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1 Kings 4

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 4 of 22

1 And King Solomon was king over all Israel.

2 And these were the rulers who were to him: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest.

3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, were the scribes, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud who recorded.

4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army. And Zadok and Abiathar were priests.

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Chapter Summary

Solomon's rulers. His twelve officers for provision. His daily provision. His wisdom.

Key Hebrew Words

שַׂר officials H8269 · TWOT 2295a
נָצַב deputy officer H5324 · TWOT 1398
כֹּהֵן priest H3548 · TWOT 959a
מַס forced labor H4522 · TWOT 1218
רֵעֶה king's friend H7463 · TWOT 2186b
צָבָא army H6635 · TWOT 1865b

People & Context

Solomon

King over all Israel, whose officials, provisions, and surpassing wisdom this chapter records

Azariah son of Zadok

The priest, listed first among Solomon's chief officials

Benaiah son of Jehoiada

Commander set over Solomon's army

Zadok

Priest serving in Solomon's administration

Abiathar

Priest listed alongside Zadok under Solomon

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud

The recorder among Solomon's officials

Timeline

Solomon's High Officials Listed

Solomon establishes his administration, appointing priests, scribes, a recorder, military commanders, a minister, and those over the household and forced labor.

1 Kings 4:1-6
Solomon Appoints Twelve Regional Officers

Solomon sets up twelve regional officers over all Israel, tasking each to provide sustenance for the king and his household for one month of the year.

1 Kings 4:7-19
Prosperity and Multitude of Israel and Judah

Judah and Israel grow vastly in population, described as numerous as the sand by the sea, eating, drinking, and rejoicing.

1 Kings 4:20

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