For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

1 KINGS 4:24KJV
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1 Kings 4:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:24 mean?

1 Kings 4:24 describes how King Solomon ruled over a vast territory, stretching from Tiphsah to Azzah, and had authority over all the kings in that region. The verse also notes that Solomon enjoyed peace on every side, meaning his kingdom was secure and undisturbed by enemies.

This verse is part of a section showing the extent of Solomon’s power and the stability of his reign. The writer is describing to the reader how Solomon’s rule brought a rare period of peace and security to Israel, with neighboring rulers under his influence and no threats from outside forces.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:24

  • "Dominion" (רָדָה, radah) means to rule or have authority. This word emphasizes Solomon’s complete control, not just influence, over the region.
  • "Side" (עֵבֶר, eber) and "river" (נָהָר, nahar) together refer to the area west of the Euphrates River, marking the traditional boundary of Israel’s influence.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) means more than just the absence of war; it carries the sense of wholeness, safety, and well-being. The verse highlights that Solomon’s reign was marked by this kind of deep, settled peace.

Why 1 Kings 4:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies the historical reach of Solomon’s kingdom, showing that his authority extended beyond Israel’s usual borders.
  • The mention of peace on all sides underlines that Solomon’s reign was unusually stable, which sets the stage for the prosperity described in the surrounding verses.
  • Understanding the geography (Tiphsah to Azzah) helps the reader see that Solomon’s influence stretched from the Euphrates in the northeast to the Philistine city of Gaza (Azzah) in the southwest, covering a significant part of the ancient Near East.

Where else these words appear

“Tiphsah” Hebrew H8607 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:16 Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

“Azzah” Hebrew H5804 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
  • Jeremiah 25:20 And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

“dominion” Hebrew H7287 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
  • Judges 14:9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.
  • Psalms 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 1 Samuel 31:7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.