4:1–19 These administrative lists provide insight into the life of Israel: how Israel governed itself, which political parties were favored, who occupied positions of authority, and which cities were considered important. Several of the cities mentioned in 1 Kgs 4:1–19 represent major archaeological sites today, such as Megiddo, Taanach, and Beth-shean. These sites provide information about Israel during the period of the monarchy (ca. 11th–6th centuries bc).

4:1 over all Israel See vv. 20–21, 24–25. A similar statement introduces the list of David’s officials (2 Sam 8:15). Contrast the reference to all Israel with 1 Kgs 4:20, where Judah and Israel seem to be distinct.

4:3 the secretaries Refers to scribes.

Scribes

recorder The Hebrew word used here means “to remember” and literally means “one who reminds.” It most likely refers to someone in charge of keeping public records.

4:4 Benaiah Commander of Solomon’s army (2:28–35).

Zadok and Abiathar The mention of both Zadok and Abiathar as active priests suggests that this list includes officials from Solomon’s entire 40-year reign (11:42). See note on 1:7, 1:8 and note.

4:5 over the governors Refers to a chief officer. Verses 7–19 lists the officers—prefects in charge of taxes—and their territories.

Nathan See note on 1:8.

4:6 over the palace Possibly the highest office next to the king (Gen 39:4, 5; 41:40–45; Isa 22:15–24).

Adoniram His title first appears during David’s reign (2 Sam 20:24). Compare 1 Kgs 5:13–18.

4:7 twelve governors The division of Israel into 12 prefects, or districts, as described in vv. 7–19 does not coincide with the boundaries of the tribal divisions (Josh 13–21). The new divisions assume that each district represents its own economic unit capable of meeting Solomon’s demands (see 1 Kgs 4:22–23).

over all Israel Includes both Judah and the northern tribes. See note on v. 20.

4:8 the hill country of Ephraim This district does not include all of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The tribal allotment reached to the coast (Josh 16:3, 6, 8).

4:9 Makaz This city is not mentioned elsewhere.

Shaalbim May refer to the city Shaalabbin, which belonged to the tribe of Dan (Josh 19:42).

Beth-Shemesh May refer to Ir-Shemesh (“City of Shemesh [the Sun]”), which was allotted to Dan (Josh 19:41), or Beth-shemesh, which was allotted to Judah (Josh 15:10).

Elon of Beth-Hanan Elon is a city allotted to Dan (Josh 19:42), but the Hebrew designation beth-chanan is otherwise unattested.

4:10 Socoh Allotted to the tribe of Judah (Josh 15:35).

the land of Hepher Joshua and the Israelites conquered the king of Hepher (Josh 12:7, 17).

4:12 Zarethan A city on the eastern bank of the Jordan where the bronze vessels for the temple were cast (1 Kgs 7:46).

4:13 Bashan, sixty great cities Moses and the Israelites defeated these cities (Deut 3:3–7).

4:14 Mahanaim A city on the border of Gad and Manasseh (Josh 13:30) that served a strategic function in 2 Sam (2 Sam 2:8, 12, 29; 17:24, 27; 19:32).

4:15 Naphtali A tribal allotment in upper Galilee that includes the city of Hazor (Josh 19:32–34; 1 Kgs 9:15).

4:16 Asher A tribe in western Galilee (Josh 19:24–30).

Bealoth This location is unknown.

4:17 Issachar A tribal allotment in lower Galilee (Josh 19:18–22).

4:19 Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and of Og, the king of Bashan Moses and the Israelites defeated these leaders (Num 21:21–35; Deut 2:24–3:11).

4:20–34 Solomon’s wealth and wisdom are linked throughout the narrative of his reign. The account of Solomon’s wealth and Israel’s prosperity during his reign (1 Kings 4:20–28) is preceded by examples of his wisdom in daily affairs (3:16–28) and national governance (vv. 1–19). The way Solomon divided Israel ensured that the wealth of the palace was maintained, albeit through taxation (vv. 7, 22–23). All of these passages are placed between two lengthy descriptions of Solomon’s wisdom (3:3–15; 4:29–34). Proverbs 3:16 also links wealth and wisdom.

4:20 Judah and Israel In contrast to “all Israel” (1 Kings 3:28; 4:1, 7), the northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judah are distinguished here.

the sand which is on the seashore Recalls the blessing God placed upon Abraham in Gen 22:17 (compare Hos 1:10).

eating and drinking and rejoicing A picture of wealth and security (see Eccl 9:7).

4:21 tribute Hebrew word used here, minchah, describes a required payment brought from a lesser power to its governing power (compare 2 Kgs 17:3; Judg 3:15, 17; 2 Sam 8:2, 6).

4:25 each man under his vine A proverbial image of security and peace (compare 2 Kgs 18:31; Zech 3:10; Mic 4:4).

from Dan as far as Beersheba These cities serve as the conventional north and south borders assigned to Israel (Judg 20:1; 1 Sam 3:20 and note; 2 Sam 24:2, 15; 1 Chr 21:2; 2 Chr 30:5).

all the days of Solomon 40 years (11:42).

4:26 forty thousand stalls of horses for his war chariots The Hebrew text here says 40,000; the parallel account in 2 Chr 9:25 puts the number of stalls at 4,000. Both figures seem to represent a violation of the law (see Deut 17:16 and note).

Large Numbers in the Exodus and Wilderness Journey

4:27 These governors Refers to the 12 prefects (see 1 Kings 4:7–19; note on v. 7) under Azariah (v. 5) who took turns providing for the king’s table.

4:29 wisdom to Solomon and very great discernment Compare 3:12.

breadth of understanding The Hebrew phrase used here, rochav lev, can also be translated as “breadth of heart.” See note on 3:9.

as the sand which is on the edge of the seashore See note on v. 20.

4:30 all the people of the east Refers to all of the regions Solomon had contact with.

4:32 three thousand proverbs Indicates a great number, not necessarily 3,000 exactly. This verse connects Solomon’s wisdom to the book of Proverbs (Prov 1:1; 10:1; 25:1).

his songs This connects Solomon to Song of Songs (Song 1:1) and Pss 72; 127.

one thousand and five Conveys the idea of “many, and then some.”

4:33 animals, concerning the birds, concerning the creeping things, and concerning the fish The ability to learn through observing the natural world, particularly the animal world, was a large component of what it meant to be wise in the ancient Near East. Both the book of Proverbs and Job reflect this (Job 12:7–8; 38–41). In addition to wisdom through nature, Solomon also possessed divine wisdom (see 1 Kgs 3:28).

Wisdom in Proverbs

4:34 to hear the wisdom of Solomon Solomon’s wisdom was delivered orally and spread by word of mouth.

all the kings of the earth The Queen of Sheba’s visit exemplifies worldwide interest in Solomon’s wisdom (10:1–13).