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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Barley {H8184} also and straw {H8401} for the horses {H5483} and dromedaries {H7409} brought {H935} they unto the place {H4725} where the officers were, every man {H376} according to his charge {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They also made sure there was barley and straw where it was needed for the horses and draft animals; each filled his quota.

Berean Standard Bible

Each one also brought to the required place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses.

American Standard Version

Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 4:28 offers a precise and illuminating glimpse into the sophisticated logistical infrastructure supporting King Solomon's glorious reign. It meticulously details the provision of essential feed—barley and straw—for the royal horses and dromedaries, underscoring the kingdom's immense resources, unparalleled prosperity, and the remarkable administrative efficiency that characterized this golden age for Israel. This verse highlights the meticulous planning and delegated responsibility crucial for maintaining such a vast and thriving empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader narrative describing the unparalleled wisdom, peace, and prosperity of King Solomon's reign, particularly as outlined in [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Administration and Prosperity"). Following the detailed enumeration of Solomon's twelve provincial officers and their respective territories in [1 Kings 4:7-19](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7-19 - Solomon's Twelve Officers and Their Duties"), verses 27 and 28 specifically highlight the practical outworking of their assigned duties. While verse 27 mentions the general provision for the king and his household, verse 28 zeroes in on the specific, large-scale provision for the royal animals, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the administrative system. It serves as a concrete example of the "charge" mentioned, illustrating the meticulous detail and efficiency of Solomon's governance before the chapter concludes with a summary of his unparalleled wisdom and peace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked the zenith of Israel's power and influence in the ancient Near East. His kingdom stretched "from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt" ([1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Solomon's Dominion")). Maintaining such an extensive realm, a vast royal court, and a formidable military required an exceptionally well-organized logistical system. Horses and dromedaries were not merely transport animals but strategic assets, indicative of military strength and rapid communication capabilities, especially for a king who amassed "forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen" ([1 Kings 4:26](/1_kings/4-26 "1 Kings 4:26 - Solomon's Horses and Chariots")). Barley and straw were standard, economical, and readily available provisions for sustaining large animal forces in the region. The system of twelve rotating officers, each responsible for one month's supply, was an ingenious administrative solution to ensure continuous provision without overburdening any single district, reflecting the sophisticated infrastructure of a major ancient Near Eastern empire.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to the description of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it highlights **Order and Efficiency** in governance, demonstrating the meticulous planning and clear delegation that characterized his administration. The phrase "every man according to his charge" emphasizes precision and accountability, ensuring the seamless functioning of the kingdom. Secondly, it speaks volumes about the **Abundance and Prosperity** enjoyed during this era. The sheer quantity of feed required for such a multitude of animals, alongside provisions for the royal household, attests to the extraordinary wealth and material blessings that marked Solomon's rule, fulfilling promises of peace and prosperity found in earlier biblical narratives. This prosperity is further detailed in [1 Kings 10:23-27](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23-27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom"). Finally, the verse subtly points to the importance of **Responsibility and Stewardship**. The diligent fulfillment of duties by the officers, even in seemingly mundane tasks like providing animal feed, was foundational to the kingdom's stability and success, illustrating how faithfulness in specific roles contributes to the well-being of the whole.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Barley (Hebrew, _se'orah'_):** A common cereal grain, barley was a staple crop in ancient Israel and the Near East. It was less expensive than wheat and primarily used as animal feed, especially for horses, and as food for the poor. Its mention here signifies the practical, large-scale, and economical provisioning for the royal animals.
* **Straw (Hebrew, _teben'_):** The dried stalks of grain, straw served as essential roughage and bedding for livestock. Its inclusion alongside barley indicates a complete and balanced provision for the animals, reflecting meticulous care and planning for their sustenance.
* **Dromedaries (Hebrew, _rekesh'_):** While sometimes translated broadly as "swift steeds" or "mules," _rekesh_ most accurately refers to a specific type of fast, single-humped camel, or a swift horse used for riding. Unlike heavier pack camels, dromedaries were prized for their speed and endurance, making them ideal for rapid transport, communication, and possibly light cavalry. Their presence alongside horses highlights Solomon's diverse and strategically optimized animal forces for various purposes across his vast kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Barley also and straw":** This initial phrase specifies the exact provisions, emphasizing their basic, yet crucial, nature. It highlights the practical, daily needs of a large animal contingent and the meticulous attention to detail in meeting those needs.
* **"for the horses and dromedaries":** This clause identifies the recipients of the provisions, pointing to the significant scale of Solomon's animal forces. "Horses" primarily refers to chariot horses and cavalry, while "dromedaries" indicates swift transport animals, showcasing the diverse and strategic composition of the royal animal inventory.
* **"brought they unto the place where [the officers] were":** This phrase describes the logistical process, suggesting a centralized collection or distribution point within each officer's district or a designated royal depot. It underscores the systematic approach to supply chain management and the coordination required across the kingdom.
* **"every man according to his charge":** This concluding phrase is crucial, defining the administrative principle at play. It refers to the twelve district officers, each responsible for providing provisions for one month of the year. It signifies clear delegation, accountability, and the efficient, rotational system that ensured a continuous and uninterrupted supply for the king's household and animals.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though seemingly a simple administrative detail, employs several **Literary Devices** to convey deeper meaning. **Detailing** is prominently used, as the specific mention of "barley," "straw," "horses," and "dromedaries" grounds the narrative in concrete reality, making the scale and meticulousness of Solomon's administration tangible. This specificity also contributes to **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility to the description of his kingdom's opulence and organization. The phrase "every man according to his charge" acts as a form of **Metonymy**, where the specific duty stands in for the broader concept of Solomon's highly organized and efficient governmental structure. Furthermore, the simple, factual presentation of such a massive logistical operation can be seen as a subtle form of **Understatement**, as the immense effort and resources required to sustain such a system are conveyed through a concise statement, allowing the reader to infer the grandeur and complexity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly mundane administrative detail in 1 Kings 4:28 carries significant theological weight. It illustrates a kingdom operating with remarkable order, efficiency, and abundance, which the biblical narrative consistently attributes to God's blessing upon Solomon's wisdom and his reign of peace. The meticulous provision for the royal animals, facilitated by diligent human stewardship and a well-structured administration, serves as a tangible manifestation of divine favor. It suggests that God's blessings often flow through, and are sustained by, human diligence, responsible governance, and a commitment to order. The picture is one of a divinely enabled prosperity, where every part of the kingdom, down to the provision of animal feed, operates with a sense of purpose and accountability, reflecting God's own orderly nature.

