TRV
Translation
King James Version
And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.
Complete Jewish Bible
Those officers [named above] supplied food and other materials for King Shlomo and for everyone for whom Shlomo provided. Each was responsible for his month's supplies; they saw to it that nothing was lacking.
Berean Standard Bible
Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking.
American Standard Version
And those officers provided victuals for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon’s table, every man in his month; they let nothing be lacking.
World English Bible Messianic
Those officers provided food for king Solomon, and for all who came to king Solomon’s table, every man in his month; they let nothing be lacking.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And these officers prouided vitaile for king Salomon, and for all that came to King Salomons table, euery man his moneth, and they suffred to lacke nothing.
Young's Literal Translation
And these officers have sustained king Solomon and every one drawing near unto the table of king Solomon, each in his month; they let nothing be lacking.
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In the KJVVerse 8,872 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Kings 4 verses 20–28
20 ¶ Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,
23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
25 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
27 And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.
28 Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
Such a kingdom, and such a court, surely never any prince had, as Solomon's are here described to be.
I. Such a kingdom. Never did the crown of Israel shine so brightly as it did when Solomon wore it, never in his father's days, never in the days of any of his successors; nor was that kingdom ever so glorious a type of the kingdom of the Messiah as it was then. The account here given of it is such as fully answers the prophecies which we have concerning it in Ps. 72, which is a psalm for Solomon, but with reference to Christ. 1. The territories of his kingdom were large and its tributaries many; so it was foretold that he should have dominion from sea to sea, Psa 72:8-11. Solomon reigned not only over all Israel, who were his subjects by choice, but over all the neighbouring kingdoms, who were his subjects by constraint. All the princes from the river Euphrates, north-east to the border of Egypt south-west, not only added to his honour by doing him homage and holding their crowns from him, but added to his wealth by serving him, and bringing him presents, Kg1 4:21. David, by his successful wars, compelled them to this subjection, and Solomon, by his admirable wisdom, made it easy and reasonable; for it is fit that the fool should be servant to the wise in heart. If they gave him presents, he gave them instructions, and still taught the people knowledge, not only his own people, but those of other nations: and wisdom is better than gold. He had peace on all sides, Kg1 4:24. None of all the nations that were subject to him offered to shake off his yoke, or to give him any disturbance, but rather thought themselves happy in their dependence upon him. Herein his kingdom typified the Messiah's; for to him it is promised that he shall have the heathen for his inheritance and that princes shall worship him, Isa 49:6, Isa 49:7; Isa 53:12. 2. The subjects of his kingdom and its inhabitants, were many and cheerful. (1.) They were numerous and country was exceedingly populous (Kg1 4:20): Judah and Israel were many, and that good land was sufficient to maintain them all. They were as the sand of the sea in multitude. Now was fulfilled the promise made to Abraham concerning the increase of his seed (Gen 22:17), as well as that concerning the extent of their dominion, Gen 15:18. This was their strength and beauty, the honour of their prince, the terror of their enemies, and an advancement of the wealth of the nation. If they grew so numerous that the place was any where too strait for them, they might remove with advantage into the countries that were subject to them. God's spiritual Israel are many, at least they will be so when they come all together, Rev 7:9. (2.) They were easy, they dwelt safely, or with confidence and assurance (Kg1 4:25), not jealous of their king or of his officers, not disaffected either to him or one to another, nor under any apprehension or danger from enemies foreign or domestic. They were happy and knew it, safe and willing to think themselves so. They dwelt every man under his vine and fig-tree. Solomon invaded no man's property, took not to himself their vineyards and olive-yards, as sometimes was the manner of the king (Sa1 8:14), but what they had they could call their own: he protected every man in the possession and enjoyment of his property. Those that had vines and fig-trees ate the fruit of them themselves; and so great was the peace of the country that they might, if they pleased, dwell as safely under the shadow of them as within the walls of a city. Or, because it was usual to have vines by the sides of their houses (Psa 128:3), they are said to dwell under their vines. (3.) They