Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam; Baana son of AhiludThe name "Baana" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "son of affliction" or "son of response." This name may reflect the character or the circumstances of his birth. "Ahilud" means "brother of one born" or "child's brother," suggesting a familial connection that might have been significant in the tribal and familial structures of ancient Israel. The mention of lineage underscores the importance of family heritage and tribal affiliations in the governance and social structure of Israel during Solomon's reign. in Taanach, Megiddo
These are significant locations in the Jezreel Valley, known for their strategic military and trade importance. Taanach and Megiddo were key cities in the ancient Near East, often associated with battles and conquests. Megiddo, in particular, is famous for its archaeological significance, revealing layers of history that include Canaanite, Israelite, and later civilizations. The control of these cities indicates the administrative and military strength of Solomon's kingdom. and all Beth-shean
Beth-shean was a major city in the northern part of Israel, known for its fertile lands and strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes. The phrase "all Beth-shean" suggests a comprehensive jurisdiction over this area, highlighting the extent of Solomon's administrative organization. The city's history as a Canaanite and later an Egyptian stronghold before becoming part of Israel reflects the complex cultural and political landscape of the region. next to Zarethan below Jezreel
Zarethan and Jezreel are locations that further define the boundaries of Baana's jurisdiction. Zarethan is mentioned in the context of the Jordan River and the crossing of the Israelites, while Jezreel is a fertile valley known for its agricultural productivity. The phrase "below Jezreel" indicates a geographical orientation, emphasizing the vastness and diversity of the land under Baana's oversight. from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah
This phrase describes the extent of the territory, stretching from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah. Abel-meholah is known as the birthplace of the prophet Elisha, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the region. The mention of these locations together suggests a well-defined administrative district, reflecting the organized governance under Solomon's rule. to the region beyond Jokmeam
Jokmeam is a lesser-known location, but its mention here indicates the outer boundary of Baana's jurisdiction. The phrase "region beyond" suggests an expansive territory, possibly including areas that were less settled or more rural. This highlights the comprehensive nature of Solomon's administrative divisions, ensuring effective governance and resource management across diverse regions. Persons / Places / Events 1. Baana son of AhiludBaana is one of the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon to provide provisions for the king and his household. His role signifies the organized and prosperous nature of Solomon's reign. 2. Taanach and MegiddoThese are significant cities in the northern part of Israel. Megiddo, in particular, is known for its strategic military importance and is mentioned in various biblical battles. 3. Beth-sheanA city with a rich history, often associated with the Philistines and later as a significant city in the kingdom of Israel. 4. ZarethanA location near the Jordan River, known for its proximity to significant biblical events, including the crossing of the Israelites into the Promised Land. 5. JezreelA fertile valley known for its agricultural productivity and as a site of many biblical events, including the account of Naboth's vineyard. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe appointment of district governors like Baana reflects God's order and provision in leadership. It reminds us of the importance of godly leadership in maintaining peace and prosperity. Strategic Importance of PlacesThe cities mentioned were strategically important for trade, military, and agriculture. This teaches us to recognize and utilize the resources and positions God has given us for His glory. Historical ContinuityThe repeated mention of these locations throughout the Bible underscores the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness through generations. Stewardship and ResponsibilityBaana's role as a governor highlights the importance of stewardship and responsibility in our own lives, encouraging us to be faithful in the tasks God has entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Baana's role as a district governor about the importance of leadership and organization in our own communities? 2. How do the cities of Taanach and Megiddo illustrate the strategic planning necessary in our spiritual and daily lives? 3. In what ways does the history of Beth-shean challenge us to consider the legacy we are leaving in our own communities? 4. How does the geographical significance of these locations in 1 Kings 4:12 relate to God's promises and faithfulness throughout the Bible? 5. Reflecting on the responsibilities of Baana, how can we better steward the resources and positions God has given us in our personal and professional lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 17:11This verse mentions some of the same cities, highlighting their historical and geographical significance in the land allotment to the tribes of Israel. Judges 5:19The Song of Deborah references Taanach and Megiddo, emphasizing their role in Israel's military history. 1 Samuel 31:10-12Beth-shean is noted as the place where the Philistines displayed the bodies of Saul and his sons, illustrating its importance in Israel's history. People Abda, Abel, Abiathar, Abinadab, Adoniram, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahilud, Ahimaaz, Ahinadab, Ahishar, Amorites, Argob, Asher, Azariah, Baana, Baanah, Basmath, Ben, Benaiah, Benjamin, Calcol, Chalcol, Dan, Darda, Dekar, Elah, Elihoreph, Elon, Ethan, Geber, Hanan, Heman, Hepher, Hesed, Hur, Hushai, Iddo, Issachar, Jair, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Mahol, Manasseh, Naphtali, Nathan, Og, Paruah, Shimei, Shisha, Sihon, Solomon, Taphath, Uri, Zabud, ZadokPlaces Abel-meholah, Argob, Arubboth, Bashan, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Dan, Egypt, Elonbeth-hanan, Euphrates River, Gaza, Gilead, Hepher, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Jokmeam, Lebanon, Mahanaim, Makaz, Megiddo, Naphath-dor, Ramoth-gilead, Shaalbim, Socoh, Taanach, Tiphsah, ZarethanTopics Abel, Abelmeholah, Abel-meholah, A'bel-meho'lah, Across, Ahilud, Ahi'lud, Baana, Ba'ana, Below, Ben-ahilud, Beneath, Beside, Beth, Bethshean, Beth-shean, Beth-she'an, Beyond, Jezreel, Jizreel, Jokmeam, Jok'meam, Jokneam, Megiddo, Megid'do, Meholah, Pertained, Shan, Shean, Taanach, Ta'anach, Zaretan, Zarethan, ZartanahDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 4:5-19 5434 officer 1 Kings 4:7-19 5489 rank Library The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether He who Raises the Unworthy to Orders Commits a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that he who raises the unworthy to orders commits no sin. For a bishop needs assistants appointed to the lesser offices. But he would be unable to find them in sufficient number, if he were to require of them such qualifications as the saints enumerate. Therefore if he raise some who are not qualified, he would seem to be excusable. Objection 2: Further, the Church needs not only ministers for the dispensation of things spiritual, but also for the supervision of temporalities. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 4:12 NIV1 Kings 4:12 NLT1 Kings 4:12 ESV1 Kings 4:12 NASB1 Kings 4:12 KJV
1 Kings 4:12 Commentaries
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