1 Kings 4 19

1 Kings 4:19 kjv

Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land.

1 Kings 4:19 nkjv

Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan. He was the only governor who was in the land.

1 Kings 4:19 niv

Geber son of Uri?in Gilead (the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and the country of Og king of Bashan). He was the only governor over the district.

1 Kings 4:19 esv

Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. And there was one governor who was over the land.

1 Kings 4:19 nlt

Geber son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, including the territories of King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan.
There was also one governor over the land of Judah.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 19 Meaning

This verse identifies Geber son of Uri as one of Solomon's twelve administrative officers, specifically appointed over the fertile land of Gilead. This region is further specified by its historical significance, being the former kingdoms of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan. The detail illustrates the extensive reach and meticulous organization of King Solomon's vast kingdom, demonstrating a period of centralized control and fulfilled territorial promises.

1 Kings 4 19 Context

This verse is situated within a detailed account of King Solomon's glorious and highly organized reign, following the initial listing of his chief officials (1 Ki 4:1-6). It is specifically part of a larger section (1 Ki 4:7-19) that enumerates the twelve regional officers appointed by Solomon to provision his household and court, each for one month of the year. This particular officer, Geber son of Uri, was responsible for the trans-Jordanian region, linking the contemporary administration to historically significant territories. The broader chapter then describes the unparalleled prosperity, peace, and wisdom that characterized Solomon's rule (1 Ki 4:20-34), portraying it as a golden age and a fulfillment of God's promises concerning the extent and blessings of the Davidic kingdom. The efficient administrative structure under Solomon underscores his wisdom and the scale of his kingdom, demonstrating an organized system vital for governing a territory stretching "from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt" (1 Ki 4:21).

1 Kings 4 19 Word analysis

• Geber (גֶּבֶר - geber): Proper noun, meaning "man" or "mighty man." Here, the name of the administrative officer. The name suggests an individual of substance or capability, fitting for an official in charge of such a significant region.
• son of Uri: Standard biblical genealogical identifier. Uri (אוּרִי - 'Uri) means "my light" or "fire of the Lord." While the name itself holds theological significance, its use here primarily functions as identification within a patriarchal society.
• was in the land of Gilead: Gilead (גִּלְעָד - Gil'ad), a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River. Its name means "rocky tract" or "heap of witness." This geographical marker defines the core area of Geber's administrative responsibility. Gilead was renowned for its produce and played a crucial role in Israel's history.
• the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan: This extended geographical definition is highly significant. It precisely delineates Geber's district by referencing historically powerful, vanquished kings.
  • Sihon (סִיחוֹן - Sichon): Proper noun, Amorite king defeated by Moses before Israel entered Canaan (Num 21). His territory comprised Heshbon and much of central Gilead.
  • Amorites (אֱמֹרִי - 'Emori): A major pre-Israelite people group in Canaan. Their defeat by Israel signified a crucial step in the conquest and settlement of the land promised by God.
  • Og (עוֹג - 'Og): Proper noun, the giant king of Bashan, also defeated by Moses (Deut 3). His vast territory, Bashan, was north of Gilead and known for its rich land and strong cattle.
  • Bashan (בָּשָׁן - Bashan): Fertile region east of the Sea of Galilee, a key territory associated with Og's might.
• and there was one officer in the land: The phrase "one officer" (וְנָצִיב אֶחָד בָּאָרֶץ - ve-natziv echad ba'aretz) emphasizes that this expansive region, once two powerful kingdoms, was now consolidated under a single administrator under Solomon's authority. This highlights Solomon's ability to simplify and efficiently manage large territories. The Hebrew word natziv means "garrison," "commander," or "commissioner," denoting a responsible official with delegated authority, possibly with military as well as civil oversight given the history of the region.

Words-group Analysis

• "Geber son of Uri was in the land of Gilead": This identifies a specific individual assigned to a particular and critical geographical area. It signifies a delegated authority from the king, ensuring direct administrative control over a key resource region for the kingdom.
• "the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan": This descriptive phrase carries immense historical and symbolic weight. It grounds Solomon's present administrative boundaries in Israel's foundational narrative of conquest. By annexing these former formidable kingdoms and integrating them into Israel's structure, it dramatically demonstrates the fulfillment of God's land promises (e.g., Deut 2:24, 3:2) and showcases the complete subjugation of Israel's historic enemies. It emphasizes the peace and security under Solomon's reign, where previously hostile territories now served the Davidic throne.

1 Kings 4 19 Bonus section

• Economic Implications: The land of Gilead and Bashan were extremely fertile, known for rich pasturage and grain. Placing a dedicated officer there was essential for Solomon's "food supply" (1 Ki 4:7), vital for sustaining his massive court and his kingdom's burgeoning economy, including ambitious building projects like the Temple. This underscores the practical side of Solomon's divinely granted wisdom.
• Divine Fulfillment: The specific mention of Sihon and Og is a powerful echo of the past victories God granted Israel. That their once independent, powerful territories are now mere administrative districts under Israelite authority serves as a continuous reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and to Israel regarding the land.
• Contrast with the Judges Period: The highly centralized and efficient administration detailed here stands in stark contrast to the more decentralized and often chaotic period of the Judges, highlighting the transformative impact of united monarchy under Solomon's wise leadership. This stable, extensive administration facilitated the peace and prosperity that were characteristic of his reign.

1 Kings 4 19 Commentary

1 Kings 4:19, while a simple line listing an official and his domain, is crucial in illustrating the unparalleled administrative sophistication and territorial breadth of Solomon's kingdom. Geber son of Uri's charge over Gilead, specified as the former realms of Sihon and Og, directly points to the complete realization of the land God had promised to Israel. This period represented the high watermark of the Davidic dynasty's reach and stability. The detailed enumeration of officers like Geber demonstrates Solomon's systematic approach to governance, ensuring efficient provision for the royal court and the broader national prosperity mentioned later in the chapter. The "one officer" overseeing such a historically significant and fertile region speaks to the consolidation of power and the effective management that underpinned Solomon's golden age. It paints a picture of a kingdom meticulously organized, prosperous, and secure, a testament to God's blessing on Solomon's wise rule.