Chaos is a consequence of the Fall; order is the reinsertion of the divine will into the world.
Solomon’s wisdom was not only used to solve interpersonal problems, as in 1 Kings 3. Chapter 4 explains that it also gave him the ability to set up a functioning order for the expanding kingdom, now reaching “from the [Euphrates] River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt” (v 21). There are 24 men mentioned in 1 Kings 4:1-19, divided into two groups of 12. There were 12 administrators ruling from Jerusalem, and 12 regional governors that oversaw provisions shipped to the capital each month. The first listed, of course, is Solomon, who was “king over all Israel” (v 1). Then follow eleven others who helped him. Azariah, a son (or grandson) of the high priest, was there perhaps to oversee the temple’s construction; two scribes to handle the documents for official business; Jehoshaphat, the recorder who had served since David’s time (2 Sam 8:16); then the trustworthy commander of the army, Benaiah; two priests, Zadok and Abiathar, perhaps because the place of worship was divided, with the tabernacle at Shiloh and the ark at Jerusalem; two sons of Nathan, one over the officers, and the other who is referred to as “the king’s friend” or personal advisor (1 Ki 4:5). Finally, Ahishar was over the palace household and Adoniram “over the labor force” (v 6), largely foreign workers involved in building infrastructure. Did things function well? Apparently so! “Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea…eating and drinking and rejoicing” (v 20). So it should be with the Church whose Ruler is “greater than Solomon” (Mt 12:42). May it be said of us as Paul could commend the Colossians: “rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” (Col 2:5).