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Joshua 15:35
Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

Hepher

Joshua 12:17
The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;

Joshua 17:2
There was alsoa lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: thesewere the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

(Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him);
Socoh is a town in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned in other biblical passages such as1 Samuel 17:1, where the Philistines camped before the battle with David and Goliath. This indicates its strategic importance. The land of Hepher is less clearly identified but is thought to be in the region of Manasseh, suggesting that Ben-hesed's jurisdiction covered a significant and possibly diverse area. This allocation of land to officials highlights the extensive reach of Solomon's kingdom and the need for effective governance over various regions. The mention of these specific locations underscores the historical and geographical context of Solomon's administration, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 15:18-21).

“Ben-hesed” (1 Kings 4:10) appears in the roster of twelve district governors who supplied Solomon’s court (1 Kings 4:7-19).

• His name, meaning “son of Hesed,” reminds us that Solomon’s administration was staffed by real, traceable individuals—evidence of the text’s historical reliability (cf.1 Kings 4:5, 4:19).

• By appointing men like Ben-hesed, Solomon fulfilled the charge his father David gave him to rule with wisdom and justice (1 Kings 2:1-4; 3:28).

• The verse underscores the principle of delegated authority: while Solomon ruled the whole kingdom, trustworthy officers handled local needs (Exodus 18:21-23;Acts 6:3-4).

The phrase locates Ben-hesed’s base: “in Arubboth.” Though Arubboth is otherwise obscure, its mention situates this district south-west of Ephraim and north of Judah—likely in the Shephelah, the lowland corridor so often fought over in Israel’s history (Joshua 15:33;1 Samuel 17:1).

• Strategic placement meant Ben-hesed safeguarded a vital agricultural zone, channeling produce to Jerusalem (1 Kings 4:22-23).

• Solomon’s comprehensive coverage—from the far north (1 Kings 4:13) to this western district—fulfills God’s promise of a broad, peaceful realm (Genesis 15:18;1 Kings 4:24-25).

Parenthetically, Scripture adds, “Socoh… belonged to him.” Socoh was a fortified town in Judah’s lowlands (2 Chronicles 11:7) and the scene of David’s clash with Goliath’s Philistines (1 Samuel 17:1).

• Including Socoh under Ben-hesed signals that Solomon’s peace extended into former battlefields, a testament to God’s blessing (1 Chronicles 22:9;1 Kings 5:4).

• The town’s produce—grain, olives, and grapes from the fertile valleys—would help meet the king’s daily provisions (1 Kings 4:27-28).

Finally, “and all the land of Hepher” completes the district description. This territory traces back to the Canaanitish king defeated under Joshua (Joshua 12:17) and to the clan of Zelophehad’s daughters who inherited there by God’s decree (Numbers 27:1-7;Joshua 17:3).

• Folding Hepher into Solomon’s administrative map shows continuity between the conquest under Joshua and the settled prosperity under Solomon—both anchored in the covenant promises (Deuteronomy 6:10-12;1 Kings 8:56).

• The phrase “all the land” highlights the thoroughness of Ben-hesed’s oversight, ensuring no pocket of the kingdom lay outside the king’s supply chain (1 Kings 4:7;Proverbs 27:23-27).

1 Kings 4:10 is more than a line in an ancient personnel chart; it reveals the practical outworking of God-given wisdom in Solomon’s reign. Ben-hesed’s district—Arubboth, including Socoh and all Hepher—illustrates how the king organized Israel for provision, peace, and covenant continuity. Each place name testifies that the Lord keeps His promises: the land is secure, leadership is orderly, and everyday needs are met, all pointing forward to the greater King whose reign will cover every territory in righteousness and peace (Psalm 72:1-8;Isaiah 9:6-7).