Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Solomon had twelve district governors over all Israel, who supplied provisions for the king and the royal household. Each one had to provide supplies for one month in the year. New Living Translation Solomon also had twelve district governors who were over all Israel. They were responsible for providing food for the king’s household. Each of them arranged provisions for one month of the year. English Standard Version Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year. Berean Standard Bible Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, Berean Literal Bible And had Solomon twelve governors over all Israel, and they provided food for the king and his house—one month of the year was upon each one for provision. King James Bible And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision. New King James Version And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month of the year. New American Standard Bible Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each deputy had to provide food for a month in the year. NASB 1995 Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year. NASB 1977 And Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year. Legacy Standard Bible Now Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who sustained the king and his household; each man had to sustain them for a month in the year. Amplified Bible Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who secured provisions for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year. Berean Annotated Bible Solomon (peace) had twelve governors over all Israel (he wrestles with God) to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, Christian Standard Bible Solomon had twelve deputies for all Israel. They provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month out of the year. Holman Christian Standard Bible Solomon had 12 deputies for all Israel. They provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month out of the year. American Standard Version And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided victuals for the king and his household: each man had to make provision for a month in the year. Contemporary English Version Solomon chose twelve regional officers, who took turns bringing food for him and his household. Each officer provided food from his region for one month of the year. English Revised Version And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man had to make provision for a month in the year: GOD'S WORD® Translation Solomon appointed 12 district governors in Israel. They were to provide food for the king and his palace. Each one had to supply food for one month every year. Good News Translation Solomon appointed twelve men as district governors in Israel. They were to provide food from their districts for the king and his household, each man being responsible for one month out of the year. International Standard Version Solomon also appointed twelve governors over all of Israel, each of whom were responsible for providing one month's food provisions to the king and to his administration during each year. NET Bible Solomon had twelve district governors appointed throughout Israel who acquired supplies for the king and his palace. Each was responsible for one month in the year. New Heart English Bible Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household: each man had to make provision for a month in the year. Webster's Bible Translation And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSolomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, World English Bible Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for a month in the year. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Solomon has twelve officers over all Israel, and they have sustained the king and his household—a month in the year is on each one for sustenance; Berean Literal Bible And had Solomon twelve governors over all Israel, and they provided food for the king and his house—one month of the year was upon each one for provision. Young's Literal Translation And Solomon hath twelve officers over all Israel, and they have sustained the king and his household -- a month in the year is on each one for sustenance; Smith's Literal Translation And to Solomon, twelve, set over all Israel, and they furnished the king and his house: a month in the year will be for one to furnish. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided victuals for the king and for his household: for every one provided necessaries, each man his month in the year. Catholic Public Domain Version And Solomon had twelve commanders over all of Israel, who offered yearly provisions for the king and his house. For each was ministering the necessities, by each month of the year. New American Bible Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel who supplied food for the king and his household, each having to provide for one month in the year. New Revised Standard Version Solomon had twelve officials over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one had to make provision for one month in the year. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household and for the army; each month of the year it fell on one of them to supply provisions. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And for Solomon these twelve Governors over all Israel, and they nourished the King and his household, and the army, a month in a year, one for each to supply food. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided victuals for the king and his household: each man had to make provision for a month in the year. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, to provide for the king and his household; each one's turn came to supply for a month in the year. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Solomon's Twelve Officers7Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, 8and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim;… Cross References Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel Numbers 34:16-29 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. / Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. … Deuteronomy 1:13-15 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” / And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” / So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. Exodus 18:21-25 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. / If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” … to provide food for the king and his household. 