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 4:28KJV
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1 Kings 4:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 4:28 mean?

1 Kings 4:28 describes how supplies of barley and straw were brought for the king’s horses and dromedaries, with each officer responsible for delivering these provisions to the correct place according to his assigned duty. The verse highlights the organized system for feeding the royal animals under King Solomon’s administration.

This verse is part of a larger passage detailing the daily provisions and administrative structure during Solomon’s reign. The text shows that specific men, likely local officials, were each in charge of supplying food for the royal stables, ensuring that the king’s horses and dromedaries were well cared for. This organization reflects the wealth and complexity of Solomon’s kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 4:28

  • בָּרוֹר (se‘orâ, "barley") and תֶּבֶן (teven, "straw") both refer to the main types of feed for the animals, showing attention to their needs and the resources required to maintain the royal stables.
  • סוּס (sus, "horses") and רֶכֶב (rekhev, "dromedaries" or "riding animals") point to the variety and importance of animals in the royal service, not just for transportation but also for military and ceremonial use.
  • מָקוֹם (maqom, "place") emphasizes that the supplies were delivered to specific locations, showing a well-organized logistical system.
  • מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, "charge" or "duty") indicates that each man had a defined responsibility, underlining the accountability expected from Solomon’s officials.

Why 1 Kings 4:28 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Solomon’s wealth was only about gold or luxury; it also depended on careful management and daily provision for practical needs like animal care.
  • The verse reveals the scale and complexity of Solomon’s administration, showing that even the feeding of animals was systematically organized.
  • It connects to the wider passage by illustrating the efficiency and orderliness that characterized Solomon’s reign, supporting the Bible’s picture of his wisdom in governance.

Where else these words appear

“dromedaries” Hebrew H7409 · used in 4 verses

  • Esther 8:10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
  • Micah 1:13 O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

“straw” Hebrew H8401 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.
  • Exodus 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
  • Job 21:18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

“Barley” Hebrew H8184 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 9:31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
  • Ruth 3:17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?