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Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and [he was] the only officer who was in the land.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Puzzle of the 'Only Officer'

The final phrase, "the only officer that was in the land," has puzzled scholars. Some, like Albert Barnes, believe it simply emphasizes the vastness of Geber's territory. Others suggest it's a textual issue and should refer to a missing officer for Judah (Ellicott) or a special 13th officer for leap years in the Jewish calendar (Gill). This highlights the careful work scholars do to understand difficult texts.

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Book Overview

1 Kings

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Kings 4:19

18th Century

Theologian

The meaning of the last clause is somewhat doubtful. On the whole, the King James Version may well stand as nearly correct. The writer has assigned…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Kings 4:19

19th Century

Bishop

The twelfth division was on the east of Jordan, south of the seventh, including the pastoral country of Reuben and part of Gad on the borders of Mo…

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Kings 4:19

17th Century

Pastor

Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead. Which was beyond Jordan, and inhabited by the tribes of Reuben and Gad…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Kings 4:1–19

17th Century

Minister

In the choice of the chief officials of Solomon's court, his wisdom undoubtedly appeared. Several of them were the same individuals who had served …