1 Kings 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Solomon ruled over all Israel with a well-organized administration. His princes included Azariah the priest, scribes Elihoreph and Ahijah, and Jehoshaphat the recorder. Benaiah commanded the army, while Zadok and Abiathar served as priests.

Key verse

“God gave Solomon abundant wisdom and understanding, and very great understanding, even as the sand that is on the seashore.”
1 Kings 4:29 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 4:1–7 Solomon's Administration Established
1 Kings 4:8–19 The Twelve Officers of Israel
1 Kings 4:20–25 Peace and Prosperity Under Solomon
1 Kings 4:26–28 Provision for Solomon's Household
1 Kings 4:29–34 Solomon's Wisdom and Fame

Discussion questions

In v1, who is identified as king over all Israel?
What does Solomon's daily provision include in vv. 22-23?
In v29, why is God's gift of wisdom compared to 'the sand that is on the seashore'?
In v34, what does the arrival of people from 'all nations' indicate about Solomon's reputation?
When have you tried to seek wisdom like Solomon did in v29?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 4: 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Kings 3, 1 Kings 10.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 5.