1 Kings 4:23

KJV

Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ten {H6235} fat {H1277} oxen {H1241}, and twenty {H6242} oxen {H1241} out of the pastures {H7471}, and an hundred {H3967} sheep {H6629}, beside harts {H354}, and roebucks {H6643}, and fallowdeer {H3180}, and fatted {H75} fowl {H1257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ten fattened oxen, twenty pasture-fed oxen and one hundred sheep, in addition to deer, gazelles, roebucks and fattened poultry.

Berean Standard Bible

ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.

American Standard Version

ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and a hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fatted fowl.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:23 presents a vivid and meticulously detailed inventory of the immense daily provisions required to sustain King Solomon's vast royal household, court, and extensive retinue. This specific enumeration of "ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl" serves as a powerful testament to the unparalleled wealth, administrative capacity, and widespread prosperity that characterized Solomon's reign, marking it as the zenith of Israel's earthly kingdom and a direct manifestation of divine blessing and favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a broader section of 1 Kings (specifically [1 Kings 4:1-34](/1_kings/4 "Solomon's Reign and Wisdom")) that meticulously details the unparalleled glory, wisdom, and administrative prowess of King Solomon's reign. Following the enumeration of his chief officials ([1 Kings 4:1-6](/1_kings/4-1-6 "Solomon's Officials")) and the twelve district governors responsible for providing provisions ([1 Kings 4:7-19](/1_kings/4-7-19 "Solomon's District Governors")), verses 22-23 specifically itemize the staggering daily food requirements for the royal court. This detailed listing serves to underscore the sheer scale of the kingdom's operations and the abundance that flowed from Solomon's wise and divinely blessed rule. It transitions from the administrative structure to the tangible benefits and daily realities of such a grand kingdom, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of his vast dominion, peace, and wisdom that attracted visitors from afar ([1 Kings 4:24-34](/1_kings/4-24-34 "Solomon's Dominion, Peace, and Wisdom")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents the golden age of the united monarchy in Israel, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. Geographically, his kingdom stretched from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt ([1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "Solomon's Dominion")), controlling vital trade routes and receiving tribute from vassal states. Culturally, royal courts of this era were not merely residences but bustling centers of power, administration, diplomacy, and hospitality, requiring massive logistical support. The provisions listed in [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") were not solely for Solomon himself but for his numerous wives and concubines, his vast retinue of officials, servants, guards, and the multitude of visitors and ambassadors who came to witness his famed wisdom and grandeur. The inclusion of both domesticated animals and various types of wild game ("harts, roebucks, and fallowdeer") highlights not only the agricultural abundance of the land but also the royal prerogative of hunting and the diverse, luxurious diet enjoyed by the elite. The sheer quantities reflect the immense population supported by the court and the display of opulence expected of a powerful monarch in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed provisions in this verse contribute significantly to several overarching themes in [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "Solomon's Reign"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Unprecedented Abundance and Prosperity**, directly fulfilling God's promise to Solomon for "riches, and honour" (as seen in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). The daily consumption figures far exceed what any ordinary household could manage, emphasizing the extraordinary material blessing bestowed upon Israel during this period. Secondly, it highlights **Royal Grandeur and Administrative Efficiency**. The ability to consistently procure and manage such vast quantities of food speaks volumes about the highly organized and effective administration Solomon established, which was crucial for maintaining the stability and prestige of his kingdom. This abundance was a tangible sign of the peace and security that Judah and Israel enjoyed, where "every man dwelt safely under his vine and under his fig tree" (as described in [1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "Peace and Security in Judah and Israel")). Lastly, it underscores **Divine Favor and Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**. The prosperity of Solomon's reign, exemplified by these lavish provisions, was understood as a direct result of God's blessing upon a king who sought wisdom and built His temple, reflecting the covenant promises of blessing for obedience found throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses in Deuteronomy 28").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _bârîyʼ'_):** (H1277) This adjective, derived from a root meaning "to be plump" or "to be well-fed," describes the oxen as being stall-fed, prime, and well-nourished. Its inclusion signifies a premium quality of meat, indicating luxury and abundance beyond mere sustenance. It points to a deliberate and systematic process of animal husbandry to ensure the highest grade of provisions for the king's table, reflecting opulence and careful planning.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** (H1241) This collective noun refers to beef cattle or animals of the ox family, encompassing both genders and various ages, typically used for plowing or meat. The distinction between "fat oxen" and "oxen out of the pastures" highlights a tiered system of provision, ensuring both quantity and a range of quality. The sheer number of oxen underscores the massive scale of daily consumption required to sustain Solomon's vast court.
* **Fowl (Hebrew, _barbur'_):** (H1257) This rare Hebrew word, used only here in the Old Testament, refers to a type of bird, likely a domesticated fowl (such as geese or ducks), specifically fattened for consumption. The KJV's "fatted fowl" (with "fatted" from H75, _ʼâbaç_) emphasizes that these birds were specially prepared to enhance their flavor and tenderness. This detail further underscores the luxurious and refined nature of the royal diet, moving beyond basic necessity to include culinary delicacies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ten fat oxen":** This refers to ten head of prime, stall-fed cattle, indicating the highest quality of beef. This quantity alone is substantial, suggesting that these were reserved for the most esteemed members of the court or for special occasions, highlighting a level of provision that was both abundant and luxurious, signifying the king's elevated status and the wealth of his kingdom.
* **"and twenty oxen out of the pastures":** These twenty cattle, while still significant in number, were likely pasture-fed, representing the more common, though still plentiful, source of beef. The distinction between "fat oxen" and "oxen out of the pastures" points to a tiered system of provisioning, ensuring both quantity and a range of quality for the diverse needs of the court, from the king's table to the general retinue.
* **"and an hundred sheep":** This large number of sheep signifies a staple and readily available source of meat, likely consumed daily by the wider court and its many dependents. Sheep were a primary source of protein in ancient Israel, and this quantity underscores the sheer scale of the daily consumption and the logistical capacity to manage such a supply.
* **"beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer":** This clause lists various types of wild game, indicating that the royal diet was not limited to domesticated animals. The inclusion of these wild species speaks to the abundance of the land's natural resources, the king's access to hunting grounds, and the diverse and luxurious palate of the royal household, adding an element of exoticism and prestige to the daily provisions, a mark of true royal opulence.
* **"and fatted fowl":** This final item refers to specially fattened birds, likely domesticated fowl prepared for their rich flavor. This detail further emphasizes the opulence and refinement of the royal table, signifying a diet that included delicacies and was not merely about meeting basic caloric needs but indulging in culinary richness, reflecting the peak of material prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") is **Cataloging**, where a detailed list of items is presented to convey a specific impression. Here, the catalog of "ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl" serves to create a powerful sense of **Abundance** and, arguably, **Hyperbole** (or at least extreme **Exaggeration** for emphasis, even if the numbers were literally true). The sheer volume and variety of provisions are meticulously enumerated to impress upon the reader the unprecedented scale of Solomon's wealth and the logistical marvel of sustaining such a grand court. This detailed **Imagery** vividly paints a picture of a kingdom overflowing with resources, emphasizing the peak of Israel's material prosperity under Solomon's reign. The cumulative effect of the list is to underscore the divine blessing upon Solomon and the tangible manifestation of his "riches, and honour" promised by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extraordinary daily provisions detailed in [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") are not merely an administrative record; they serve as a powerful theological statement about God's faithfulness and the tangible blessings He bestows upon His people. This abundance is a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly those related to prosperity and security for a nation that walks in His ways. Solomon's reign, marked by such lavish provision, stands as a historical high point where divine favor was visibly manifested in material blessing, reflecting the principle that God delights in providing for His creation, often beyond mere necessity, to demonstrate His glory and generosity. This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate provider, capable of sustaining His purposes and His people with boundless resources, thereby establishing His kingdom and demonstrating His sovereignty.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Blessings of Abundance in the Land")
* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27-28 "God Provides Food for All Creatures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's daily provisions in [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") invites us to reflect on the nature of divine provision and our response to it. This verse showcases God's capacity for extravagant generosity, demonstrating that His blessings can extend far beyond our basic needs, providing not just sufficiency but abundance and even luxury. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of "enough" and to recognize that all provision, whether meager or overflowing, ultimately flows from the hand of God. Such abundance, however, also carries a profound responsibility. Solomon was entrusted with immense resources, and his later failures remind us that material prosperity, while a gift from God, can also become a snare if not stewarded wisely and with a heart fixed on the Giver rather than the gifts. This passage therefore calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude for God's provision, to be diligent and faithful stewards of the resources He entrusts to us, and to remember that true and lasting riches are found not in earthly accumulation but in a deep relationship with God and in seeking His kingdom first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the sheer scale of Solomon's provisions reveal about God's character and His capacity to provide for His people?**
* **How might the abundance described in this verse challenge our modern consumerist tendencies or our anxieties about daily provision?**
* **If God provides so lavishly, what is our responsibility in stewarding the resources—material, spiritual, and relational—He has given us?**
* **How can we ensure that earthly blessings lead us to greater worship and generosity, rather than self-indulgence or forgetfulness of God?**

