1 Kings 4 1

1 Kings 4:1 kjv

So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

1 Kings 4:1 nkjv

So King Solomon was king over all Israel.

1 Kings 4:1 niv

So King Solomon ruled over all Israel.

1 Kings 4:1 esv

King Solomon was king over all Israel,

1 Kings 4:1 nlt

King Solomon now ruled over all Israel,

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 1 Meaning

The verse declares that King Solomon had fully established his reign and authority over all the unified twelve tribes of Israel. It serves as an introductory statement to the details of his kingdom's administration, extent, and prosperity, highlighting a period of peak power and recognition in Israel's history under the united monarchy.

1 Kings 4 1 Context

This verse serves as a crucial transition within the narrative of Solomon's reign. It follows directly from 1 Kings chapter 3, which concluded with the profound demonstration of Solomon's divinely bestowed wisdom in the judgment concerning the two women and the living child. Chapter 4 then commences by explicitly establishing the comprehensive scope of Solomon's dominion and his recognized authority throughout Israel. This declaration sets the stage for the ensuing detailed account of his vast administrative structure, his appointed officials, the unprecedented prosperity and peace of his kingdom, and the extraordinary depth of his wisdom which attracted attention from surrounding nations. Historically, this period reflects the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, a time of unparalleled peace, wealth, and geopolitical influence in the ancient Near East, significantly fulfilling many of the covenantal promises given to Abraham and David concerning a great nation and an enduring dynasty.

1 Kings 4 1 Word analysis

• So King: (Hebrew: וַיְהִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - vayehí hammelekh) - Vayehi is a typical narrative opener in Hebrew, often translated as "And it was" or "Now it came to pass." It creates a link from Solomon's validated wisdom (1 Kgs 3) to the actualization of his reign. "The King" (hammelekh) is definite, identifying the already introduced and divinely appointed monarch, Solomon.
• Solomon: (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה - Shlomo) - His name signifies "peace" or "completeness." True to his name, his reign was famously a period of peace, both internally and externally, unlike his father David's warring years. This environment of shalom was essential for significant national projects like the construction of the First Temple.
• was king: (Hebrew: מֶלֶךְ - melekh) - The repetition of "king" here emphasizes the solidified and effective nature of Solomon's rule. It's not just that he held the title, but that he exercised actual, undisputed sovereignty. This underscores the successful consolidation of his power following previous challenges to the throne (e.g., Adonijah).
• over: (Hebrew: עַל־ - ʿal) - This preposition indicates authority or dominion, clearly defining the scope of Solomon's established sovereignty over a specific entity.
• all Israel: (Hebrew: כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל - kol-Yisrael) - This phrase is of paramount significance. It affirms Solomon's dominion over the entire, unified twelve tribes, stretching across their historical boundaries, symbolically from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south. This unity under one monarch represented the pinnacle of national cohesion and strength for the united kingdom, reflecting the divine blessing and fulfillment of covenantal promises made to Abraham for a great nation and to David for an enduring kingdom. This widespread recognition and unity were foundational for the stability and prosperity detailed in the remainder of the chapter.

1 Kings 4 1 Bonus section

The depiction of Solomon ruling "all Israel" is crucial as it portrays the united monarchy at its maximal territorial and administrative extent, a high point not truly surpassed by subsequent Israelite rulers. While the biblical text sometimes extends "all Israel" beyond the geographical twelve tribes to include the wider region under tribute, here it centrally signifies the full political and social integration of the tribes. This unparalleled unity and peace (shalom), directly linked to Solomon's name, was understood by the original audience as a direct result of YHWH's blessing upon David's covenant line. This historical zenith serves as an ideal reference point, highlighting what God desired for His people. Simultaneously, this narrative of perfected unity subtly foreshadows the future divided kingdom, reminding readers that even under great human kingship, a perfect and everlasting peace ultimately points to a greater King to come – the Messiah – who will indeed rule over all peoples in everlasting unity and righteousness.

1 Kings 4 1 Commentary

1 Kings 4:1 serves as a foundational declaration that King Solomon was indeed the undisputed and universally recognized ruler over a unified Israel. This brief yet potent statement transitions the narrative from Solomon's demonstrated wisdom (chapter 3) to the tangible reality and broad scope of his governance. The emphasis on "all Israel" signifies a period of remarkable national cohesion and peace, reflecting the fullest realization of the united monarchy's potential under God's favor. This unique unity, characteristic of Solomon's reign, was instrumental for the extensive administrative organization and the grand project of building the First Temple. The verse encapsulates a golden era of stability and prosperity, underpinned by divine wisdom, that distinguished Solomon's kingship and established Israel as a dominant regional power.Practical application: This verse illustrates that divine wisdom, when faithfully applied, can lead to widespread order, unity, and flourishing. It provides an example of how a divinely chosen and wise leader can foster a climate of peace and enable significant accomplishments for the good of God's people and His glory.