Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 4
Ahinadab’s region was south of the land that Ben-Geber governed (4:13). These places were on the east side of the Jordan river. Mahanaim was the town where David lived after his escape from Absalom. The people in that region provided generously for David then (2 Samuel 17:27-29 and 19:32); the products of their land were good. In Numbers 32:1-5, the people from the tribes (family groups) of Gad and Reuben requested this good land for their animals. It is on the sides of the mountains, and it receives plentiful rain.
Each of these governors (rulers) supplied what Solomon needed for one month in the year. If the list is in the order of the months, then Solomon received his supplies from these governors in Autumn. In Israel, rains begin to fall then after the dry summer, and farmers can sow their grain. The harvest has already ended, so supplies of grain and dried fruit must come from stores.
The next governor is Ahimaaz. These governors received great honour in Israel; Ahimaaz’s wife belonged to the royal family. The region that he governed is by the sea called Galilee. There was a lot of meat at the palace through the whole year; perhaps in his month, there was dried, salty fish too. Much of his land, however, was in the mountains.
Baana’s land, with Ahimaaz’s land, was the furthest north of these regions. Baana’s region was in the west, by the border with Sidon which, with Tyre, was important for trade. Perhaps Baana collected much of the taxes due in money, rather than as products of the land. If so, it would be possible for him to buy what Solomon needed more locally to Jerusalem.
Next part: The regions that provided for Solomon's palaces during Winter (1 Kings 4:17-19)
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