Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. To effectively manage the kingdom's vast resources and ensure the smooth operation of his administration, Solomon appointed twelve officers over Israel. These officers were responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household, each one assigned to supply for one month of the year.The account of Solomon's twelve officers is found in 1 Kings 4:7-19. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following details: "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 officers and their respective regions were as follows: 1. Ben-Hur: In the hill country of Ephraim. 2. Ben-Deker: In Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. 3. Ben-Hesed: In Arubboth, including Socoh and all the land of Hepher. 4. Ben-Abinadab: In all the region of Dor; he was married to Taphath, a daughter of Solomon. 5. Baana son of Ahilud: In Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth-shean beside Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as Jokmeam. 6. Ben-Geber: In Ramoth-gilead; he had the towns of Jair, son of Manasseh, in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan—sixty large cities with walls and bronze bars. 7. Ahinadab son of Iddo: In Mahanaim. 8. Ahimaaz: In Naphtali; he was married to Basemath, another daughter of Solomon. 9. Baana son of Hushai: In Asher and in Aloth. 10. Jehoshaphat son of Paruah: In Issachar. 11. Shimei son of Ela: In Benjamin. 12. Geber son of Uri: In the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. He was the only governor in the land. These officers were not only responsible for the logistical task of supplying the royal court but also played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Solomon's reign. Their appointments reflect the administrative sophistication and the centralized governance that characterized Solomon's kingdom. Each officer's jurisdiction was strategically chosen to cover the diverse and expansive territories of Israel, ensuring that the king's needs were met without overburdening any single region. The system of twelve officers highlights Solomon's organizational acumen and his ability to delegate authority effectively. It also underscores the unity and cooperation required among the tribes of Israel to support the monarchy. This administrative structure contributed to the peace and prosperity that marked Solomon's reign, as described in 1 Kings 4:20-21 : "The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life." The appointment of these officers reflects the wisdom and foresight of Solomon, ensuring that his kingdom was well-provisioned and efficiently managed, allowing him to focus on other aspects of governance and the spiritual life of the nation. 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 |