And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. And Solomon reigned over all the kingdomsThis phrase highlights the extent of Solomon's rule, indicating a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity in Israel's history. Solomon's reign is often seen as the zenith of Israel's power and influence, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham about his descendants being a blessing to all nations ( Genesis 12:3). Solomon's wisdom and administrative skills contributed to this expansive rule, as seen in his ability to manage a vast and diverse kingdom. from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.
This geographical description outlines the vast territory under Solomon's control, stretching from the Euphrates River in the north to the border of Egypt in the south. The Euphrates was a significant boundary in the ancient Near East, often representing the northern limit of Israelite influence. The land of the Philistines was located along the Mediterranean coast, and Egypt was a powerful neighbor to the south. This expanse of territory signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a land stretching from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates (Genesis 15:18). It also reflects the political alliances and military strength Solomon maintained to secure these borders. These kingdoms offered tribute
Tribute was a common practice in the ancient world, where lesser kingdoms paid goods, money, or services to a more powerful ruler as a sign of submission and in exchange for protection. The offering of tribute to Solomon indicates his dominance and the recognition of his authority by surrounding nations. This practice is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon with gifts (1 Kings 10:1-10), demonstrating the widespread acknowledgment of his wisdom and wealth. and served Solomon all the days of his life.
The phrase underscores the stability and longevity of Solomon's reign. Unlike his father David, who faced numerous internal and external conflicts, Solomon's rule was marked by peace and prosperity. This period of service and tribute lasted throughout Solomon's lifetime, suggesting that his diplomatic and administrative strategies were effective in maintaining control and fostering loyalty among the vassal states. Solomon's reign is often seen as a type of the future Messianic kingdom, where peace and righteousness will prevail under the rule of Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity. 2. EuphratesA major river in the Middle East, often considered a boundary of the promised land. It represents the extent of Solomon's influence and control. 3. PhilistinesA group of people who lived in the coastal region of Canaan. Historically, they were adversaries of Israel, but during Solomon's reign, they were subdued and paid tribute. 4. EgyptA powerful kingdom to the south of Israel. The mention of Egypt signifies the vastness of Solomon's influence, reaching even to this significant neighboring power. 5. TributePayments made by one nation to another, often as a sign of submission or allegiance. The tribute to Solomon indicates the recognition of his authority by surrounding nations. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in FulfillmentSolomon's reign over a vast territory is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and David. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives. Wisdom and LeadershipSolomon's ability to maintain peace and prosperity is linked to his God-given wisdom. Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom from God in their leadership roles. Influence and ResponsibilityWith great influence comes great responsibility. Solomon's reign reminds us that our influence should be used to honor God and serve others. Peace through RighteousnessThe peace during Solomon's reign is a result of his righteous rule. Believers are called to pursue peace through living righteously. Tribute as WorshipThe tribute brought to Solomon can be seen as a form of worship and acknowledgment of his authority. Similarly, our lives should be a tribute to God, acknowledging His sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's reign reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply God-given wisdom in our own leadership roles, whether in the family, church, or workplace? 3. How can we use our influence and resources to honor God and serve others, following Solomon's example? 4. What are some practical ways we can pursue peace and righteousness in our daily lives, and how does this reflect God's kingdom? 5. How can our lives be a tribute to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority in all that we do? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18God's promise to Abraham about the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, showing the fulfillment of God's promises during Solomon's reign. Psalm 72A prayer for the king, traditionally attributed to Solomon, which speaks of a reign characterized by justice, prosperity, and dominion over distant lands. 2 Chronicles 9:26A parallel account of Solomon's reign, emphasizing his dominion over the kings from the Euphrates to Egypt. People Abda, Abel, Abiathar, Abinadab, Adoniram, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahilud, Ahimaaz, Ahinadab, Ahishar, Amorites, Argob, Asher, Azariah, Baana, Baanah, Basmath, Ben, Benaiah, Benjamin, Calcol, Chalcol, Dan, Darda, Dekar, Elah, Elihoreph, Elon, Ethan, Geber, Hanan, Heman, Hepher, Hesed, Hur, Hushai, Iddo, Issachar, Jair, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Mahol, Manasseh, Naphtali, Nathan, Og, Paruah, Shimei, Shisha, Sihon, Solomon, Taphath, Uri, Zabud, ZadokPlaces Abel-meholah, Argob, Arubboth, Bashan, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Dan, Egypt, Elonbeth-hanan, Euphrates River, Gaza, Gilead, Hepher, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Jokmeam, Lebanon, Mahanaim, Makaz, Megiddo, Naphath-dor, Ramoth-gilead, Shaalbim, Socoh, Taanach, Tiphsah, ZarethanTopics Border, Bringing, Countries, Edge, Egypt, Euphra'tes, Kingdoms, Nigh, Offerings, Philistines, Present, Presents, Reigned, River, Ruled, Ruler, Ruling, Servants, Served, Serving, Solomon, Solomon's, Subjects, TributeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:21 4260 rivers and streams
5120 Solomon, character
5235 boundary
5367 kingdoms
5577 taxation
5594 tribute
5776 achievement
7259 promised land, later history
7368 grain offering 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 4:20-21 4207 land, divine gift 1 Kings 4:20-25 5119 Solomon, life of Library The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether He who Raises the Unworthy to Orders Commits a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that he who raises the unworthy to orders commits no sin. For a bishop needs assistants appointed to the lesser offices. But he would be unable to find them in sufficient number, if he were to require of them such qualifications as the saints enumerate. Therefore if he raise some who are not qualified, he would seem to be excusable. Objection 2: Further, the Church needs not only ministers for the dispensation of things spiritual, but also for the supervision of temporalities. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 4:21 NIV1 Kings 4:21 NLT1 Kings 4:21 ESV1 Kings 4:21 NASB1 Kings 4:21 KJV
1 Kings 4:21 Commentaries
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