1 Kings 4 13

1 Kings 4:13 kjv

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brazen bars:

1 Kings 4:13 nkjv

Ben-Geber, in Ramoth Gilead; to him belonged the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, in Gilead; to him also belonged the region of Argob in Bashan?sixty large cities with walls and bronze gate-bars;

1 Kings 4:13 niv

Ben-Geber?in Ramoth Gilead (the settlements of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead were his, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan and its sixty large walled cities with bronze gate bars);

1 Kings 4:13 esv

Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (he had the villages of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead, and he had the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars);

1 Kings 4:13 nlt

Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead, including the Towns of Jair (named for Jair of the tribe of Manasseh ) in Gilead, and in the Argob region of Bashan, including sixty large fortified towns with bronze bars on their gates.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 13 Meaning

1 Kings 4:13 describes the administrative district overseen by Ben-Geber, one of Solomon's twelve provincial officers. His territory encompassed Ramoth-gilead, the historically significant towns belonging to Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan. This district was particularly notable for its sixty large cities, all strongly fortified with walls and bronze gate-bolts, emphasizing its size, strategic importance, and wealth, contributing to the substantial provisions for King Solomon's expansive court.

1 Kings 4 13 Context

First Kings chapter 4 delineates the pinnacle of King Solomon's reign, showcasing his divinely bestowed wisdom (vv. 29-34), the vast extent of his dominion (vv. 21, 24), and the unparalleled peace and prosperity enjoyed by Israel and Judah (v. 25). Central to this prosperity was Solomon's meticulous administrative structure, particularly the establishment of twelve district governors responsible for providing monthly provisions for the elaborate royal household (vv. 7-19). Verse 13 focuses on Ben-Geber, the officer over the sixth district, highlighting the specific geographical and historical features of his territory. This elaborate system underscored Solomon's administrative genius and the immense resources at his disposal, allowing for grand construction projects and a thriving kingdom as described later in the book. Historically, this era represents the golden age of the united monarchy, reflecting the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David regarding a stable and expansive kingdom. The integration of formidable regions like Gilead and Bashan, known for their fertility and strategically vital locations, speaks to the complete consolidation of territory under Solomon's reign.

1 Kings 4 13 Word Analysis

• Ben-Geber (בֶּן־גֶּבֶר - ben-geḇer): Literally "son of Geber." The name "Geber" means "strong man" or "mighty man." This administrative officer's full name is likely not given, suggesting he was known primarily by his father's designation, perhaps indicating his father was a well-known figure, or distinguishing him from other men named Geber.
• Ramoth-gilead (רָאמֹת גִּלְעָד - Rāmoṯ Gilʿāḏ): Meaning "heights of Gilead." A prominent and strategic city east of the Jordan River. It served as a levitical city and a city of refuge. Its recurring mention in later history underscores its geopolitical significance as a point of contention between Israel and Aramean kingdoms.
• Jair (יָאִיר - Yāʾîr): "He enlightens" or "He shines." Refers to an ancient leader and judge from the tribe of Manasseh who conquered villages in Gilead and named them after himself, Havvoth-jair (Num 32:41, Deut 3:14, Judg 10:3-5). The phrase "towns of Jair the son of Manasseh" therefore connects Solomon's administration directly to early Israelite conquests and tribal inheritances in Transjordan.
• Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה - Mənaššeh): "Causing to forget." One of the two sons of Joseph, whose half-tribe settled east of the Jordan River, thus legitimizing the inclusion of these specific towns within the administrative boundaries.
• Gilead (גִּלְעָד - Gilʿāḏ): "Rocky tract" or "heap of witness." A major mountainous region east of the Jordan River, historically associated with tribal settlement (Gad, Reuben, half-Manasseh) and known for its balm (medicinal properties) and fertile pastures.
• Argob (אַרְגֹּב - ʾArgōḇ): Meaning uncertain, possibly related to "clod of earth" or a particular type of soil. It was a region in Bashan, part of the kingdom of Og, the Amorite king whom Moses conquered. Its mention signifies the full control of Israel over territories extending to the very boundaries established by early conquest.
• Bashan (הַבָּשָׁן - haBBāšān): "The fruitful" or "the level ground." A fertile plateau region east of the Jordan, famous for its rich pastures, robust cattle (Amos 4:1), and high-quality timber. It was previously the kingdom of Og. Its inclusion demonstrates the complete assimilation of this wealthy land into Solomon's realm.
• Sixty great cities: "Sixty" (שִׁשִּׁים - šiššîm). "Great" (גְּדֹלוֹת - gədôlôt). The number sixty is often associated with a significant quantity. This detail underscores the sheer scale of urban settlement and the extent of sophisticated development in the region controlled by Ben-Geber, highlighting its strategic value and the immense resources it represented for the kingdom.
• With walls and bronze bars (וּבְרִיחַ נְחֹשֶׁת - ūḇrîaḥ nǝḥōšeṯ): "Walls" (חֹמָה - ḥômâ) signify robust fortifications, common for major ancient cities. "Bronze bars" or "bronze gate-bolts" refer to the heavy, metal reinforcing bars used for city gates. This detail directly echoes descriptions of the cities of King Og (Deut 3:5) and emphasizes their formidable defenses, reflecting not just the wealth and stability of these cities but also the power Solomon now wielded over formerly impregnable strongholds. This imagery reinforces Solomon's complete control over a kingdom blessed with security.

1 Kings 4 13 Bonus section

• The detail of "sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars" from Bashan directly references King Og's formidable kingdom mentioned in Deuteronomy 3, suggesting that these cities, once belonging to the giant Og, were now firmly under Israel's control. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to dispossess the inhabitants and give the land to Israel.
• The division of the kingdom into twelve administrative districts, each supplying provisions for a month, indicates a highly advanced system of taxation and logistics for the ancient Near East. This distributed the burden of provisioning the king's vast court and facilitated efficient collection of resources from a diverse geography.
• The eastern Transjordanian regions, like Gilead and Bashan, were agriculturally rich and vital for livestock, providing substantial economic value to Solomon's kingdom. Their secure integration was crucial for the overall prosperity and peace.
• Ben-Geber's post exemplifies Solomon's policy of consolidating and maximizing the resources from all parts of his inheritance, ensuring an abundant supply chain for his thriving reign and the flourishing of his capital.

1 Kings 4 13 Commentary

1 Kings 4:13 paints a vivid picture of the administrative depth and territorial breadth of Solomon's kingdom. It reveals that Solomon's reign was not merely about personal wealth but was undergirded by sophisticated governance capable of integrating historically significant and economically vital regions. Ben-Geber's district, particularly notable for its sixty fortified cities, embodies the comprehensive nature of Solomon's control, extending fully into the challenging Transjordanian territories of Gilead and Bashan. The specific mention of "towns of Jair" and the echoes of "Og's kingdom" directly connect Solomon's current dominion to the ancient tribal inheritances and conquests during Moses' and Joshua's time, showing that under Solomon, the promise of extensive land for Israel was being comprehensively fulfilled. The description of cities with "walls and bronze bars" emphasizes security and wealth, showcasing God's blessing on Solomon in granting a prosperous and secure realm that could support such an immense court. This organizational feat signifies the height of the united monarchy, reflecting divine wisdom enabling Solomon to rule effectively over a vast and resourced kingdom.