Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin; ShimeiThe name "Shimei" is derived from the Hebrew root "שמע" (shama), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This name is significant in the biblical context, as it often denotes someone who is attentive to God's word or commands. In the broader narrative of the Bible, there are several individuals named Shimei, each with different roles and stories. The Shimei mentioned here is a leader appointed by King Solomon, indicating his importance and trustworthiness in the administration of the kingdom. His role as a leader in Benjamin suggests he was a man of influence and responsibility. son of Ela
The phrase "son of Ela" identifies Shimei's lineage, which is a common biblical practice to establish identity and heritage. "Ela" in Hebrew can mean "oak" or "terebinth," symbolizing strength and endurance. This lineage may imply that Shimei comes from a family known for its resilience and stability, qualities necessary for leadership. In the context of ancient Israel, family lineage was crucial for establishing one's social standing and authority. in Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israel's history. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the tribe is known for its fierce warriors and strategic location. The territory of Benjamin was situated between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, making it a significant area for political and military strategy. Shimei's position in Benjamin suggests he was a key figure in maintaining the stability and security of this important region. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin produced several notable leaders, including King Saul, Israel's first king. This highlights the tribe's ongoing influence and the importance of Shimei's role within Solomon's administration. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShimeiA governor appointed by King Solomon, responsible for the region of Benjamin. His role was part of Solomon's administrative organization to ensure effective governance and provision for the king's household. 2. ElaThe father of Shimei. Not much is known about him, but his mention signifies the importance of lineage and family heritage in the biblical account. 3. BenjaminOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, located in the central part of the land. It holds historical significance as the tribe of King Saul and later, the Apostle Paul. 4. Solomon's AdministrationThe broader context of this verse is Solomon's establishment of a structured and efficient administration, dividing the kingdom into districts, each overseen by a governor. Teaching Points God's Order and StructureSolomon's administration reflects God's desire for order and structure in leadership. Effective governance requires delegation and trust in appointed leaders. Importance of HeritageThe mention of Shimei's lineage underscores the value of heritage and family background in biblical times. It reminds us of the importance of honoring our own spiritual and familial heritage. Faithfulness in Small RolesShimei's role, though not widely known, was crucial for the functioning of Solomon's kingdom. This teaches us that every role in God's kingdom is significant, no matter how small it may seem. Legacy of the Tribe of BenjaminThe tribe of Benjamin's historical and spiritual legacy is a reminder of how God can use any tribe or family for His purposes, regardless of past failures or successes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's administrative structure reflect God's character of order and organization, and how can we apply this principle in our personal and church life? 2. In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage help us in our walk with God, and how can we honor it today? 3. Reflect on a time when you were given a small role or responsibility. How did you see God working through that experience? 4. Considering the legacy of the tribe of Benjamin, how can we ensure that our personal and family legacy aligns with God's purposes? 5. How can we support and pray for those in leadership positions within our church and community, following the example of Solomon's governance? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 4:7-19This passage provides a list of all the officials and governors appointed by Solomon, illustrating the organized structure of his kingdom. 1 Samuel 9:1-2This passage introduces Saul, the first king of Israel, who was from the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the tribe's historical significance. Philippians 3:5The Apostle Paul references his heritage as a Benjamite, showing the enduring legacy of the tribe in the New Testament. 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 Ben-elah, Benjamin, Ela, Elah, Shimei, Shim'e-iDictionary 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 4:18 NIV1 Kings 4:18 NLT1 Kings 4:18 ESV1 Kings 4:18 NASB1 Kings 4:18 KJV
1 Kings 4:18 Commentaries
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