1 kings 4:1 - King Solomon was king over all Israel.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 4:1

What does "1 kings 4:1" mean?


The verse "King Solomon was king over all Israel" (1 Kings 4:1) is a straightforward statement establishing Solomon's authority and reign. It means that Solomon held the highest position of power and leadership throughout the entire united kingdom of Israel. Let's break down its implications:

King Solomon: This identifies the specific ruler being discussed: Solomon, the son of David.
was king: This confirms that Solomon held the office and power of a monarch.
over all Israel: This is the key part. It emphasizes the scope of Solomon's rule. "All Israel" means he ruled over the entire nation of Israel, including all its tribes and territories. It signifies a united kingdom, with no rival kings or independent regions. This is significant because after Solomon's death, the kingdom would split into two (Israel and Judah).

In essence, the verse conveys the following:

Legitimacy and Authority: Solomon's position as king was legitimate and recognized.
Extent of Power: His rule extended to the entirety of the land and people of Israel.
United Kingdom: Israel was a single, unified entity under his leadership.

This verse serves as an introduction to the subsequent chapters that detail the extent of Solomon's wealth, wisdom, building projects, and administrative organization, all of which were possible because of his unified and secure rule over all of Israel. It's a statement of fact setting the stage for the rest of the narrative about his reign.

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