This verse, 1 Kings 4:24, describes the extent and security of King Solomon's kingdom. Let's break it down:
"For he had dominion over all on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza..."
"He" refers to King Solomon.
"Dominion" means he ruled, controlled, and had authority over this territory.
"on this side the River" refers to the west side of the Euphrates River. This was the region generally understood to be Canaan or the Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Jordan). The Euphrates River was a significant geographical and political boundary.
"from Tiphsah even to Gaza" This specifies the northern and southern boundaries of Solomon's kingdom along the western side of the Euphrates.
Tiphsah was a city on the Euphrates River, marking the northeastern extent.
Gaza was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast, marking the southwestern extent.
The phrase "from Tiphsah to Gaza" is a common idiom, like "from sea to shining sea", meaning "from one end to the other". It indicates that Solomon ruled over the entire region from the Euphrates in the north to Gaza in the south.
"...over all the kings on this side the River..."
This emphasizes that Solomon's authority extended beyond just geographical control. He was the overlord to all the local kings and rulers within this region. They were likely vassals who paid tribute to him and acknowledged his supremacy.
"...and he had peace on all sides around him."
This is a key point. Solomon's reign was characterized by peace and security. His kingdom was stable, and he was not involved in major wars or conflicts. This peace allowed for economic prosperity, building projects, and cultural development.
The "peace on all sides" was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David (Solomon's father) that his son would be a "man of rest" (1 Chronicles 22:9).
In Summary:
1 Kings 4:24 is a summary statement highlighting the extent of King Solomon's power and the peace that characterized his reign. He ruled a vast territory from the Euphrates River to Gaza, exercising authority over all the local kings. This peace allowed for the flourishing of his kingdom. The verse establishes Solomon's kingdom as a major regional power in its time.
This verse, 1 Kings 4:24, describes the extent and security of King Solomon's kingdom. Let's break it down:
"For he had dominion over all on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza..."
"He" refers to King Solomon.
"Dominion" means he ruled, controlled, and had authority over this territory.
"on this side the River" refers to the west side of the Euphrates River. This was the region generally understood to be Canaan or the Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Jordan). The Euphrates River was a significant geographical and political boundary.
"from Tiphsah even to Gaza" This specifies the northern and southern boundaries of Solomon's kingdom along the western side of the Euphrates.
Tiphsah was a city on the Euphrates River, marking the northeastern extent.
Gaza was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast, marking the southwestern extent.
The phrase "from Tiphsah to Gaza" is a common idiom, like "from sea to shining sea", meaning "from one end to the other". It indicates that Solomon ruled over the entire region from the Euphrates in the north to Gaza in the south.
"...over all the kings on this side the River..."
This emphasizes that Solomon's authority extended beyond just geographical control. He was the overlord to all the local kings and rulers within this region. They were likely vassals who paid tribute to him and acknowledged his supremacy.
"...and he had peace on all sides around him."
This is a key point. Solomon's reign was characterized by peace and security. His kingdom was stable, and he was not involved in major wars or conflicts. This peace allowed for economic prosperity, building projects, and cultural development.
The "peace on all sides" was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David (Solomon's father) that his son would be a "man of rest" (1 Chronicles 22:9).
In Summary:
1 Kings 4:24 is a summary statement highlighting the extent of King Solomon's power and the peace that characterized his reign. He ruled a vast territory from the Euphrates River to Gaza, exercising authority over all the local kings. This peace allowed for the flourishing of his kingdom. The verse establishes Solomon's kingdom as a major regional power in its time.