Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne of Israel and became renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive administrative organization. His reign is marked by a well-structured government, which was essential for managing the expansive kingdom of Israel. The Bible provides a detailed account of Solomon's officials and governors, highlighting the administrative sophistication of his rule.Key Officials: 1. Azariah son of Zadok · Azariah served as the priest, a position of significant religious and political influence. Zadok, his father, was a prominent priest during David's reign, and Azariah continued this legacy under Solomon (1 Kings 4:2). 2. Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha · These two brothers served as secretaries. Their role involved maintaining records and managing correspondence, crucial for the administration of the kingdom (1 Kings 4:3). 3. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud · As the recorder, Jehoshaphat was responsible for chronicling events and maintaining the official annals of the kingdom, a role he also held under King David (1 Kings 4:3). 4. Benaiah son of Jehoiada · Benaiah was the commander of the army. Known for his loyalty and valor, he played a critical role in securing Solomon's throne and maintaining military strength (1 Kings 4:4). 5. Zadok and Abiathar · Although Abiathar was eventually removed from his priestly duties due to his support of Adonijah, both he and Zadok initially served as priests during Solomon's early reign (1 Kings 4:4). 6. Azariah son of Nathan · Over the district governors, Azariah managed the regional administrators, ensuring the efficient collection of taxes and resources (1 Kings 4:5). 7. Zabud son of Nathan · Serving as a priest and the king's friend, Zabud held a position of personal and spiritual counsel to Solomon (1 Kings 4:5). 8. Ahishar · As the palace administrator, Ahishar was responsible for the management of the royal household, overseeing domestic affairs (1 Kings 4:6). 9. Adoniram son of Abda · In charge of forced labor, Adoniram managed the labor force that undertook Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple (1 Kings 4:6). District Governors: Solomon divided the kingdom into twelve districts, each overseen by a governor. These governors were responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household, each for one month of the year. This system ensured a steady supply of resources and maintained the economic stability of the kingdom. 1. Ben-Hur · Governed the hill country of Ephraim (1 Kings 4:8). 2. Ben-Deker · Managed Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan (1 Kings 4:9). 3. Ben-Hesed · Oversaw Arubboth, including Socoh and all the land of Hepher (1 Kings 4:10). 4. Ben-Abinadab · Ruled over Naphoth Dor; he was married to Taphath, Solomon's daughter (1 Kings 4:11). 5. Baana son of Ahilud · Governed Taanach, Megiddo, and all of Beth Shan next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth Shan to Abel Meholah across Jokmeam (1 Kings 4:12). 6. Ben-Geber · Managed Ramoth Gilead, including the towns of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan (1 Kings 4:13). 7. Ahinadab son of Iddo · Governed Mahanaim (1 Kings 4:14). 8. Ahimaaz · Ruled Naphtali; he was married to Basemath, another of Solomon's daughters (1 Kings 4:15). 9. Baana son of Hushai · Managed Asher and Aloth (1 Kings 4:16). 10. Jehoshaphat son of Paruah · Governed Issachar (1 Kings 4:17). 11. Shimei son of Ela · Ruled Benjamin (1 Kings 4:18). 12. Geber son of Uri · Managed Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan. He was the only governor over the district (1 Kings 4:19). Solomon's administrative structure reflects his wisdom and understanding of governance, ensuring the prosperity and stability of Israel during his reign. The detailed organization of officials and governors highlights the complexity and efficiency of his kingdom's management. Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms |