1Ki 4 | TNotes

4:2 ^a Because Zadok was now quite old, his grandson (see 1 Chr 6:8-9 ^b) Azariah succeeded him as high priest.
4:3 ^c The court secretaries were state officials and Solomon’s private secretaries. Shisha, the father of Elihoreph and Ahijah, had served David in this capacity (2 Sam 8:17 ^d; 20:25 ^e; 1 Chr 18:16 ^f).

• The royal historian functioned as chief of protocol for palace affairs and ceremonies. As in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, such officials often represented the king in important negotiations (see 2 Kgs 18:18 ^g; 2 Chr 34:8 ^h).
4:4 ⁱ Benaiah ... Zadok and Abiathar: All three men had also held special posts in David’s administration. Though deposed as high priest (2:26-27 ^j), Abiathar still functioned as a priest.
4:5 ^k Two sons of Nathan also served in Solomon’s inner circle. Azariah supervised the twelve district governors, while Zabud ... was a trusted adviser, a post held by Hushai under David (2 Sam 15:37 ^l).
4:6 ^m Ahishar functioned as manager of the palace property, an office that became powerful under Uzziah’s son Jotham (2 Kgs 15:5 ⁿ). Later, this position was held by Eliakim, one of Hezekiah’s representatives, who met with emissaries from King Sennacherib of Assyria during negotiations concerning the siege of Jerusalem (2 Kgs 18:18 ^o).

• Adoniram was head of the corvée (the system of forced labor). Samuel had warned about this loathsome institution (1 Sam 8:12-17 ^p), and the leaders of Israel later complained about it to Solomon’s son Rehoboam (1 Kgs 12:4 ^q).
Summary for 1Kgs 4:7-19: 4:7-19 ^r The twelve district governors probably handled lesser administrative duties, such as securing revenue and providing food for the king’s household. Solomon’s twelve districts did not exactly coincide with the old tribal allotments.
Summary for 1Kgs 4:20-21: 4:20-21 ^s God’s promise to Abraham (Gen 15:18-21 ^t; 17:8 ^u; 22:17 ^v) finds historical fulfillment in his blessing of Solomon. The surrounding lands conquered by David and Solomon (2 Chr 8:3 ^w) remained loyal to Solomon. They sent tribute money ... and continued to serve him throughout his long reign.
Summary for 1Kgs 4:22-23: 4:22-23 ^x Solomon’s court was enormous and splendid, as indicated by its daily food requirements.
Summary for 1Kgs 4:24-25: 4:24-25 ^y each family had its own home and garden: Solomon’s subjects lived under ideal conditions that foreshadowed the coming messianic era (Mic 4:4 ^z), enjoying widespread prosperity and tranquility.
4:26 ^aa 4,000 stalls: The number 4,000 reflects the parallel text in 2 Chr 9:25 ^ab, a suitable number for Solomon’s 1,400 chariots (1 Kgs 10:26 ^ac; 2 Chr 1:14 ^ad).

• 12,000 horses: The Hebrew can be translated as “horsemen” (Exod 15:19-21 ^ae) or “horses” (Joel 2:4 ^af). To be prepared for battles, Solomon built towns to accommodate his forces (1 Kgs 9:19 ^ag).
Summary for 1Kgs 4:29-30: 4:29-30 ^ah wise men of the East: Babylon was well-known for wise men. Yet Solomon’s God-given wisdom (3:9 ^ai, 12 ^aj, 28 ^ak; Prov 1:7 ^al; Eccl 12:13 ^am) exceeded them all (1 Kgs 4:34 ^an).
4:31 ^ao Ethan and Heman were among the musicians appointed by David (see 1 Chr 6:33-47 ^ap; 15:16-19 ^aq; Pss 88 ^ar, 89 ^as).

• The sons of Mahol were Temple singers, so Heman, Calcol, and Darda may have participated in the worship services (see 1 Chr 15:17 ^at, 19-22 ^au).
Summary for 1Kgs 4:32-34: 4:32-34 ^av proverbs ... songs: Solomon wrote much of the book of Proverbs and composed Pss 72 ^aw and 127 ^ax. His knowledge of plants and animals reflected his careful observation of nature (see Prov 6:6-8 ^ay). Solomon’s wisdom and literary prowess (see Matt 12:42 ^az) are reflected in the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. No wonder many, including kings (1 Kgs 10:1-9 ^ba), sought the wisdom of Solomon.