Solomon, that is, was king over "all Israel" from the first; not like David, who for seven and a half years reigned over Judah only. This feature well introduces the glory of Solomon and the organisation of the court, of which the historian in this chapter intends to give us a general sketch. Solomon constitutes certain "princes" or officers of the first rank, deriving their station from him, and probably holding it during pleasure.

So King Solomon was king over all Israel. As David his father was not at first, only over Judah, and as Solomon's successors were not, after the division of the kingdom under his son Rehoboam; though this seems to have a particular respect to what is related in the preceding chapter concerning the wisdom of Solomon, for which he was so famous, that he reigned by the consent of all, and in the hearts of all the people of Israel.

The Chief Ministers of State. - The list is introduced in 1 Kings 4:1 by the general remark, that "king Solomon was king over all Israel."

So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

4:1 All Israel - This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a part, and that the smallest part of it.

CHAPTER 4

1Ki 4:1-6. Solomon's Princes.

1. So King Solomon was king over all Israel-This chapter contains a general description of the state and glory of the Hebrew kingdom during the more flourishing or later years of his reign.

4:1-19 In the choice of the great officers of Solomon's court, no doubt, his wisdom appeared. Several are the same that were in his father's time. A plan was settled by which no part of the country was exhausted to supply his court, though each sent its portion.