1 Kings 4:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And those officers {H5324} provided victual {H3557} for king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}, and for all that came {H7131} unto king {H4428} Solomon's {H8010} table {H7979}, every man {H376} in his month {H2320}: they lacked {H5737} nothing {H1697}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:27 concisely portrays the zenith of King Solomon's reign, highlighting the unparalleled prosperity and meticulous 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 need was met without deficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a broader narrative arc (1 Kings 4:1-34) that extols the wisdom, wealth, and administrative prowess of King Solomon, contrasting sharply with the fragmented tribal system of earlier periods. Immediately preceding 1 Kings 4:27, the text meticulously details the appointment of twelve district officers (1 Kings 4:7-19), each responsible for supplying the royal household for one month of the year. This administrative framework is presented as a cornerstone of Solomon's successful governance. Furthermore, the verse builds upon the description of Israel's unprecedented peace and prosperity under Solomon's rule, where the people lived in security "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" (1 Kings 4:20-25), emphasizing the practical outcome of this national blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents the "Golden Age" of the united monarchy of Israel, a period of unparalleled peace, wealth, and influence often referred to as the "Pax Solomonica." This era saw significant expansion of trade, diplomatic relations, and monumental building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. Culturally, a king's ability to host lavish feasts and provide abundantly for his court and subjects was a direct reflection of his power, wealth, and divine favor. The system of twelve regional officers was a sophisticated administrative innovation, allowing for efficient resource management across a diverse kingdom. The mention of "Solomon's table" implies not just his immediate family but a vast retinue of officials, foreign dignitaries, and servants, making the scale of provision described in 1 Kings 4:27 a remarkable feat for its time.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 4:27 encapsulates several pivotal themes woven throughout the book of 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Blessing and Abundance**, showcasing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - God's Covenant with David")) concerning a flourishing kingdom. Solomon's unprecedented prosperity is directly linked to his initial prayer for wisdom to govern God's people ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Effective Administration and Wisdom in Governance**. The meticulous system of district officers demonstrates Solomon's practical wisdom in organizing his vast kingdom, ensuring stability and provision. This administrative acumen is a tangible expression of the wisdom God granted him, as detailed in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wisdom"). Finally, the phrase "they lacked nothing" underscores the theme of **National Prosperity and Security**, a period when Israel enjoyed the fruits of peace and divine favor, living in a state of unparalleled well-being and contentment, as described in [1 Kings 4:20](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity of Judah and Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Victual (Latin, _victualia_):** Derived from Latin, this archaic English term simply means 'food' or 'provisions.' Its use here emphasizes the tangible, daily sustenance required for the extensive royal court. The word underscores the practical, material aspect of the abundance, moving beyond abstract notions of wealth to the concrete reality of a well-fed populace within the king's sphere of influence.
* **Officers (Hebrew, _niṣṣābîm_):** This term refers to the appointed administrative officials or deputies. In the context of 1 Kings 4, these were the twelve regional governors responsible for collecting and delivering the monthly provisions. Their existence and effective operation highlight Solomon's sophisticated bureaucratic structure, demonstrating a highly organized and centralized government capable of managing vast resources and ensuring consistent supply across the kingdom.
* **Lacked nothing (Hebrew, _lōʾ ḥāsēr_):** This powerful phrase signifies absolute completeness and sufficiency. It is an emphatic declaration of the absence of want or deficiency. In a world where scarcity was common, this statement conveys a profound sense of divine blessing, administrative success, and the unparalleled opulence of Solomon's reign, where every need, particularly for sustenance, was met in full.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And those officers provided victual for king Solomon":** This clause immediately connects to the preceding verses (1 Kings 4:7-19) which introduce Solomon's twelve district officers. It highlights the practical execution of the administrative system put in place by Solomon. These officers were not merely tax collectors but were specifically tasked with gathering and delivering the necessary food supplies to the royal court, demonstrating a direct and efficient chain of provision.
* **"and for all that came unto king Solomon's table":** This phrase expands the scope of the provision beyond just King Solomon himself. 'Solomon's table' was a metaphor for the entire royal establishment, including his extensive family, numerous officials, servants, foreign guests, and possibly even a standing army. The sheer volume of food required for such a large and diverse group underscores the immense scale of the king's household and the resources at his disposal.
* **"every man in his month: they lacked nothing":** This final part of the verse emphasizes both the systematic nature and the successful outcome of the provision. 'Every man in his month' refers to the rotation of the twelve officers, each responsible for one month's supply, ensuring a year-round, consistent flow of provisions. The concluding declaration, 'they lacked nothing,' is the climactic statement, powerfully conveying the absolute sufficiency and abundance that characterized Solomon's reign. It is a testament to both the efficiency of his administration and, more profoundly, to the divine blessing that enabled such unparalleled prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The concise statement of 1 Kings 4:27 employs several literary devices to powerfully convey the prosperity of Solomon's reign. The phrase **Hyperbole** is evident in "they lacked nothing," which, while perhaps not literally meaning zero deprivation for every individual in the entire kingdom, strongly emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and the absence of any significant want within the royal court and its immediate sphere. This exaggeration serves to underscore the unparalleled nature of Solomon's wealth and God's blessing. Furthermore, "Solomon's table" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical eating surface but the entire royal court, its influence, its hospitality, and its immense resources. It is a microcosm of the kingdom's opulence. The meticulous detail of "every man in his month" also highlights **Order and Efficiency**, subtly pointing to the wisdom and administrative prowess that characterized Solomon's rule, a divine gift that manifested in practical, tangible ways.

### 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 (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:1-14). It illustrates God's capacity to provide not just adequately but superabundantly for those He favors and for whom He has a purpose. 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 brings about flourishing.
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - God's Blessing of Abundance")
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### 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 of "lacked nothing," we are invited to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our spiritual, emotional, and physical necessities. This verse challenges us to consider our own role in stewardship—whether of resources, talents, or time—and how our diligent efforts, when aligned with God's will, can become channels for His blessings to ourselves and others. It also encourages us to cultivate gratitude for the provisions we receive 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
* **How does the abundance described in Solomon's reign challenge or affirm your understanding of God's provision in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel a sense of "lacking," and how might trusting in God's ultimate provision, as seen in this verse, encourage you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be a better steward of the resources, talents, or opportunities God has provided you, mirroring the administrative efficiency seen in Solomon's officers?**

### 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](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-13 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Riches")). 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](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29 - God Gives Solomon Wisdom")). The narrative consistently attributes the kingdom's flourishing to divine favor, fulfilling promises made to David and Abraham.

**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](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). 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](/1_kings/4-24 "1 Kings 4:24 - Solomon's Dominion and Peace")) and unparalleled abundance. This period stands in stark contrast to the later decline and exile, which the Deuteronomistic historians attribute to Israel's disobedience. Thus, this verse highlights a high point of covenant faithfulness and its tangible rewards.

### 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 physical sustenance. Jesus is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Unlike Solomon's kingdom, which eventually faced division and decline, the spiritual kingdom inaugurated by Christ is eternal and its provisions are inexhaustible. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides for our deepest spiritual needs, offering forgiveness, eternal life, and a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Him, believers truly "lack nothing" in terms of spiritual sustenance and eternal security, 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 grace (cf. [Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in 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.