1 Kings 4:21 kjv
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
1 Kings 4:21 nkjv
So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
1 Kings 4:21 niv
And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and were Solomon's subjects all his life.
1 Kings 4:21 esv
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
1 Kings 4:21 nlt
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south. The conquered peoples of those lands sent tribute money to Solomon and continued to serve him throughout his lifetime.
1 Kings 4 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates..." | Abrahamic covenant promises this exact territorial extent. |
| Deut 1:7 | Go up into the hill country of the Amorites... and into all the Negeb, and the seacoast; to the land of the Canaanites... and the Lebanon, up to the great river, the river Euphrates. | Commands to possess the broad promised land. |
| Deut 11:24 | Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours... from the river Euphrates to the Western Sea. | Promise of widespread dominion through conquest. |
| Jos 1:4 | From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun... | Reiterates the extent of the promised inheritance. |
| Ps 72:8 | May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! | Prophetic ideal of a righteous king's extensive dominion. |
| 2 Sam 7:13 | He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. | Part of the Davidic covenant, promising a stable, enduring kingdom for David's son. |
| 1 Kgs 4:24 | For he had dominion over all the region beyond the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza... and he had peace on all sides. | Direct contextual reinforcement of Solomon's dominion and peace. |
| 1 Kgs 5:4 | But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune. | Solomon acknowledging the peace that allowed his reign to flourish. |
| 2 Chr 9:24 | Year after year, everyone who came brought articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, horses and mules. | Illustrates the consistent tribute flow into Solomon's kingdom. |
| Isa 9:7 | Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it... forevermore. | Messianic prophecy of Christ's unending and ever-increasing kingdom. |
| Zech 9:10 | He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. | Messianic prophecy echoing Ps 72:8, fulfilled ultimately in Christ. |
| Dan 7:14 | He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away... | Vision of the Messiah's universal, eternal kingdom. |
| Matt 28:18 | Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." | Christ's claim to ultimate, universal authority and dominion. |
| Eph 1:20-22 | God raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand... far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked... | Christ's supremacy over all powers and realms. |
| Rev 11:15 | The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." | Ultimate future fulfillment of universal divine rule. |
| Judg 1:19 | The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain... iron chariots. | Contrast to Judges period, where complete conquest of the land was difficult. |
| Neh 9:24 | The Israelites entered and took possession of the land. They subdued the Canaanites... and they did with them as they pleased. | Another example of taking possession, though often partial or later. |
| 1 Kgs 10:25 | And everyone brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year. | Further detail on the tribute, emphasizing its regularity and variety. |
| Ps 89:36-37 | His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as the sun before me, like the moon established forever, a faithful witness in the skies. | Reassurance of the Davidic covenant's enduring nature, pointing to Messianic fulfillment. |
| Rom 15:12 | And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope." | Cites Old Testament prophecy indicating Christ's rule over Gentiles/nations. |
| Hab 2:14 | For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. | Foreshadows a global knowledge and recognition of God's sovereignty. |
| Isa 49:6 | "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have preserved. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." | Broadening God's plan of salvation beyond Israel, implying universal reign. |
| Ps 2:8 | Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. | God promises the King (Messiah) universal inheritance. |
1 Kings 4 verses
1 Kings 4 21 Meaning
This verse vividly portrays the immense geographical extent and political dominance of King Solomon's kingdom. It signifies the zenith of Israel's national power and prosperity, indicating that Solomon ruled over a vast empire, far beyond the direct borders of Israel, compelling numerous surrounding nations to acknowledge his suzerainty by regularly paying tribute and rendering service throughout his entire reign. This dominion fulfilled ancient divine promises regarding the boundaries of the promised land and foreshadowed the global dominion of the ultimate King.
1 Kings 4 21 Context
1 Kings 4:21 falls within a section of 1 Kings (chapters 1-11) detailing Solomon's reign, specifically the administrative, military, and economic achievements that characterized his Golden Age. Chapter 4 begins by listing Solomon's chief officials and district governors, establishing the internal order and robust administration of his kingdom. Verse 20 mentions the unprecedented prosperity and numerous population of Israel during his time. Verse 21 then shifts focus from internal affairs to the external recognition and reach of Solomon's power. It describes the unparalleled territorial extent of his dominion, the tribute received from surrounding kingdoms, and the sustained nature of this rule throughout his lifetime. This peace and prosperity enabled Solomon to embark on massive building projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem (detailed in chapter 6), a central act of his reign enabled by the security and resources established in verses like 4:21. Historically, Solomon's reign represents the pinnacle of Israel's strength as a united kingdom, an era of peace between the periods of tribal struggles (Judges) and future division and decline.
1 Kings 4 21 Word analysis
And Solomon ruled: (Hebrew: וְשֹׁלֹ֨מֹה מֹשֵׁ֜ל,
vĕ·šō·lō·mōh mō·šêl).mōšêl(מֹשֵׁל) is a Qal participle of the verbmašal(מָשַׁל), meaning "to rule," "to have dominion," or "to govern." The participle form emphasizes an ongoing, active, and continuous state of reigning, not merely a past event. This highlights the sustained nature of his authority. Solomon’s rule was comprehensive and established.
over all the kingdoms: (Hebrew: כָּל־הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת,
kāl-ham·mam·lā·ḵō·wṯ).kāl(כָּל) means "all," "every," "the whole." It emphasizes totality, implying widespread control and recognition, not just over a few minor states.mamlakōwṯ(מַמְלָכוֹת) is the plural ofmamlāḵâ(מַמְלָכָה), meaning "kingdom" or "dominion." The use of "all the kingdoms" indicates a significant regional influence, extending beyond the conventional boundaries of Israel itself, involving a complex network of vassal states.
from the Euphrates River: (Hebrew: מֵהַנָּהָר֙ פְּרָ֔ת,
mê·han·nā·hār pə·rāṯ).pərāṯ(פְּרָת) is the Euphrates. This marks the northern or northeastern boundary of Solomon's dominion. The Euphrates was often considered a boundary of the promised land in covenant passages (e.g., Gen 15:18, Deut 1:7), making its mention here a sign of a promised land fulfillment. This river symbolized the maximal extent of territory given by God to Abraham's descendants.
to the land of the Philistines: (Hebrew: עַד־אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים,
‘aḏ-’e·reṣ pə·liš·tîm).- The Philistines inhabited the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan. This reference denotes the western boundary of Solomon's influence. The Philistines had been persistent enemies of Israel, so their subjugation or tribute signifies Israel's significant strength.
and to the border of Egypt: (Hebrew: וְעַ֖ד גְּב֣וּל מִצְרָ֑יִם,
wə·‘aḏ gə·ḇūl miṣ·rā·yim).- Egypt was the major southern power. Extending to its border signifies direct control or at least hegemonic influence over all land up to the powerful Egyptian sphere. This effectively defined Israel's territory at its broadest, encompassing regions between these major powers, an impressive feat for a state historically caught between empires.
They brought tribute: (Hebrew: מַגִּשִׁ֤ים מִנְחָה֙,
mag·gi·šîm min·ḥāh).maggishîm(מַגִּשִׁים) is the Hiphil participle ofnāgaš(נָגַשׁ), "to draw near," "to bring," "to present." The participle implies a continuous, habitual action; these nations regularly presented tribute.minḥāh(מִנְחָה) typically means "offering," "gift," or "tribute." Here it signifies mandatory payment or gifts of subservience from vassal states to a sovereign king, a clear sign of their acknowledgment of his authority.
and served Solomon: (Hebrew: וְעֹבְדִ֣ים אֹת֔וֹ,
wə·‘ō·ḇə·ḏîm ’ō·ṯōw).‘ōvəḏîm(עֹבְדִים) is the Qal participle of‘āvaḏ(עָבַד), meaning "to serve," "to work," or even "to worship." In this context, it implies not only subjection and compliance with Solomon's will but potentially rendering military assistance, forced labor for building projects, or providing supplies for his administration and army, confirming their subordinate status.
all the days of his life: (Hebrew: כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיָּֽיו,
kol yə·mê ḥay·yāw).- This phrase emphasizes the uninterrupted nature and enduring stability of Solomon's vast dominion throughout his entire forty-year reign. It highlights the sustained peace and unchallenged authority that allowed Israel to reach its material and political apex, unlike many transient ancient empires.
1 Kings 4 21 Bonus section
- The description of Solomon's empire in this verse and surrounding texts reflects the closest historical approximation to the full territorial extent envisioned in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, which often depicted a kingdom spanning from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt or the Great Sea.
- The nature of this "rule" likely varied across the different "kingdoms." Some were probably direct territories, others fully subjugated vassal states, while some might have simply been client states maintaining peaceful relations through tribute to avoid conflict.
- This passage highlights Israel's strategic geographical location, often serving as a land bridge between major ancient empires. Solomon, exceptionally, managed to exert influence over both spheres rather than being caught between them.
- The unprecedented peace and widespread acknowledgment of Solomon's authority facilitated extensive international trade and cultural exchange, enriching Israel but also introducing foreign influences and temptations that later led to spiritual decline.
1 Kings 4 21 Commentary
1 Kings 4:21 succinctly describes the glorious political reality of Solomon's reign, portraying a period of unprecedented national strength and influence for ancient Israel. It confirms the fulfillment of God's territorial promises made generations earlier, establishing Israel as a dominant regional power, commanding tribute and loyalty from various nations. This passage speaks not just of land acquisition, but of an empire's geopolitical sway, reaching from the significant and symbolic Euphrates in the north to the powerful Egyptian border in the south, encompassing the historical enemies, the Philistines.
The consistent bringing of tribute (minḥāh) and active service (‘āvaḏ) from these subject kingdoms indicates a state of peace achieved through submission, not through perpetual conflict. This security and wealth were fundamental to the construction of the First Temple and the massive infrastructure projects undertaken by Solomon. Yet, despite its grandeur, this reign was temporal and contingent on Solomon's faithfulness, which later waned. As magnificent as it was, Solomon's kingdom serves as a typological prefigurement of the ultimate, universal, and eternal reign of the Messiah. Just as Solomon's kingdom had geographical limits and ultimately experienced internal division, the full realization of such a pervasive and peaceful dominion awaits the eschatological rule of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom truly has no end and transcends all earthly boundaries and temporal limitations. This verse, therefore, represents the historical pinnacle of God's earthly kingdom among His people and a profound shadow of the divine kingdom to come.