Study notes

1 Kings 4

Introducing 1 KingsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:1–4:34 Section

1 Kings continues the story of Israel recorded in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.

David had promised that Solomon would be king after him. Yet David hadn’t taken any action to appoint the next king. Nor had he guided and corrected his sons.

Adonijah made himself king like Absalom had once done. This caused a lot of confusion in Israel.

Nathan and Bathsheba convinced David to make Solomon king before David died. David’s final words to Solomon were about people who had supported or opposed him. Solomon obeyed David’s instructions about how to treat them. This included killing people who challenged Solomon’s authority as king.

David’s final words were also about Solomon living the way God wanted him to live. The kings after David were to be faithful to God with their whole heart. That was part of God’s covenant with David.

When Solomon asked for wisdom, God gave him more wisdom than any other person had. The Israelites recognised how wise Solomon was. Solomon’s wisdom was clear in the decisions he made as a judge in hard cases.

Solomon’s government had control over the people groups who lived all around Israel. People from these nations also recognised how wise Solomon was. They came to hear him speak.

The Israelites lived in peace and rest. They had everything they needed and weren’t treated badly by their enemies. These were some of the covenant blessings.

The Israelites had to work very hard to support Solomon’s government. Local governors provided all the food and supplies the king used every month. Samuel had warned the Israelites that this would be the result of choosing to have a king. (1 Samuel 8:11–18).

4:2

Zadok was very old, so his grandson Azariah became the high priest (see 1 Chronicles 6:8–9).

4:3

The court secretaries were state officials and Solomon’s private secretaries. Shisha, the father of Elihoreph and Ahijah, had served David in this role (2 Samuel 8:17; 20:25; 1 Chronicles 18:16).
The royal historian acted as the chief of protocol for palace events and ceremonies. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, these officials often represented the king in important talks (see 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:8).

4:4

Benaiah … Zadok and Abiathar: All three held important positions in David's administration. Even though Abiathar was removed as high priest (1 Kings 2:26–27), he continued to serve as a priest.

4:5

Two of Nathan's sons were also part of Solomon's inner circle. Azariah managed the twelve district governors, while Zabud was a trusted adviser, a role Hushai held under David (2 Samuel 15:37).

4:6

Ahishar managed the palace property, a role that gained power under Jotham, son of Uzziah (2 Kings 15:5). Later, Eliakim held this position. He was one of Hezekiah’s representatives and met with King Sennacherib of Assyria's envoys during talks about the siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:18).
Adoniram led the corvée (the system of forced labor). Samuel had warned about this disliked practice (1 Samuel 8:12–17), and Israel's leaders later complained about it to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:4).

4:7–19

The twelve district governors likely managed smaller tasks, like collecting taxes and supplying food for the king's household. Solomon's twelve districts did not match the old tribal areas exactly.

4:20–21

God promised Abraham land (Genesis 15:18–21; 17:8; 22:17). This promise came true with Solomon's blessing. The lands that David and Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:3) conquered stayed loyal to Solomon. They sent him tribute money and served him throughout his long reign.

4:22–23

Solomon's court was huge and impressive, shown by the large amount of food it needed each day.

4:24–25

Each family had its own home and garden. Solomon's people lived in ideal conditions, hinting at the future messianic era (Micah 4:4), enjoying prosperity and peace.

4:26

4,000 stalls: The number 4,000 matches the text in 2 Chronicles 9:25, which is a suitable amount for Solomon’s 1,400 chariots (1 Kings 10:26; 2 Chronicles 1:14).
12,000 horses: The Hebrew word can mean “horsemen” (Exodus 15:19–21) or “horses” (Joel 2:4). To prepare for battles, Solomon built towns to house his forces (1 Kings 9:19).

4:29–30

men of the East: Babylon was famous for its wise men. However, Solomon's wisdom, given by God (1 Kings 3:9, 12, 28; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13), was greater than all of them (1 Kings 4:34).

4:31

Ethan and Heman were musicians chosen by David (see 1 Chronicles 6:33–47; 15:16–19; Psalms 88, 89).
The sons of Mahol were Temple singers. So Heman, Calcol, and Darda likely took part in worship services (see 1 Chronicles 15:17, 19–22).

4:32–34

proverbs … songs: Solomon wrote much of the book of Proverbs and composed Psalms 72 and 127. His knowledge of plants and animals showed his careful observation of nature (see Proverbs 6:6–8). Solomon’s wisdom and literary skill (see Matthew 12:42) are evident in the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. It is no surprise that many, including kings (1 Kings 10:1–9), sought Solomon's wisdom.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources