1 Kings 4:1

So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) King over all Israel.—The emphasis laid upon “all” is characteristic of the writer, who compiled the book after the disruption of the kingdom.

Benson Commentary

1 Kings 4:1. Over all Israel — Reigned over all the tribes, and with the full consent of them all. This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of Israel. Or in reference to the times of division and rebellion under David, when part only went after David, and part after Ish-bosheth, Absalom, Sheba, or Adonijah.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:1-19 In the choice of the great officers of Solomon's court, no doubt, his wisdom appeared. Several are the same that were in his father's time. A plan was settled by which no part of the country was exhausted to supply his court, though each sent its portion.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Solomon, that is, was king over "all Israel" from the first; not like David, who for seven and a half years reigned over Judah only. This feature well introduces the glory of Solomon and the organisation of the court, of which the historian in this chapter intends to give us a general sketch. Solomon constitutes certain "princes" or officers of the first rank, deriving their station from him, and probably holding it during pleasure.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 4

1Ki 4:1-6. Solomon's Princes.

1. So King Solomon was king over all Israel—This chapter contains a general description of the state and glory of the Hebrew kingdom during the more flourishing or later years of his reign.Solomon’s chief princes, 1 Kings 4:1-6; and officers for provision, 1 Kings 4:7-19. The peace and largeness of his kingdom, 1 Kings 4:20,21. His daily provision for his court, 1 Kings 4:22-25. The stables for his horses, 1 Kings 4:26-28. His wisdom, 1 Kings 4:29-34.

This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of it. Or in reference to the times of division and rebellion under David; when part went after David, and part after Ish-bosheth; or part after Absalom, or Sheba, or Adonijah. But now all Israel were united under Solomon, and adhered to him, not only a part of them; especially since the death of Adonijah and Joab, (who may be suspected to have watched an opportunity of revolting,) and the confinement of Abiathar and of Shimei, (if not his death also,) who could now have little or no interest or opportunity of setting up a party against Solomon, (their principals being taken away, to whom they were but accessaries,) nor in probability any design to attempt it.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

So King Solomon was king over all Israel. As David his father was not at first, only over Judah, and as Solomon's successors were not, after the division of the kingdom under his son Rehoboam; though this seems to have a particular respect to what is related in the preceding chapter concerning the wisdom of Solomon, for which he was so famous, that he reigned by the consent of all, and in the hearts of all the people of Israel.

Geneva Study Bible

So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Ch. 1 Kings 4:1-20. Lists of Solomon’s officers (Not in Chronicles)

1. over all Israel] The whole land yielded him willing obedience, the people were contented and happy (see below, 1 Kings 4:20) and the enemies of the king were removed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - So King Solomon was king over all Israel [All later kings ruled but a part of the land of Israel, as also did David at first.] 1 Kings 4:1

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

The Chief Ministers of State. - The list is introduced in 1 Kings 4:1 by the general remark, that "king Solomon was king over all Israel."