were cheerful in the use of their plenty, eating and drinking, and making merry, Kg1 4:20. Solomon did not only keep a good table himself, but enabled all his subjects, according to their rank, to do so too, and taught them that God gave them their abundance that they might use it soberly and pleasantly, not that they might hoard it up. There is nothing better than for a man to eat the labour of his hands (Ecc 2:24), and that with a merry heart, Ecc 9:7. His father, in the Psalms, had led his people into the comforts of communion with God, and now he led them into the comfortable use of the good things of this life. This pleasant posture of Israel's affairs extended, in place, from Dan to Beer-sheba - no part of the country was exposed nor upon any account uneasy; and it continued a long time, all the days of Solomon, without any material interruption. Go where you would, you might see all the marks of plenty, peace, and satisfaction. The spiritual peace, and joy, and holy security, of all the faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus were typified by this. The kingdom of God is not, as Solomon's was, meat and drink, but, what is infinitely better, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
II. Such a court Solomon kept as can scarcely be paralleled. We may guess at the vast number of his attendants, and the great resort there was to him, by the provision that was made daily for his table. Of bread there were so many measures of flour and meal as, it is computed, would richly serve 3000 men (Carellus computes above 4800 men), and the provision of flesh (Kg1 4:23) was rather more in proportion. What vast quantities were here of beef, mutton, and venison, and the choicest of all fatted things, as some read that which we translate fatted fowl! Ahasuerus, once in his reign, made a great feast, to show the riches of his kingdom, Est 1:3, Est 1:4. But it was much more the honour of Solomon that he kept a constant table and a very noble one, not of dainties or deceitful meats (he himself witnessed against them, Pro 23:3), but substantial food, for the entertainment of those who came to hear his wisdom. Thus Christ fed those whom he taught, 5000 at a time, more than ever Solomon's table would entertain at once: and all believers have in him a continual feast. Herein he far outdoes Solomon, that he feeds all his subjects, not with the bread that perishes, but with that which endures to eternal life. It added much both to the strength and glory of Solomon's kingdom that he had such abundance of horses, 40,000 for chariots and 12,000 for his troops, 1000 horse, perhaps, in every tribe, for the preserving of the public peace, Kg1 4:26. God had commanded that their king should not multiply horses (Deu 17:16), nor, according to the account here given, considering the extent and wealth of Solomon's kingdom, did he multiply horses in proportion to his neighbours; for we find even the Philistines bringing into the field 30,000 chariots (Sa1 13:5) and the Syrians at least 40,000 horse, Sa2 10:18. The same officers that provided for his house provided also for his stable, Kg1 4:27, Kg1 4:28. Every one knew his place, and work, and time; and so this great court was kept without confusion. Solomon, that had vast incomes, lived at a vast expense, and perhaps wrote that with application to himself, Ecc 5:11. When goods increase those are increased that eat them; and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes, unless withal they have the satisfaction of doing good with them?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–28. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:27 vividly portrays the zenith of King Solomon's reign, highlighting the unparalleled prosperity and meticulously organized administrative efficiency that ensured a constant, abundant provision of food for his vast royal household and all who frequented his table. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the era's opulence and the successful implementation of a divinely blessed governmental structure, where every material need was met without deficiency, reflecting a period of profound national well-being.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The concise statement of 1 Kings 4:27 employs several literary devices to powerfully convey the extraordinary prosperity of Solomon's reign. The phrase "they lacked nothing" is a clear example of Hyperbole, which, while likely not implying zero deprivation for every single individual in the entire kingdom, strongly emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and the complete absence of any significant want within the royal court and its immediate sphere of influence. This exaggeration serves to underscore the unparalleled nature of Solomon's wealth and God's abundant blessing upon him. Furthermore, "Solomon's table" functions as Synecdoche (a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa), representing not just a physical eating surface but the entire royal court, its influence, its hospitality, and its immense resources. It serves as a microcosm of the kingdom's opulence and the king's provision. The meticulous detail of "every man in his month" also highlights Order and Efficiency, subtly pointing to the profound wisdom and administrative prowess that characterized Solomon's rule, a divine gift that manifested in practical, tangible ways, ensuring systematic and reliable provision.