1 Kings 4 17

1 Kings 4:17 kjv

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:

1 Kings 4:17 nkjv

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

1 Kings 4:17 niv

Jehoshaphat son of Paruah?in Issachar;

1 Kings 4:17 esv

Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar;

1 Kings 4:17 nlt

Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, in Issachar.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 17 Meaning

1 Kings 4:17 details one of Solomon's twelve district governors, Geber son of Uri. He was assigned responsibility for the fertile land of Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. This territory was historically significant as it encompassed the former kingdoms of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, both powerful rulers defeated by Moses before Israel entered Canaan. Geber's appointment illustrates the extensive geographical reach and sophisticated administrative organization of Solomon's kingdom, demonstrating his effective consolidation and governance over Israelite territories, including those won through conquest.

1 Kings 4 17 Context

1 Kings 4:17 is part of a longer list in 1 Kings 4:7-19 that meticulously enumerates Solomon's twelve district governors. Each of these officials was responsible for providing food for the king and his expansive household for one month out of the year, ensuring a continuous supply throughout the year. This elaborate administrative structure highlights the immense prosperity and organization of Solomon's kingdom. Geber son of Uri's specific district, "the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan," signifies the inclusion of Transjordanian territories into the fully integrated administrative system of Israel under Solomon. Historically, this area was strategically important and a historical point of Israelite expansion during the wilderness wanderings, now solidified under centralized rule. This verse underscores the stability and geographical extent of Solomon's united kingdom.

1 Kings 4 17 Word analysis

• Geber (גֶּבֶר): This Hebrew term typically means "man," often implying strength, valiance, or a mighty man, distinguishing from a general human ("adam"). It might suggest Geber's perceived suitability or reputation for his significant administrative role in a historically volatile region.
• son of Uri (אוּרִי): The patronymic connects Geber to his lineage. Uri means "my light" or "flame of God." This adds a personal identifier and grounds him within the Israelite societal structure.
• in the land of Gilead (גִּלְעָד): Gilead is a key geographical region in Transjordan (east of the Jordan River), known for its fertile lands, pasture, and unique "balm of Gilead." Its inclusion under a Solomon appointed governor signifies complete administrative control and integration into the core kingdom. This highlights the successful expansion and consolidation of Israelite territory from earlier conquests.
• the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan: This specific historical identifier is highly significant. Sihon and Og were formidable Amorite kings whose defeat by Moses (Numbers 21; Deuteronomy 2-3) marked a pivotal moment in Israel's acquisition of land east of the Jordan.
  • Polemics: Explicitly mentioning these defeated kings serves as a theological and historical affirmation of the LORD's power and faithfulness. It indirectly polemicizes against the power claims of surrounding pagan deities by emphasizing that the God of Israel delivered this strategically vital territory into Israel's hands, consolidating what was previously disputed territory into the settled land of Israel under Solomon. This reinforces the fulfillment of God's covenant promises of land.
• and he was the one official (נְצִיב - netsiv) over that region: The term netsiv can denote a commissioner, governor, prefect, or even a military outpost commander. In this context, it clearly indicates an administrative position, overseeing the collection of provisions for the king. The phrasing "the one official" implies he might have had a unique, comprehensive authority over this entire combined territory, possibly signifying a greater scope of responsibility compared to other governors or emphasizing the unique, extensive size of his jurisdiction compared to other districts listed. It points to a sophisticated bureaucratic system for managing resources in Solomon's extensive kingdom.
  • Words-group: The phrase "country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan" forms a significant historical and theological marker. It emphasizes the complete dominion Israel, under Solomon, now exercised over a land that represented key victories and foundational conquests from the time of Moses, fulfilling ancient promises and demonstrating the stability of the kingdom.

1 Kings 4 17 Bonus section

• The naming of the district as "the country of Sihon... and Og" is a conscious historical reference, constantly reminding the people of their miraculous initial conquest of Transjordanian land through divine intervention. It serves as a legitimization of Israel's current occupation and dominion.
• Geber's unique role as "the one official" suggests a single point of authority over a traditionally bifurcated and sprawling Transjordanian region, possibly due to its significant economic output (agricultural and pastoral products) or its strategic importance requiring unified command.
• The meticulous administrative structure presented in 1 Kings 4 is a testament to the organizational peak of the Davidic dynasty under Solomon, contrasting with the more tribal and loosely connected structure of previous periods. It speaks to a level of centralized control and state building previously unseen in Israel.
• The system of district governors supplying provisions also reflects the immense needs of Solomon's lavish court and ambitious building projects, implying the economic power the kingdom commanded but also hinting at the heavy taxes and labor demands placed upon its citizens.

1 Kings 4 17 Commentary

1 Kings 4:17 is a detailed administrative entry illustrating the sophisticated organization of King Solomon's united monarchy. Geber son of Uri's appointment over the vast region of Gilead, historically the former kingdoms of the powerful Amorite kings Sihon and Og, signifies the practical application of Solomon's God-given wisdom to governance. This region, won by God's power through Moses, was now seamlessly integrated into the regular twelve-district system responsible for provisioning the immense royal household. This efficient structure underscores the unprecedented peace, prosperity, and territorial consolidation during Solomon's reign, marking a peak of Israelite political and geographical influence. It also subtly foreshadows the considerable economic burden placed on the populace through such an extensive system, which would eventually contribute to the kingdom's later division.