1 Kings 4 9

1 Kings 4:9 kjv

The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:

1 Kings 4:9 nkjv

Ben-Deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;

1 Kings 4:9 niv

Ben-Deker?in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh and Elon Bethhanan;

1 Kings 4:9 esv

Ben-deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elonbeth-hanan;

1 Kings 4:9 nlt

Ben-deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-bethhanan.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 9 Meaning

1 Kings 4:9 details one of Solomon's twelve administrative districts, specifically naming the governor as "Ben-Dekar" (meaning "Son of Dekar") and listing the territories under his jurisdiction: Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. This verse is part of a larger catalog illustrating the organizational structure Solomon implemented to provide continuous provisions for his elaborate royal court. It highlights the strategic distribution of responsibilities for sustaining the kingdom's immense logistical needs, indicating a highly centralized and efficient administrative system during his reign.

1 Kings 4 9 Context

First Kings chapter 4 describes the golden age of Solomon's reign, immediately after he receives divine wisdom (1 Kgs 3). This chapter showcases the prosperity, peace, and administrative genius that characterized his early years. Verse 9 is part of a detailed listing of his cabinet officials (1 Kgs 4:1-6) and the twelve regional governors (1 Kgs 4:7-19) established throughout Israel. These governors were tasked with collecting monthly provisions to sustain Solomon's expansive household, large number of chariots and horses, and elaborate court (1 Kgs 4:22-28). The establishment of these districts, which cut across traditional tribal boundaries, signifies a sophisticated centralized government, distinct from the looser tribal confederacy that existed before. This administrative division allowed Solomon to efficiently manage resources for his vast enterprises and secure his kingdom's economic stability, fulfilling the promise of great prosperity during his rule. However, this same system of demanding provisions eventually contributed to the discontent and division of the kingdom after his death.

1 Kings 4 9 Word analysis

• Ben-Dekar (בֶּן־דֶּקֶר֙, ben-deqer):

  • Word: "Ben" (בֶּן) means "son of." "Dekar" (דֶּקֶר) is a personal name, the meaning of which is uncertain, though possibly related to a word meaning "piercing" or "dagger."
  • Significance: It's unusual for the governor's personal name not to be given, only his patronymic (son of Dekar). This highlights the identity through lineage, or perhaps suggests a functionary identity rather than individual renown within this administrative list. It shows a formal bureaucratic structure where family identification was sufficient.

• in (בְּ, bə):

  • Word: Preposition, meaning "in" or "in the territory of."
  • Significance: Connects the governor to his specific area of responsibility.

• Makaz (מָקַץ֙, maqats):

  • Word: A geographical name, not definitively identified with modern sites but typically located in the Shephelah or Danite territory, near Philistine borders.
  • Significance: Its inclusion suggests this area was valuable for agriculture or strategically important for defense and resource extraction, making it an ideal candidate for providing tribute.

• Shaalbim (שַׁעֲלַבִּים, shaʿalabim):

  • Word: A town name meaning "place of foxes" or "jackals."
  • Significance: Mentioned in Judg 1:35 as a place where Amorites continued to dwell even after the conquest, implying it was a contested but strategically valuable area that Solomon eventually fully integrated and controlled. Its fertility likely contributed to its administrative importance.

• Beth-shemesh (בֵּית־שֶׁמֶשׁ, bet-shemesh):

  • Word: A significant city, meaning "house of the sun." Its name reflects earlier pagan associations with sun worship.
  • Significance: This city had a prominent history (1 Sam 6) as the place where the Ark of the Covenant returned from the Philistines. It was also a Levitical city. Its inclusion in Solomon's administrative district demonstrates the comprehensive reach of his control over historically important and religiously significant sites, perhaps implicitly showing a diminishing of any prior pagan cultic associations by its function in Israel's centralized kingdom.

• and (וְ, wə):

  • Word: Conjunction meaning "and."
  • Significance: Links the locations within Ben-Dekar's jurisdiction, indicating a contiguous or administratively unified territory.

• Elon-beth-hanan (אֵילוֹן בֵּית־חָנָן, 'êlon bêṯ-ḥanan):

  • Word: A place name, meaning "Oak of the house of Hanan" or "Oak of the house of Grace."
  • Significance: This name suggests a prominent natural landmark (a large oak tree) associated with a family or a concept. Like the other locations, its inclusion underscores the fertile agricultural regions and settled areas that formed the basis of Solomon's taxation system, crucial for sustaining his vast royal expenditures.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Ben-Dekar, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan": This entire phrase encapsulates Solomon's method of delegating administrative authority. The linking of a specific governor (identified by his patronymic) with a list of distinct, yet geographically proximate and resource-rich locations, showcases a rationalized system of governance designed for efficient resource mobilization. It emphasizes a structured bureaucracy over a loose tribal confederation, illustrating Solomon's administrative genius in transforming Israel into a centrally controlled kingdom.

1 Kings 4 9 Bonus section

• The administrative districts listed in 1 Kings 4 often show overlap or disregard for original tribal inheritances, pointing to a strategic political move to integrate all parts of the kingdom under direct royal control, potentially reducing tribal autonomy.
• This system of administrative districts was a common feature of well-organized ancient Near Eastern empires, such as Egypt and Assyria. Solomon's implementation of such a sophisticated system underscores Israel's rise to a prominent regional power.
• The peace and prosperity described in 1 Kings 4 contrast with the prior periods of Judges and Samuel, showcasing the culmination of David's kingdom building under Solomon, enabled by the resources exacted through this administrative system.
• While efficient, the sheer scale of the provisioning described (e.g., "30 kors of fine flour and 60 kors of meal daily," 1 Kgs 4:22) hints at the massive resources consumed by the royal court, providing a tangible sense of the eventual economic strain on the populace that led to discontent (1 Kgs 12).

1 Kings 4 9 Commentary

1 Kings 4:9, though a brief enumeration, provides a concise insight into the administrative prowess and sophisticated organization of King Solomon's united kingdom. The mention of "Ben-Dekar" and his assigned territories – Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan – reflects a systematic division of Israel into twelve districts. This restructuring cut across traditional tribal boundaries, indicating a shift from a tribal-based society to a more centralized, nationalistic administration. The primary purpose of these districts was to supply provisions for the king and his vast court one month out of the year, a monumental logistical undertaking. The selected locations were likely chosen for their agricultural fertility, strategic importance, or historical significance, underscoring the thoroughness with which Solomon ensured his royal splendor. While demonstrating an era of unparalleled wealth and control, this verse, as part of the broader chapter, also subtly foreshadows the future burdens that would contribute to the kingdom's division after Solomon's reign, serving as a reminder that great human organization, apart from God's leading, can become a yoke.