1 Kings Chapter 4

This chapter impresses upon us the majestic splendour and wisdom of Solomon. 

First we read of the officials in his service.  A wise king knows that no matter how great and wise he is, he needs people of calibre to help manage the people of God (1 Kings 3:9), as in the case of Moses who listened to the advice of Jethro on establishing the hierarchy of judges (Exodus 18). 

We also read of peace and prosperity in the kingdom, the sphere of influence that he had over other kingdoms and the popularity that his wisdom garnered. 

We may however wonder why there is a need for Solomon to rotate the services of the governors in providing food for the king and his household.  Wouldn’t it be better and more efficient to have just one governor to see to the needs instead?  Perhaps the rotation can be carried out over a two year tenure just like how our election of ex-co members are carried out. 

Some bible commentaries however postulate that this action of Solomon had its purpose and intent.  By dividing the work into monthly instalments, the governors will not be overly burdened.  It was estimated that the daily provisions required (verses 22 and 23) is sufficient to feed 15,000 to 36,000 people.  A monthly provision will then be sufficient to feed 450,000 to almost a million people.  

As we read this chapter, what thoughts and emotions entered into our hearts and mind? 

Perhaps Solomon being a person of the past and only a character in the bible, not much is evoked in us. 

However if we do know of someone in our midst who have outstanding achievements, be it wealth, intellect, capability, etc., do we view them with envy?  Especially if these people are our peers, or even our juniors.  It will be good for us to pause and reflect on the purpose of the bible in relating the greatness of Solomon. 

Let us revisit chapter 3 and we will then realise and understand that the greatness of Solomon is the blessing that God bestows upon him because of his love and fear for God, his humility in service and his obedience in walking in the statures, just like how his father David did.  If it is the will of God, will we not be equally bless in like manner, when we do the things that God is pleased with.  

We are in fact, as greatly blessed by God, just like Solomon.  Not in the way of material possession, status, power and wisdom, but in the salvation of our souls, our understanding in the mystery of His will, our reign with Christ, the richness and abundance of our inheritance in the heavenly kingdom (Eph 1: 3 to 14)

On a final note, there might be a troubling point that we pick up in this chapter.  Verse 26 recorded the table of horses that Solomon amassed.  In Deuteronomy 17:15 – 17, the warning directed to the king is to ensure that the king do not fall away from his trust, reliance and obedience to God.  God knows that the king’s heart and faith in God will be swayed by these things. 

And indeed, as we study the live of Solomon and the other kings that follow, many a downfall arises because of the reliance on man rather than God, indulgence in lustful passions (many wives) and in the process turning to idolatry rather than being solely devoted to God.  Is there any chink in our armour?  Is there any area of vulnerability that we are not aware of but can potentially be our reason of downfall.  As David, a man after God’s heart, constantly ask God to search his heart, let us also do likewise, without fail, in our daily walk with God. 

Ps 139: 23 to 24

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

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