ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. ten fat oxenThe phrase "ten fat oxen" indicates the abundance and prosperity during King Solomon's reign. In Hebrew, the word for "oxen" is "בָּקָר" (baqar), which refers to cattle or large domesticated animals used for labor and food. The specification of "fat" oxen suggests not only the wealth of the kingdom but also the care and attention given to livestock, reflecting a well-managed and prosperous society. Oxen were essential for agriculture, and their abundance signifies a thriving agrarian economy. twenty pasture-fed cattle
"Twenty pasture-fed cattle" highlights the quality of livestock, emphasizing that these animals were not just numerous but well-nourished. The Hebrew term for "pasture-fed" implies animals that graze freely, which would produce healthier and more robust cattle. This detail underscores the fertility of the land and the effective stewardship of resources under Solomon's rule, aligning with the biblical theme of God's blessing manifesting in material prosperity. a hundred sheep
The mention of "a hundred sheep" further illustrates the wealth and provision in Solomon's kingdom. Sheep, or "צֹאן" (tso'n) in Hebrew, were vital for their wool, meat, and milk. The large number signifies not only economic stability but also the ability to provide for the needs of the people. Sheep were also used in religious sacrifices, indicating the spiritual and cultural richness of the society. and goats
The inclusion of "and goats" complements the list of livestock, as goats were valued for their milk, meat, and hides. In Hebrew, "עִזִּים" (izzim) refers to goats, which were often kept alongside sheep. Their presence in the list highlights the diversity and completeness of the resources available, reflecting a balanced and sustainable approach to animal husbandry. as well as deer
The phrase "as well as deer" introduces wild game into the list, suggesting a variety of food sources. Deer, or "אַיָּל" (ayyal) in Hebrew, were considered clean animals and could be consumed according to Levitical law. Their inclusion indicates the abundance of wildlife and the ability to enjoy the natural bounty of the land, symbolizing God's provision beyond domesticated resources. gazelles
"Gazelles," or "צְבִי" (tsevi) in Hebrew, are graceful and swift animals, often associated with beauty and elegance in biblical literature. Their mention in the list of provisions suggests not only the availability of diverse food sources but also the aesthetic appreciation of God's creation. Gazelles were also considered clean animals, reinforcing the theme of abundance within the bounds of divine law. roebucks
The term "roebucks" refers to a type of deer, known for their agility and strength. In Hebrew, "יָחְמוּר" (yachmur) is used, which may denote a specific species or a general term for wild game. The presence of roebucks in the list highlights the richness of the land's fauna and the ability to enjoy a variety of meats, symbolizing the fullness of God's blessing upon the kingdom. and fattened poultry
Finally, "and fattened poultry" completes the list with domesticated birds, likely chickens or similar fowl. The Hebrew term for "poultry" is "בַּרְבֻּרִים" (barburim), which suggests birds that are specifically raised for consumption. The adjective "fattened" indicates careful breeding and feeding, ensuring high-quality meat. This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of Solomon's provision, reflecting a society that enjoys both the fruits of the land and the benefits of human cultivation and care. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel during this time, known for his wisdom and wealth. This verse is part of a larger passage describing the daily provisions for Solomon's household, reflecting his prosperity and the extent of his kingdom. 2. IsraelThe nation over which Solomon reigned. This period is marked by peace and prosperity, largely attributed to Solomon's wise governance. 3. Stall-fed cattle and pasture-fed cattleThese terms indicate the variety and abundance of resources available to Solomon. Stall-fed cattle were likely more tender and considered a luxury, while pasture-fed cattle were more common. 4. Sheep and goatsCommon livestock in ancient Israel, used for food, clothing, and sacrifices. 5. Deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultryThese animals highlight the diversity of Solomon's provisions, indicating not only wealth but also the ability to sustain a large and varied diet. Teaching Points God's Provision and AbundanceSolomon's daily provisions reflect God's abundant blessings. As believers, we are reminded that God provides for our needs and often blesses us beyond what we expect. Stewardship of ResourcesSolomon's management of resources can inspire us to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us, using our resources to honor Him and serve others. Contentment and GratitudeWhile Solomon's wealth was extraordinary, the principle of being content and grateful for what we have is applicable to all believers. Recognizing God's provision should lead to a heart of gratitude. The Danger of WealthAlthough Solomon's wealth was a blessing, it also posed spiritual dangers. Believers should be cautious of allowing material wealth to lead them away from dependence on God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's daily provision reflect God's blessing and provision in our own lives today? 2. In what ways can we practice wise stewardship of the resources God has given us, as seen in Solomon's management of his kingdom? 3. How can we cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude, regardless of our material circumstances? 4. What are some potential spiritual dangers associated with wealth, and how can we guard against them? 5. How do the descriptions of Solomon's wealth in 1 Kings 4:23 and related passages challenge or encourage your current perspective on material possessions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 10:14-29This passage further describes Solomon's wealth and the grandeur of his kingdom, providing a broader context for the daily provisions mentioned in 1 Kings 4:23. 2 Chronicles 9:13-28Similar to 1 Kings 10, this passage details Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of his reign, reinforcing the image of abundance seen in 1 Kings 4:23. Proverbs 3:9-10These verses speak about honoring the Lord with wealth and the resulting abundance, which can be seen in Solomon's life as he initially sought wisdom from God. People Abda, Abel, Abiathar, Abinadab, Adoniram, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahilud, Ahimaaz, Ahinadab, Ahishar, Amorites, Argob, Asher, Azariah, Baana, Baanah, Basmath, Ben, Benaiah, Benjamin, Calcol, Chalcol, Dan, Darda, Dekar, Elah, Elihoreph, Elon, Ethan, Geber, Hanan, Heman, Hepher, Hesed, Hur, Hushai, Iddo, Issachar, Jair, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Mahol, Manasseh, Naphtali, Nathan, Og, Paruah, Shimei, Shisha, Sihon, Solomon, Taphath, Uri, Zabud, ZadokPlaces Abel-meholah, Argob, Arubboth, Bashan, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Dan, Egypt, Elonbeth-hanan, Euphrates River, Gaza, Gilead, Hepher, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Jokmeam, Lebanon, Mahanaim, Makaz, Megiddo, Naphath-dor, Ramoth-gilead, Shaalbim, Socoh, Taanach, Tiphsah, ZarethanTopics Addition, Apart, Beasts, Beside, Besides, Cattle, Choice, Deer, Fallowdeer, Fallow-deer, Fat, Fatted, Fattened, Feeding, Fields, Fowl, Fowls, Gazelles, Goats, Hart, Harts, Hundred, Oxen, Pasture-fed, Pastures, Roe, Roebucks, Roes, Sheep, Stall-fed, Stalls, Ten, TwentyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:23 4672 manger
5157 head 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 4:20-25 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 4:22-23 4404 food 1 Kings 4:22-24 5399 luxury 1 Kings 4:22-28 4476 meals Library The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, 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, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether He who Raises the Unworthy to Orders Commits a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that he who raises the unworthy to orders commits no sin. For a bishop needs assistants appointed to the lesser offices. But he would be unable to find them in sufficient number, if he were to require of them such qualifications as the saints enumerate. Therefore if he raise some who are not qualified, he would seem to be excusable. Objection 2: Further, the Church needs not only ministers for the dispensation of things spiritual, but also for the supervision of temporalities. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 4:23 NIV1 Kings 4:23 NLT1 Kings 4:23 ESV1 Kings 4:23 NASB1 Kings 4:23 KJV
1 Kings 4:23 Commentaries
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