Ben-deker בֶּן־דֶּ֫קֶר

Male H1128 1 book

One of Solomon's twelve district governors.

Who is Ben-deker in the Bible?

Ben-deker was one of the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon to oversee the provision of food and supplies for the royal household, as recorded in 1 Kings 4:9. His administrative district included the towns of Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan, and he was responsible for supplying the king's provisions for one month each year on a rotating basis. This position reflected Solomon's well-organized administrative system, which divided the kingdom into twelve districts to ensure efficient resource management and the stable operation of his court. Although the Bible provides no additional biographical details about Ben-deker himself, his mention among the kingdom's governors underscores the crucial role that capable administrators played in maintaining Solomon's prosperous and orderly reign.

Biography

Ben-deker is mentioned in 1Ki.4.9 as one of the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon to oversee the provision of food for the king and his household. Each governor was responsible for supplying provisions for one month out of the year. Ben-deker's district included Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. The appointment of these twelve governors was part of Solomon's administrative strategy to ensure the smooth running of his kingdom and the well-being of his court. The text does not provide any further details about Ben-deker's background, family, or personal characteristics. His inclusion in the list of governors highlights the importance of efficient administration and resource management in Solomon's reign.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Kings 1 verse
  • 1 Kings 4:9

    "Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan;"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew בֶּן־דֶּ֫קֶר
Encyclopedia Article

Ben-deker

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

mon and his household (1Ki 4:9).

ben-ge'-ber (ben-gebher, "son of Geber"; the King James Version son of Geber; the word is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to be strong." Compare HPN, 66, 69): One of the twelve commissariat officers in the servi