* [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence Leads to Plenty")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Psalm 145:15](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15 - God Provides for All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 4:28, though a historical detail about ancient logistics, offers profound principles for contemporary life. It reminds us that great achievements, whether in a kingdom, a business, a family, or a ministry, are built upon the diligent and faithful execution of seemingly small, routine tasks. The officers' "charge" to provide feed, while not glamorous, was essential for the kingdom's stability and the king's ability to govern effectively. This underscores the dignity and importance of all work done with excellence and responsibility, no matter how humble. It challenges us to consider how our own faithfulness in our "charge"—be it in our vocations, our families, or our service to God—contributes to the well-being of the larger whole. Furthermore, the verse highlights the value of good administration and planning. Just as Solomon's kingdom thrived on order and delegation, our lives and organizations benefit immensely from clear responsibilities, efficient systems, and a commitment to stewardship of resources, whether material or spiritual.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous administration of Solomon's kingdom challenge our approach to organization and planning in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what "small duties" or "charges" are we called to be faithful, and how might our diligence in these areas contribute to a larger purpose?**
* **How does the abundance described in Solomon's reign encourage us to trust in God's provision while also exercising responsible stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Why are "dromedaries" specifically mentioned alongside horses?**

Answer: Dromedaries (Hebrew _rekesh_) were swift, single-humped camels, excellent for rapid transport and communication over long distances, especially in arid regions. Horses were primarily for chariots and cavalry, used in more open, less sandy terrains. Their mention signifies Solomon's comprehensive and strategically diverse animal forces, optimizing for different terrains and purposes. This reflects advanced logistical planning and the strategic importance of various animal types for maintaining control and communication across his vast empire, as also seen in [1 Kings 10:26](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen").

**What does "every man according to his charge" imply about Solomon's administration?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the highly organized, decentralized, yet accountable administrative system that underpinned Solomon's prosperity. Each of the twelve district officers (mentioned in [1 Kings 4:7-19](/1_kings/4-7 "1 Kings 4:7-19 - Solomon's Twelve Officers and Their Duties")) was responsible for providing provisions for one month of the year. This rotational system ensured a continuous, reliable supply chain for the royal court and its extensive animal forces. It demonstrates efficient delegation, clear responsibilities, and effective oversight, all crucial for maintaining the stability and prosperity of such a large and complex kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision and unparalleled prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, as exemplified in 1 Kings 4:28, serve as a type and shadow of the far greater and eternal provision found in the reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon, in all his glory, was a human king whose reign, though magnificent, was temporary and ultimately flawed. His ability to provide for his vast kingdom, down to the barley and straw for his animals, points to the ultimate King, Jesus, who perfectly and eternally provides for His people. Christ is the true "Bread of Life" who satisfies every spiritual hunger and thirst ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing not just physical sustenance but eternal life. The order and abundance under Solomon's administration foreshadow the perfect order, peace, and unfathomable riches of God's kingdom under Christ's eternal rule ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Just as Solomon's officers were faithful in their "charge," believers are called to be faithful stewards in the service of the true King, knowing that Christ's kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")) and promises eternal rewards for those who are diligent in their service ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents")). Thus, Solomon's temporal reign of provision anticipates Christ's everlasting reign of grace, truth, and abundant life.

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

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:

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.

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.