So King Solomon ruled over Israel, SoThe word "So" serves as a conjunction, linking the previous narrative to the current statement. It indicates a continuation or result of prior events. In the context of 1 Kings, this word connects Solomon's establishment as king and his subsequent actions, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would rule after him. This continuity underscores the divine orchestration in the history of Israel, where God's plans unfold seamlessly through human history. King Solomon
"King Solomon" refers to the son of David and Bathsheba, who was chosen by God to succeed David as king. Solomon's name in Hebrew, "Shlomo," is derived from "shalom," meaning peace. His reign is often characterized by peace and prosperity, a fulfillment of his name. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. His kingship is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, representing a time of unity and divine favor. ruled
The term "ruled" in Hebrew is "malak," which means to reign or have dominion. Solomon's rule is marked by a centralized government and administrative organization, which brought stability and order to the nation. His reign is a reflection of God's sovereignty, as Solomon is seen as God's appointed leader over His chosen people. This word also implies the responsibility and authority bestowed upon Solomon to lead with justice and wisdom. over all Israel
The phrase "over all Israel" signifies the extent of Solomon's reign, encompassing the entire nation of Israel. This unification under one king was significant, as it represented the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding a great nation. Historically, this period is seen as the zenith of Israel's power and influence in the ancient Near East. It highlights the unity and strength of the nation under Solomon's leadership, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness in establishing His people in the land He promised to their forefathers. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity in Israel. 2. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon's rule, consisting of the twelve tribes. This period is often seen as the height of Israel's power and influence in the ancient Near East. 3. Reign of SolomonThis event marks a significant period in biblical history where Solomon's leadership brought about a time of peace and prosperity, allowing for cultural and religious advancements. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipSolomon's reign exemplifies the impact of wise and godly leadership. As Christians, we are called to pray for and support leaders who seek God's wisdom. Unity and PeaceUnder Solomon, Israel experienced unity and peace. This serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from living in harmony with others and under God's guidance. The Pursuit of WisdomSolomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power is a model for us. We should prioritize seeking God's wisdom in our lives, trusting that it will lead to true prosperity. Stewardship of God's BlessingsSolomon's reign was marked by prosperity, which he used to build the Temple. We are reminded to use our resources to honor God and serve His purposes. The Temporary Nature of Earthly KingdomsDespite Solomon's achievements, his kingdom eventually divided. This teaches us to focus on building God's eternal kingdom rather than earthly ones. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3 influence his ability to reign over Israel in 1 Kings 4:1? 2. In what ways can we apply Solomon's example of seeking wisdom in our daily decision-making? 3. How does the unity of Israel under Solomon's reign reflect the unity that should exist within the body of Christ? 4. What are some practical ways we can use our resources to honor God, as Solomon did with the building of the Temple? 5. Considering the eventual division of Solomon's kingdom, how can we ensure that our focus remains on building God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary earthly achievements? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3: Solomon's Wisdom This chapter describes how Solomon asked God for wisdom, which is a foundational aspect of his reign over Israel. 2 Chronicles 9: Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom Chronicles provide additional details about Solomon's reign, emphasizing his wealth and the respect he commanded from other nations. Proverbs 1:1Attributed to Solomon, this verse introduces the book of Proverbs, highlighting his role as a wise teacher. Ecclesiastes 1:1Another book traditionally attributed to Solomon, reflecting on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. 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 Ruled, SolomonDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:1 5489 rank 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 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 4:1 NIV1 Kings 4:1 NLT1 Kings 4:1 ESV1 Kings 4:1 NASB1 Kings 4:1 KJV
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