1 KINGS 4


A Greater than Solomon will return


1 So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

The glory of the reign of Solomon is seen in the dominion of wealth and wisdom that elevated him to universal acclaim. As such he is a type of the Greater than Solomon. This chapter records the chief men of the State, and the basis of the glorious reign of the King who presided over the Kingdom of God on earth.

In the record of David, his mighty men occupy the first place; here with one exception, it is civil and religious dignitaries. In the main they are ministers of peace.*



2 And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,

These "princes" were principal men, not princes in the normal sense of the word. *



Solomon's twelve officers: vv. 7-19

7 And Solomon had 12 officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

The "officers" of verse 5 were twelve tax gatherers (v. 7) who each in his month supplied the necessary provisions for Solomon's household, including numerous court duties (for example, 12,000 horsemen (v. 26), and the foreign kings and their retinue who were constantly arriving at Jerusalem*



26 And Solomon had 40 000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12 000 horsemen.

...in the multiplication of horses, the symbol of Gentile power, the great king ignored the divine laws, and defied Deu. 17:16. *

*www.logos.or.au