Who was Baana in the Bible?

Baana was a son of Ahilud who served as one of King Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for administering a portion of Israel. His district included the towns of Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth Shan (1 Kings 4:12).

What was the significance of Baana's role?

Baana's appointment as a governor highlights Solomon's administrative reorganization of Israel into districts for efficient taxation and provision for the royal court. This system is detailed in 1 Kings 4, showing the scale of Solomon's kingdom.

What key events was Baana involved in?

The Bible records Baana's primary event as his appointment and service during Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign. His role was to supply provisions for the king and his household for one month each year (1 Kings 4:7).

Baana

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleSon of ahilud

Baana son of Ahilud was one of Solomon's twelve district governors.

Baana

Biography

Baana son of Ahilud served as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, administering the Jezreel Valley region of Taanach and Megiddo, extending to the area of Beth-shean and Abel-meholah across the Jordan (1 Kings 4:12). This was one of the most strategically critical districts in Israel, Megiddo and Taanach controlled the Jezreel Valley pass, the great highway of the ancient Near East connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia. Baana's governorship over such a vital corridor indicates he was a trusted and capable administrator. His father Ahilud may be the same official who served as recorder under both David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3), again suggesting a capable administrative family.

Significance

Baana son of Ahilud's district encompassed some of the most historically significant terrain in the entire biblical narrative, the Valley of Jezreel, site of ancient battles and prophetic visions (Judges 4–5; Revelation 16:16). His stewardship of this region during Solomon's golden era represents the peace and prosperity God granted Israel under the Davidic covenant. The twelve-district administrative system of which Baana was part ensured that the remarkable building programs of Solomon, including the Temple, were adequately provisioned. Like his probable kinsman before him, Baana's faithful service in governance contributed to the material conditions necessary for Israel's greatest moment of religious and cultural flourishing under Solomon.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Kgs

1Kgs 4:12

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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