1 Kings 4 22

1 Kings 4:22 kjv

And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,

1 Kings 4:22 nkjv

Now Solomon's provision for one day was thirty kors of fine flour, sixty kors of meal,

1 Kings 4:22 niv

Solomon's daily provisions were thirty cors of the finest flour and sixty cors of meal,

1 Kings 4:22 esv

Solomon's provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal,

1 Kings 4:22 nlt

The daily food requirements for Solomon's palace were 150 bushels of choice flour and 300 bushels of meal ;

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 22 Meaning

The verse details the vast daily provisions required for King Solomon's household and administration, including an immense quantity of both high-quality "fine flour" and regular "meal." This specific information serves to underscore the unprecedented scale of Solomon's wealth, the grandeur of his reign, and the expansive nature of his kingdom, emphasizing a period of extraordinary peace and abundance for Israel as a fulfillment of divine promises.

1 Kings 4 22 Context

1 Kings chapter 4 follows Solomon's ascent to the throne, his prayer for wisdom, and God's granting of wisdom and immense wealth. This chapter specifically describes the extent and nature of his golden age. Verses 1-6 list Solomon's key administrative officials, establishing a structured governance. Verses 7-19 detail the twelve district governors responsible for providing daily provisions, including those mentioned in verse 22, one month at a time for the royal court. This verse, along with the description of his vast dominion (vv. 20-21) and the horses (vv. 26-28), illustrates the profound peace, prosperity, and glory of Solomon's kingdom. Historically, this period marks the zenith of the unified Israelite monarchy, a stark contrast to the earlier tribal system and a fulfillment of God's covenant blessings on His people for obedience. It portrays the king not just as a ruler, but as a central figure of lavish provision and security.

1 Kings 4 22 Word analysis

• And Solomon's: Refers to King Solomon, highlighting his central role in this period of unprecedented prosperity and administrative grandeur. His reign is presented as a pinnacle of Israelite history.
• provision: From the Hebrew word לֶחֶם ( lechem ), commonly translated "bread," but broadly encompassing "food" or "sustenance." Its usage here emphasizes a regular, essential supply, on a royal and highly organized scale, showcasing his administration's capacity to maintain such an enterprise daily.
• for one day: יוֹם ( yom ). This phrase signifies the daily consumption of the royal court, including officials, servants, guests, and possibly their livestock. The daily nature underscores the consistency and immensity of the requirements, highlighting constant activity and unparalleled expenditure.
• was thirty measures: The "measure" refers to the כֹּר ( kor ), a dry measure roughly equivalent to a homer (approx. 360-400 liters, or about 10-11 bushels). Thirty kor of flour is an immense quantity, weighing thousands of pounds, pointing to a scale of provision unseen before. This illustrates extraordinary abundance and capability.
• of fine flour: From the Hebrew סֹלֶת ( solet ). This is flour of the highest quality, finely ground and sifted. Its inclusion indicates luxury and prestige. Fine flour was typically used for noble meals and special offerings in the tabernacle/temple, signifying that even common meals at Solomon's court were of exceptional standard.
• and threescore measures: "Threescore" means sixty. This quantity is double that of the fine flour, totaling ninety kor of grain combined. This sheer volume speaks to the size of the population reliant on the royal provision.
• of meal: From the Hebrew קֶמַח ( kemach ), referring to coarser, ordinary flour. The distinction between "fine flour" and "meal" suggests different qualities for various levels of consumption within the expansive royal establishment, perhaps differentiating food for the immediate royal family and dignitaries from that for the wider retinue of officials, guards, and servants.

1 Kings 4 22 Bonus section

The daily provision detailed in this verse, combined with other supplies like oxen and sheep mentioned in the following verse (1 Kgs 4:23), suggests the need to feed tens of thousands of individuals. When considering the weight of 90 kor of grain, it approximates over 19 metric tons of grain daily. This scale could not be maintained without effective administration, established trade routes, and secure borders, reflecting the stability of the Pax Solomonica. While impressive, this abundance was a mixed blessing; the underlying infrastructure and heavy taxation needed to support such lavishness eventually contributed to the later discontent and division of the kingdom under Rehoboam (1 Kgs 12). Thus, the verse, while initially depicting immense blessing, subtly foreshadows the potential strains that excess, even divinely given, can place on a nation if not handled with true spiritual discernment.

1 Kings 4 22 Commentary

This verse paints a vivid picture of the extraordinary wealth and the colossal scale of operations during Solomon's reign, confirming it as a golden era for Israel. The meticulous daily accounting of food provisions – specific quantities of both luxury "fine flour" and staple "meal" – demonstrates the highly organized and well-resourced administration of the kingdom. This was not mere gluttony, but the sustaining of an enormous court, numerous officials, foreign dignitaries, and a powerful army. The immense abundance signifies not just Solomon's riches, but the peace and stability that enabled such lavish provision to flow freely from all parts of his dominion. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon "rich and wealthy" (2 Chr 1:12), highlighting divine blessing upon a kingdom established on wisdom and prosperity. The detailed report of these provisions stands as a testament to Israel's prominence among nations at this time, unparalleled in its glory and influence.