Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. Throughout the days of SolomonThis phrase sets the temporal context of the verse, highlighting the reign of King Solomon, son of David, who ruled Israel during a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Solomon's reign is often seen as the golden age of Israel, marked by wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) emphasizes the duration and continuity of this era of peace. Judah and Israel
This phrase refers to the united kingdom under Solomon, which included both the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. Historically, this unity was significant as it represented the peak of Israel's territorial and political strength. The mention of both Judah and Israel underscores the comprehensive nature of Solomon's rule and the peace that extended across the entire nation. dwelt securely
The Hebrew word for "securely" (בֶּטַח, betach) conveys a sense of safety, confidence, and freedom from fear. This security was a direct result of Solomon's wise governance and the divine favor that rested upon Israel during his reign. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, where peace and security were seen as blessings for obedience and faithfulness. each man under his own vine and his own fig tree
This phrase is a powerful symbol of peace, prosperity, and personal contentment. In ancient Israel, vines and fig trees were common agricultural elements, representing sustenance and economic stability. The imagery suggests that every individual had the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear of invasion or disruption. This idyllic vision is echoed in other scriptural passages (e.g., Micah 4:4) as a metaphor for divine blessing and the ideal state of society. from Dan to Beersheba
This expression denotes the entire expanse of the Israelite territory, from the northernmost city of Dan to the southernmost city of Beersheba. It signifies the comprehensive nature of the peace and prosperity experienced under Solomon's rule. Archaeologically, both Dan and Beersheba have been excavated, revealing significant insights into the historical and cultural context of the period. all the days of Solomon
Reiterating the duration of Solomon's reign, this phrase emphasizes the consistency and stability of the peace experienced during his time as king. Solomon's reign lasted approximately 40 years, and this period is often remembered as a time when Israel reached its zenith in terms of political power, cultural development, and spiritual significance. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, Solomon's reign is often seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Israel. 2. Judah and IsraelThese were the two main divisions of the Israelite kingdom. During Solomon's reign, they were united as one kingdom, experiencing peace and security. 3. Dan to BeershebaThis phrase is a traditional way of describing the entire land of Israel, from the northernmost city (Dan) to the southernmost city (Beersheba), indicating the extent of Solomon's peaceful reign. 4. Vine and Fig TreeThese are symbols of peace, prosperity, and security in the Bible. The imagery suggests a time when people could enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear of war or invasion. 5. Solomon’s DaysThis refers to the period of Solomon's reign, which was marked by unprecedented peace and prosperity in Israel's history. Teaching Points Peace and Security as Divine BlessingsThe peace and security experienced during Solomon's reign are seen as blessings from God. Believers are encouraged to seek God's peace in their lives, trusting in His provision and protection. Symbolism of the Vine and Fig TreeThese symbols remind us of the importance of contentment and gratitude for God's blessings. Christians are called to appreciate the peace and prosperity they have and to use it for God's glory. Unity and ProsperityThe unity of Judah and Israel under Solomon's reign highlights the strength and prosperity that come from unity. Believers are encouraged to seek unity within the body of Christ to experience God's blessings fully. Fulfillment of God's PromisesSolomon's reign is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Christians are reminded to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to bring them to fruition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the peace and security during Solomon's reign reflect God's character and promises? 2. In what ways can the imagery of the vine and fig tree be applied to our lives today? 3. How does the unity of Judah and Israel under Solomon's reign serve as a model for the church today? 4. What are some practical ways we can seek and maintain peace and security in our personal lives and communities? 5. How do the promises fulfilled during Solomon's reign encourage us to trust in God's promises for the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Micah 4:4This verse also uses the imagery of sitting under one's vine and fig tree to describe a future time of peace and security, connecting the peace of Solomon's reign to the prophetic vision of peace in the Messianic age. Zechariah 3:10Similar imagery is used to describe the peace and prosperity that will come with the restoration of Israel, reinforcing the idea of divine blessing and security. Deuteronomy 8:7-10This passage describes the Promised Land as a place of abundance, which is realized during Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's promises to the Israelites. 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 Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Confidence, Dan, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Fig, Fig-tree, Judah, Lifetime, Safely, Safety, Solomon, Solomon's, Tree, VineDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:25 4440 fig-tree
4534 vine
5511 safety
7259 promised land, later history
7266 tribes of Israel 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 4:20-25 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 4:22-28 4476 meals 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 4:25 NIV1 Kings 4:25 NLT1 Kings 4:25 ESV1 Kings 4:25 NASB1 Kings 4:25 KJV
1 Kings 4:25 Commentaries
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