The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan:

1 KINGS 4:9KJV
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1 Kings 4:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:9 mean?

1 Kings 4:9 lists one of King Solomon’s district governors, identified as the son of Dekar, and names the towns and regions—Makaz, Shaalbim, Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan—where he was responsible. This verse is part of a longer section describing how Solomon organized his kingdom by appointing officials over different territories.

This verse comes from a passage where the writer of 1 Kings details King Solomon’s administrative structure. The list shows how Solomon divided Israel into districts, each overseen by a governor who managed provisions and governance for the king’s court. The verse helps readers understand the practical ways Solomon maintained order and supplied his large royal household.

Where else these words appear

“Shaalbim” Hebrew H8169 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 19:42 And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,
  • Judges 1:35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.

“Bethshemesh” Hebrew H1053 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 15:10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:
  • 1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.