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The abundance described in 1 Kings 4:27 is not merely a testament to Solomon's administrative genius but, more profoundly, to God's faithful and abundant provision for His people. This period of national prosperity and the complete absence of want serve as a tangible fulfillment of the covenant blessings promised to Israel for obedience, particularly as outlined in the Mosaic Law. It illustrates God's capacity to provide not just adequately but superabundantly for those He favors and for whom He has a purpose, demonstrating His sovereignty over all resources. It also subtly highlights the principle of good stewardship and wise governance as channels through which divine blessings can flow and be managed for the well-being of a nation or community. The meticulous organization of the provision system reflects a divine order that, when embraced, brings about flourishing and contentment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's abundant provision in 1 Kings 4:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of superabundant provision, capable of meeting and exceeding our needs, often through the diligent and wise stewardship of human agents and well-ordered systems. Just as Solomon's kingdom experienced a time when they "lacked nothing," we are invited to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our spiritual, emotional, and physical necessities, recognizing His hand in every blessing. This verse challenges us to consider our own role in stewardship—whether of financial resources, spiritual talents, or precious time—and how our diligent efforts, when aligned with God's will and directed by His wisdom, can become channels for His blessings to ourselves and others. It also encourages us to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the provisions we receive daily and to recognize the divine hand behind even the most mundane aspects of our daily sustenance. Ultimately, it paints a picture of a flourishing life, both materially and spiritually, that is rooted in divine favor and wise management.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Solomon's prosperity a result of his own wisdom or God's blessing?
Answer: Solomon's prosperity, including the abundant provision described in 1 Kings 4:27, was fundamentally a result of God's blessing, which was granted in response to Solomon's humble prayer for wisdom to govern God's people (see 1 Kings 3:9-13). While Solomon's administrative wisdom and organizational skills were clearly evident in the system of officers, these were themselves gifts from God (as detailed in 1 Kings 4:29). The narrative consistently attributes the kingdom's flourishing to divine favor, fulfilling promises made to David and Abraham, demonstrating that human wisdom, when divinely bestowed and faithfully applied, becomes a conduit for God's abundant provision.
How does this verse relate to the broader themes of the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua-2 Kings)?
Answer: Within the Deuteronomistic History, 1 Kings 4:27 serves as a powerful illustration of the blessings promised for obedience to God's covenant, particularly those outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Solomon's reign represents the pinnacle of Israel's national prosperity and security, a golden age where the nation experienced peace on all borders (1 Kings 4:24) and unparalleled abundance. This period stands in stark contrast to the later decline, division, and eventual exile, which the Deuteronomistic historians attribute to Israel's disobedience and idolatry. Thus, this verse highlights a high point of covenant faithfulness and its tangible rewards, setting a standard against which subsequent reigns would be measured.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 4:27 describes the temporal and material abundance of King Solomon's earthly kingdom, it profoundly foreshadows the infinitely greater and eternal provision found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon, as a son of David, was a type of the ultimate King, whose reign would bring true and lasting peace and an abundance that transcends mere physical sustenance. Jesus is the true Bread of Life, who declares, "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). Unlike Solomon's kingdom, which eventually faced division, decline, and exile due to the king's later disobedience, the spiritual kingdom inaugurated by Christ is eternal and its provisions are inexhaustible. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides for our deepest spiritual needs, offering complete forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and a peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). In Him, believers truly "lack nothing" in terms of spiritual sustenance, eternal security, and divine favor, for He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide abundantly for His people, ensuring that all who are in Him are fully satisfied and eternally nourished by His boundless grace (Colossians 2:9-10).