1 kings 4:25 - Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 4:25

What does "1 kings 4:25" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 4:25, paints a picture of peace, prosperity, and security during the reign of King Solomon. Let's break it down:

"Judah and Israel lived safely...": This is the core statement. It emphasizes a time of security and freedom from fear. The kingdom was stable and protected from external threats and internal strife.

"...every man under his vine and under his fig tree...": This is a common idiom in the Old Testament representing personal prosperity, peace, and security.
Vine and Fig Tree: These were common crops in ancient Israel. Owning these crops signified land ownership, self-sufficiency, and a stable livelihood.
"Under his vine and under his fig tree": Implies ownership and peaceful enjoyment of one's property and the fruits of their labor. It suggests a time when people could invest in their land and families without fear of being robbed or displaced.

"...from Dan even to Beersheba...": This phrase is a geographical expression that defines the entire extent of the Kingdom of Israel.
Dan: The northernmost city of Israel.
Beersheba: The southernmost city of Israel.
Therefore, "from Dan even to Beersheba" means "throughout the entire land of Israel."

"...all the days of Solomon.": This specifies the time period to which the statement applies. The peace and prosperity described were characteristics of Solomon's reign.

In essence, the verse means:

During Solomon's reign, the people of Israel enjoyed a time of unprecedented peace, security, and prosperity throughout the entire kingdom. Everyone could live in safety, own their land, and enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear.

Significance:

Golden Age: The verse portrays Solomon's reign as a golden age in Israelite history, a time of fulfillment of God's promises.
Ideal Reign: The verse serves as a standard for what a good and just ruler should provide for their people.
Blessing and Obedience: It implicitly connects the prosperity and security with obedience to God and good governance.
Aspirational: It's a picture that is often contrasted with other periods of Israel's history that were marred by war, hardship, and oppression.

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