1 Kings 4:2

The Servants of Solomon.

"These were the princes which he had." "All Scripture is… profitable for instruction," etc. A bare list of names may teach some lessons. We shall find in this list, first, some proofs of Solomon's wisdom, and secondly, some principles to guide our own conduct. First, however, let us remember that to select faithful and efficient servants is one of the most difficult tasks of rulers. The welfare of the whole State depends very largely on the choice. (Cf. Psalms 101:5-7 .) Now observe that here—

I. THE FIRST PLACE IS FILLED BY GOD 'S PRIEST ( 1 Kings 4:2 ). The minister of religion takes precedence of the ministers of state. The universal tendency is to put man first and God second. Solomon—if this list preserves the order of his arrangenments—put God first, in the person of His high priest. Under the theocracy the king was a sort of summus episcopus. It was meet that next to the anointed Prince should stand the anointed Pontiff.

II. PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THE OFFICERS OF PEACE ( 1 Kings 4:3 , 1 Kings 4:4 ). Scribes come before warriors. In David's day it was otherwise. But there has been an advance, and here is the proof of it. War is essentially barbarous. Among savage tribes warfare is chronic. As men become wiser and more civilized, the appeal to brute force is less frequent. Wiser, for war means unwisdom somewhere. More civilized, for the history of civilization tells how the wager of battle, which is now confined to nations, was once employed by tribes, provinces, and private persons. So that, in this particular, the wise son was greater than the pious father. For this reason Solomon may build the temple which his father's blood-red hand may not touch. For this reason the son, not the father, is the favourite type of the Prince of Peace. One of the world's greatest generals (Napoleon) said there were but two great powers, the sword and the pen, and that, in the long run, the former was sure to be overcome by the latter. Solomon would seem to have been of the same opinion. The "scribes" and the "recorder" precede the "captain of the host."

III. MANY PLACES ARE FILLED BY THE FUNCTIONARIES OF HIS FATHER ( 1 Kings 4:3 , 1 Kings 4:4 , 1 Kings 4:6 , and cf. 1 Kings 4:16 ). An Eastern autocrat generally appoints his associates of the harem ( 1 Kings 12:10 ), his personal favourites, to positions of trust. Solomon showed his wisdom in retaining the faithful servants of his predecessor (compare the folly of Rehoboam, 1 Kings 12:8 ), and his example thus confirms his precept ( Proverbs 27:10 ), "Thine own friend and thy father's friend forsake not."

IV. SOME PLACES ARE FILLED BY HIS OWN SONS - IN - LAW ( 1 Kings 4:11 , 1 Kings 4:15 ). This does not argue nepotism, or favouritism as the hand of the king's daughter was often bestowed as the reward of distinguished services ( 1 Samuel 17:25 ; 1 Samuel 18:17 , 1 Samuel 18:27 ). It may have been the due recognition of fidelity and ability. In any case the alliances would strengthen Solomon's throne.

"The friends thou hast, and their adoption, tried,

Grapple them to thy heart with hooks of steel."

Alien princes would, no doubt, have been proud to espouse Solomon's daughters, but he preferred to marry them to faithful subjects. Blood is thicker than water.

V. ALL PLACES OF TRUST WERE FILLED BY PERSONS OF PIETY . The number of priests' or prophets' sons employed by Solomon is very remarkable ( 1 Kings 4:4 , 1 Kings 4:5 , 1 Kings 4:14 , and possibly 15). He knew that those who were taught in the law of the Lord would best keep and best enforce the law of the realm. Those who "fear God" are those who "honour the king" ( 1 Peter 2:17 ). Witness Joseph, Obadiah, Daniel, and the three Hebrew children. Even irreligious masters know the value of God-fearing servants. God blesses the house of Potiphar for the sake of its pious steward. Piety involves probity and excludes peculation and malfeasance.

VI. EVERY OFFICER HAD HIS PLACE AND KEPT IT . There were definite duties, definite districts. The prefectures were so many parishes. Each was responsible for his own and for that only. Order is Heaven's first law. The prosperity of Solomon's reign may have been largely due to his system and method. There is a hierarchy and a due order in heaven. The angels would almost seem to have their districts ( Deuteronomy 32:8 , LXX .) The great King gives "to every man according to his work" ( Mark 13:34 ).