them all. This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of Israel. Or in reference to the times of division and rebellion under David, when part only went after David, and part after Ish-bosheth, Absalom, Sheba, or Adonijah. 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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 4:1

THE ALLEGED GLORY OF SOLOMON'S KINGDOMThis chapter is touted by admirers of Solomon as a summary of the magnificence and glory of the kingdom of Solomon, but this writer's opinion of that kingdom holds it in a somewhat different light - the light shed on it by the Prince of Peace who declared of himself that, "Behold, a greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42)! The full implication of Jesus' words in that passage clearly mean that Solomon's kingdom suggests that of the Messiah only in... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 4:1

1. So King Solomon was king over all Israel—This chapter contains a general description of the state and glory of the Hebrew kingdom during the more flourishing or later years of his reign. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 4:1-6

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

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