SCRIPTURE: 1 KINGS 4
SOLOMON’S OFFICIALS AND GOVERNORS (vs. 1-19)
The Chief Officials of Solomon:
- Priest – Azariah
- Priest – Zadok
- Priest – Abiathar
- Secretary – Elihoreph
- Secretary – Ahijah
- Recorder – Jehoshapha
- Commander in chief – Benaiah
- In charge of the district officers – Azariah
- Personal adviser to the king – Zabud
- In charge of the palace – Ahishar
- In charge of forced labor – Adoniram
Solomon had 12 district governors over all Israel who supplied provisions for the king and the royal household. Each one had to provide supplies for one month in a year.
The 12 Governors:
- Ben Hur
- Ben-Deker
- Ben-Hesed
- Ben-Abinadab
- Baana
- Ben Geber
- Ahinadab
- Ahimaaz
- Baana
- Jehoshaphat
- Shimei
- Geber
SOLOMON’S DAILY PROVISIONS (vs. 20-28)
Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. Theses countries brought tribute and were Solomon’s subjects all his life. (v. 21). During his reign, there was peace and each man had his own wine and fig tree.
Solomon had four thousand stalls for chariot horses, and twelve thousand horses. The district officers provided the barley and straw for the chariot horses and nothing was lacking.
SOLOMON’S WISDOM (vs. 29-34)
The wisdom and understanding that God gave Solomon were measureless as the sand on the seashore. His wisdom surpassed all the wisdom in the world. His fame spread to all surrounding nations. He spoke 3,000 proverbs and composed 105 songs. He was an expert in the field of botany and biology. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom sent by all kings of the world.
THOUGHTS:
Solomon’s kingdom was the largest in Israel’s history. Those were days of peace and prosperity. Solomon was very organized. He had 11 high officials, 12 district governors and a governor in charge of the district governor. Each person had a specific responsibility or territory to manage. Every leader should follow his example of having a well defined organization in order to maintain its effectiveness. A good organization ensures harmonious work that can bring about the desired goal.
Solomon’s wisdom was known throughout the world. His writings were: The book of Proverbs, Psalms 72 and 127, the book of Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. His biblical writings had been passed on from generations to generations.