The Story of Taphath
In addition to Basemeth, Solomon had another daughter named Taphath who is mentioned in the same administrative list. Her story follows a very similar pattern to her sister’s, serving as a pillar in Solomon’s strategy to secure his kingdom.
Taphath is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:11. Her name, much like Basemeth’s, has a beautiful and delicate meaning: it translates to “a drop” (as in a drop of myrrh or perfume) or “ornament.”
Her Marriage to Ben-Abinadab
Solomon gave Taphath in marriage to Ben-Abinadab (the son of Abinadab), who was the governor of the region of Naphath-dor.
- The Location: Dor was a major Mediterranean port city located on the coast of the Carmel range. It was a wealthy, commercial hub known for its maritime trade.
- The Role: As the wife of the district governor, Taphath lived in the “heights” or “uplands” of Dor. Her husband was responsible for providing all the food and supplies for the royal palace for one specific month of the year.
Why these two daughters matter
Basemeth and Taphath are the only two daughters of Solomon named in the Bible. Their presence in the text isn’t just a genealogy; it reveals Solomon’s administrative genius:
- The “Family Web” of Power: By marrying his daughters to his regional governors (Ben-Abinadab and Ahimaaz), Solomon turned political officials into family members. This made rebellion much less likely, as these governors were now literally part of the royal house.
- Control of the Borders: Taphath was in the West (the coast of Dor). Basemeth was in the North (Naphtali). By placing his daughters in these key outer regions, Solomon ensured that the “gates” of his kingdom were held by people he could trust implicitly.
- Economic Security: Each daughter’s household was responsible for one month of the year’s total national tax. This means the princesses themselves likely managed large estates and logistical operations to ensure the king’s table was never empty.