### FAQ
**Were these provisions solely for Solomon's personal consumption?**

Answer: No, the immense quantities listed in [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") were not for King Solomon's personal consumption alone. They were the daily provisions required to sustain his entire vast royal household, which included his numerous wives and concubines, his extensive staff of officials, administrators, and servants, his military guard, and the multitude of guests, ambassadors, and petitioners who flocked to Jerusalem to witness his wisdom and grandeur. The text in [1 Kings 4:27-28](/1_kings/4-27-28 "Provisions for Solomon's Household and Horses") further clarifies that the district governors were responsible for providing food for "King Solomon, and for all that came unto King Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge." This highlights the logistical feat and the sheer scale of the kingdom's operations, demonstrating the unprecedented prosperity and administrative efficiency of Solomon's reign, which was a testament to God's blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 4:23](/1_kings/4-23 "Solomon's Daily Provisions") vividly portrays the unparalleled earthly abundance of King Solomon's reign, it ultimately points beyond itself to a greater King and a more profound provision. Solomon's kingdom, though glorious, was temporary and ultimately flawed, marked by human limitations and eventual division. Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, fulfills and transcends all the shadows of Solomon's reign. He is the ultimate King whose kingdom is not of this world, yet it is eternal and spiritual, offering an abundance that far surpasses any earthly provision. While Solomon provided physical food for his vast court, Jesus declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" (as stated in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering spiritual nourishment that satisfies eternally and prevents spiritual hunger. He also promises "living water" (as found in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "Jesus, the Living Water")), quenching spiritual thirst forever. The lavish provisions of Solomon's table, impressive as they were, foreshadow the spiritual feast and eternal sustenance found in Christ. He is the one who truly provides "all things" for His people, not just physical sustenance, but salvation, righteousness, peace, and eternal life, inviting us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (as promised in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God")). Thus, the temporary, material abundance of Solomon's reign serves as a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the boundless, eternal, and spiritual provision available in the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 5:17

Moreover [there were] at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that [are] about us.

Nehemiah 5:18

Now [that] which was prepared [for me] daily [was] one ox [and] six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.