1 Kings 4:1

All Israel came together under his sceptre (v. 1), forming one peaceful unity. His father's reign never knew this. The seven years at Hebron prove it, and so do the rebellions of Absalom, Sheba the son of Bichri, and Adonijah. Now everything is in order and worthy of this glorious reign, but we find only eleven princes (vv. 2-6). The number twelve stands for perfect order in government on earth. That order had not yet come, and it would not come until One greater than Solomon arrived.

The world has not yet seen the Son of God in His displayed glory, but Solomon is an outstanding picture of the King in His glory on that day of display. His name means "peaceable." David was the warrior king, the man who subdued all the enemies. When Solomon sent to Hiram he said "there is neither adversary nor misfortune," 1 Kings 5:4. Not one hostile force was left. This man of peace takes the Kingdom in his glory and supremacy and in divine wisdom. He orders it in every part according to the will of God.

Solomon was the peaceful one. The name does not mean abstract rest or mere rest. It means rest after conflict or war. It speaks of triumphant rest, something more than a stop to labour.

Solomon was king over all Israel. So 1 Kings 4 sets before us the honour and glory and administration of his kingdom, along with his great wisdom, wealth, and glory.

Azariah is the first official mentioned... It is good to see the priest mentioned first, then the scribes and the recorder before the officers of the army, and then the two priests again, Zadok and Abiathar (v.4). This shows that the kingdom's relationship to the Lord came first of all. Yet the armed forces were necessary. The same is true in Christianity if we are to "fight the good fight of the faith." We must not neglect the household either, just as we must not neglect "the household of God" today (Eph. 2:19). Though last mentioned, the labour force is very necessary in its place. It does not have the prominent place that priesthood has. But we should be content to labour for the Lord without drawing attention to ourselves. The Lord will reward all labour done for Him in a coming day.

When David finally takes his place as king over Israel he gives several tasks to some of his faithful followers (2 Sam. 8:15-18). His son Solomon later transfers similar tasks or offices to his servants (1 Kings 4:1-6). The different tasks mentioned also speak of different activities in the life of a Christian.

Solomon's name means "peaceableness." He pictures the Lord Jesus setting up the kingdom in settled peace in the Millennium. His reign was the most illustrious that Israel's history has ever seen. David pictures Christ, yet he failed badly in his own life. Solomon failed worse still. This shows that even the most godly men will always abuse authority put into their hands.