1 Kings 4:7-19 – Organize for effectiveness

The land Solomon was left to rule was an extensive stretch. This was the promised land that God had promised to Abraham and one that Moses was excluded from because of a moment of disrespect for God. This was the stretch of land that Joshua had led the children into and distributed the portions to each of the 12 tribes of Israel. It was David who had largely subdued the land and left it to Solomon to continue ruling. Thankfully, with the God-given wisdom, Solomon managed it wisely. In 1 Kings 4:7-19, we see the wisdom of Solomon in administering the land.   

We are told that Solomon assigned 12 deputies. They are better seen as district governors to supervise the raising of revenue to support the central government. In these verses, their names, and the areas they were assigned to were specified. Each of these deputies was responsible to provide for the king’s household for a month. With each deputy providing a month of supplies, the provision of the royal household would be ensured for a whole year.   

In these verses, we also realize that two of the deputies were Solomon’s sons-in-law. They were Ben-Abinadab (verse 11) and Ahimaaz (verse 15). Being family members, the risk of them sabotaging the king’s plan would be unlikely. Then we also realize that the assignment of the areas was not proportionate. Some were given larger areas, others were given less. Solomon had probably assigned the task based on their capability. Those with a larger capacity were given a larger portion of responsibility.    

To govern such an extensive stretch of land and ensure loyalty and unity among such a group of diverse people would be impossible to do without wisdom. From these verses, we can detect Solomon’s administrative skills and orderliness. We can see that Solomon was not only an organizer but also a great administrator. Regardless of who we are, whether we are managers, parents, workers, students, yes, even pastors, we need to learn how to organize and administer our lives for effectiveness and efficiency. We need to plan carefully, schedule diligently, and journal for improvement faithfully. It is said that charity begins at home. We will not be able to lead others if we are not able to lead ourselves. Effectiveness requires that we lay hold of our personal life first. Learning to lay hold of our lives incrementally will build effectiveness ultimately.