Topical Bible: Solomon: Officers of

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In the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, the administration of the kingdom of Israel was marked by a well-organized and efficient system of governance. Solomon, known for his wisdom and understanding, appointed a series of officers to manage the affairs of the kingdom, ensuring that the vast and prosperous nation functioned smoothly. These officers played crucial roles in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Israel during Solomon's reign.

1. The Twelve District Governors

Solomon divided the kingdom into twelve districts, each overseen by a governor responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. This system ensured a steady supply of resources and demonstrated Solomon's administrative acumen. The Bible records these governors in 1 Kings 4:7-19:

"Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each one made provision for one month of the year." (1 Kings 4:7)

The names and regions of these governors are detailed in the subsequent verses, highlighting the geographical diversity and the comprehensive nature of Solomon's administration.

2. The Chief Officers

In addition to the district governors, Solomon appointed several key officials to oversee various aspects of the kingdom's operations. These included:

· Azariah son of Zadok, the priest: Azariah held a significant religious and administrative role, likely overseeing the temple and religious affairs.
· Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha, secretaries: These men were responsible for maintaining records and managing correspondence, crucial for the administration of the kingdom.
· Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, the recorder: As the recorder, Jehoshaphat was tasked with chronicling events and maintaining the official annals of the kingdom.
· Benaiah son of Jehoiada, in charge of the army: Benaiah was a valiant warrior and leader, commanding the military forces and ensuring the security of the nation.
· Zadok and Abiathar, priests: These priests played vital roles in the spiritual life of Israel, overseeing temple worship and religious observances.
· Azariah son of Nathan, in charge of the deputies: Azariah managed the district governors, ensuring their compliance with royal directives.
· Zabud son of Nathan, a priest and advisor to the king: Zabud served as a close counselor to Solomon, providing guidance and support.
· Ahishar, in charge of the palace: Ahishar managed the royal household, overseeing domestic affairs and the king's personal staff.
· Adoniram son of Abda, in charge of forced labor: Adoniram supervised the labor force, which was essential for Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the temple.

3. The Role of Wisdom and Organization

Solomon's choice of officers reflects his wisdom and understanding of governance. By appointing capable and trustworthy individuals, he ensured that the kingdom operated efficiently and effectively. The division of responsibilities among these officers allowed Solomon to focus on broader issues of statecraft, diplomacy, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The structure of Solomon's administration, as described in the biblical account, underscores the importance of organization and delegation in leadership. His officers were instrumental in maintaining the prosperity and peace that characterized his reign, fulfilling the divine promise of wisdom and discernment granted to Solomon by God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:35
And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
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1 Kings 4:1-19
So king Solomon was king over all Israel.
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2 Chronicles 8:9,10
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.
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Library

A Ruler who Wronged his People
... And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel who provided food for him and for
his household: each man had to provide food for a month in the year. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a ruler who wronged his.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... the military officials, the stewards of the royal estates, the 'officers' or eunuchs ...
an assembly of officials and soldiers whose adherence to Solomon it was all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... and there will be others subject to these, typified by three thousand six hundred
[5123] chief officers, who were appointed over the works of Solomon, and the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

The Poetical Books.
... poem, celebrating the story of a beautiful peasant girl, a native of the northern
village of Shunem, who was carried away by Solomon's officers and confined in ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... 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. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... part had twenty-four thousand, which were ordered to wait on Solomon, by thirty ... When
David had ordered all these officers after the manner before mentioned, he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious Difficulties and
is ... burden-bearers and of the stone-cutters and of the officers, the duration ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

Of the Divine Providence in General.
... foresight which looks after what is needed to maintain the officers created or ... the
disposition but also the creation and good government of Solomon were called ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the divine.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... 4 Travelling in Palestine"Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation,
Publicans. ... of Josephus (Antiq, viii, 7, 4) That Solomon had caused the ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Fall of Solomon
... Solomon's unbridled and monstrous polygamy sapped his manhood and his principle,
darkened his ... The vessel is sure to be wrecked when the officers are sent below ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm