1 Kings 4:28 kjv
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
1 Kings 4:28 nkjv
They also brought barley and straw to the proper place, for the horses and steeds, each man according to his charge.
1 Kings 4:28 niv
They also brought to the proper place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and the other horses.
1 Kings 4:28 esv
Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty.
1 Kings 4:28 nlt
They also brought the necessary barley and straw for the royal horses in the stables.
1 Kings 4 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ki 4:7 | And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals... | Establishes the system of officers. |
| 1 Ki 4:27 | And those officers provided victual for King Solomon... | Direct parallel to providing supplies. |
| 1 Ki 4:22-23 | Now Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour... | Shows the scale of daily human provisions. |
| 1 Ki 10:26 | And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen... | Confirms Solomon's large number of horses. |
| 1 Ki 10:28-29 | And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt... | Explains the origin of Solomon's horses. |
| Deut 17:16 | But he shall not multiply horses to himself... | Mosaic law warning against many horses. |
| Isa 31:1 | Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses... | Prophetic warning against reliance on horses. |
| Ps 20:7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name... | Divine trust over military might. |
| Zech 9:10 | I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem... | Future Messiah's reign of peace, not war. |
| Prov 21:31 | The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. | Emphasizes divine sovereignty over military strength. |
| 1 Ki 3:13 | And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches... | God's blessing leading to Solomon's abundance. |
| 2 Chr 1:12 | Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches... | Reinforces the source of Solomon's prosperity. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | Let all things be done decently and in order. | Principle of divine order and administration. |
| Rom 13:7 | Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due... | Supports orderly civic obligations/dues. |
| Tit 3:1 | Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers... | Submission to governing authorities. |
| Neh 11:3 | These are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem... | Shows systematic administration in other eras. |
| 2 Chr 2:10 | And, behold, for the hewers that cut timber... | Large scale provisioning for workforce. |
| 1 Sam 8:16-17 | He will take your men servants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest... | Foreshadows aspects of taxation/royal demands. |
| Prov 28:2 | For the transgression of a land many are the princes... | Can reflect the necessity of officials in kingdom administration. |
| Job 39:9-10 | Will the wild ox be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? | Contrast: Animals require tending and feeding. |
1 Kings 4 verses
1 Kings 4 28 Meaning
This verse details the orderly and systematic provision of animal feed – specifically barley and straw – for King Solomon's numerous horses and swift steeds. It underscores the precise and efficient logistical network that supported his vast kingdom and large royal establishment, ensuring that "every man according to his charge" brought in the necessary supplies to the designated collection points. It highlights the sheer scale and meticulous administration of Solomon’s reign.
1 Kings 4 28 Context
First Kings chapter 4 describes the unparalleled administrative organization, prosperity, and wisdom of King Solomon's reign. The chapter opens by listing his principal officials, then introduces the twelve district officers responsible for providing food for the king and his household, each for one month of the year (vv. 7-19). Verses 20-21 elaborate on the immense size and peace of Solomon's kingdom. Verses 22-23 detail the prodigious daily food requirements for humans, while verses 26-27 focus on the equally massive needs for his extensive chariot force and cavalry, stating that the officers were responsible for bringing these provisions. Verse 28 specifically elaborates on the animal feed, indicating the type of feed and the precise, assigned manner of its collection and delivery, highlighting the meticulous and orderly functioning of his administrative system that facilitated the grandeur and strength of his kingdom.
1 Kings 4 28 Word analysis
- The barley: (שְׂעֹרִים, se'orim) A staple grain, often considered secondary to wheat, commonly used as animal fodder or food for the poor. Its primary use here for animal feed underscores the sheer quantity needed and the practicality of the provisioning.
- also: This conjunctive particle links the provisions for animals seamlessly with the earlier discussion of provisions for the human court (1 Ki 4:22-23), demonstrating the comprehensive scope of Solomon’s logistical operations.
- and the straw: (תֶּבֶן, teven) Refers to dried, chopped plant stalks, essential roughage for livestock. Its inclusion signifies a complete and balanced feed program for a massive number of animals.
- for the horses: (לַסּוּסִים, lassusim) Points to Solomon's extensive cavalry. In the ancient Near East, horses symbolized national power, wealth, and military strength. Maintaining such a large force (cf. 1 Ki 10:26) demanded significant resources.
- and swift steeds: (וְלָרְמָכִים, velarmakhim) Refers to high-quality, specialized equines. The Hebrew word remekh indicates a noble mare or a swift, valuable horse, often associated with chariot teams or elite riders. Their separate mention emphasizes the meticulous care given to the kingdom's most valuable animals.
- brought they: This active verb signifies the regular and systematic delivery by the designated officers and their agents, indicating a well-managed collection process. It implies a sense of obligation and diligent performance of duty.
- unto the place where the officers were: This phrase indicates specific, predetermined collection or storage depots managed by Solomon’s administrative officials. It illustrates sophisticated logistical planning, ensuring efficient reception and management of provisions across a large kingdom.
- every man according to his charge: (אִישׁ כְּמִשְׁפָּטֹו, ish k'mishpato) This crucial phrase highlights the structured nature of Solomon’s administration. "Charge" (mishpat) here means an assigned duty, due portion, or a precise regulation. It implies each officer had a specific quota and responsibility within his allotted time or region, ensuring consistency and accountability in the provisioning system.
1 Kings 4 28 Bonus section
The vast quantities of barley and straw required for Solomon's animals signify the impressive agricultural capacity of the united kingdom of Israel under his rule. This highlights a period of significant prosperity and abundant harvests, demonstrating the land's fruitfulness. The structured monthly rotation of district officers ensuring provisions (mentioned in 1 Ki 4:7-19 and reinforced here) was an innovative and effective system for sustaining the large royal establishment, ensuring a continuous supply chain without overburdening any single region perpetually. This verse implicitly points to the detailed bureaucratic layers necessary to support such an extensive and powerful monarchy, distinguishing it from earlier, less centralized forms of governance in Israel.
1 Kings 4 28 Commentary
1 Kings 4:28 provides a remarkable glimpse into the logistical brilliance and immense scale of King Solomon's kingdom. Coming after a description of human provisions, this verse focuses on the meticulous arrangements for feeding his large and prestigious animal population, particularly his vital horses and swift steeds. The choice of "barley and straw" reflects practical, large-volume feeding. This verse is not just a descriptive detail but a testament to the efficient administrative framework Solomon established: the twelve district officers (as noted earlier in the chapter) fulfilled their duties with precision, delivering provisions to designated points "according to his charge." This organized tribute system sustained an era of unparalleled national prosperity and military power. While showcasing administrative excellence, it also sets the stage for later prophetic critiques of relying on military might and worldly wealth rather than on divine providence.