1 Kings 10:5 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 2 Samuel 17:27-29 When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Kings 25:29-30 So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. / And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, 1 Chronicles 27:1-15 This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. … Genesis 41:34-36 Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. / Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. / This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.” 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. … 1 Kings 9:23 They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work. 1 Kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 1 Kings 5:16 not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers. 1 Kings 10:15 not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land. 2 Chronicles 8:10 They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors. 2 Chronicles 10:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 2 Chronicles 9:14 not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon. Treasury of Scripture And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision. each man 1 Chronicles 27:1-15 Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand… Jump to Previous Deputies District Food Governors House Household Israel Month Needed Officers Overseers Provide Provided Provision Provisions Responsible Royal Solomon Stores Supplied Sustained Twelve VictualsJump to Next Deputies District Food Governors House Household Israel Month Needed Officers Overseers Provide Provided Provision Provisions Responsible Royal Solomon Stores Supplied Sustained Twelve Victuals1 Kings 4 1. Solomon's princes7. His twelve officers for provision 20. The peace and largeness of his kingdom 22. His daily provision 26. His stable 29. His wisdom Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel Solomon's establishment of twelve governors reflects the administrative organization of his kingdom. This system ensured efficient governance and resource management across the diverse tribes of Israel. The number twelve is significant in biblical terms, often symbolizing completeness or divine order, as seen with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles in the New Testament. This structure may have been influenced by Egyptian or other Near Eastern administrative practices, as Solomon's reign was marked by international alliances and cultural exchanges. to provide food for the king and his household Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity. 2. Twelve Governors Appointed by Solomon to oversee the provision of food for the king's household. Each governor was responsible for one month of the year, ensuring a steady supply of resources. 3. Israel The united kingdom under Solomon, encompassing all the tribes of Israel. This period is often seen as the height of Israel's power and influence. 4. Provision for the King’s Household The logistical system established by Solomon to maintain the royal court, reflecting the administrative organization and economic prosperity of his reign. 5. Monthly Provision System A structured approach to governance and resource management, ensuring that the needs of the king's household were met consistently throughout the year. Teaching Points Wisdom in AdministrationSolomon's appointment of twelve governors demonstrates the importance of wise and organized leadership. Effective administration is crucial for maintaining order and prosperity. Stewardship and Responsibility Each governor's responsibility for one month highlights the importance of stewardship and accountability in our roles, whether in family, work, or ministry. Provision and Planning The monthly provision system underscores the value of planning and foresight. We are called to be diligent in preparing for the future, trusting God while also using the resources and wisdom He provides. Unity and Cooperation The cooperation among the twelve governors reflects the need for unity and teamwork in achieving common goals. In the body of Christ, each member has a role to play in supporting the whole. Dependence on God’s Wisdom Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, reminding us to seek divine guidance in our decisions and leadership responsibilities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 4:7?2. How does 1 Kings 4:7 illustrate God's provision through Solomon's leadership structure? 3. What can we learn about stewardship from Solomon's twelve district governors? 4. How does Solomon's organization reflect God's order in creation and governance? 5. In what ways can church leadership today apply Solomon's administrative model? 6. How does 1 Kings 4:7 encourage us to trust God's provision in leadership? 7. How does 1 Kings 4:7 reflect Solomon's administrative organization and wisdom? 8. What historical evidence supports the existence of Solomon's twelve governors? 9. How does 1 Kings 4:7 demonstrate God's provision for Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4? 11. Who was Ben-Hur in the Bible? 12. Who was Ben-Hur in the Bible? 13. Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? 14. Does any archaeological evidence confirm the vast wealth and population of Solomon’s empire described in 1 Kings 4? What Does 1 Kings 4:7 Mean Solomon had twelve governors“Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household.” (1 Kings 4:7) • By appointing twelve officials, Solomon follows the pattern of wise delegation first modeled by Moses when he chose capable men to share the load (Exodus 18:17-23). • Twelve is also the number of Israel’s tribes, underscoring comprehensive representation much like David’s military divisions in 1 Chronicles 27:1. • Delegation protects a leader from burnout and allows each official to serve with focused excellence—an echo of the New-Testament counsel that “everything must be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Over all Israel The governors served “over all Israel,” not just Judah or favored regions. • Solomon’s reign, like David’s before him (2 Samuel 5:1-3), pulls the entire nation into one united administration, anticipating the New-Covenant call to preserve “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). • The later fracture of the kingdom in 1 Kings 12 reminds us that unity can be lost when leaders neglect just governance and shared identity. To provide food for the king and his household The stated purpose is provision: “to provide food for the king and his household.” • Daily consumption was enormous—1 Kings 4:22-23 lists thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, and more—yet Solomon organizes resources so the burden is sustainable. • Nehemiah models similar generosity and accountability when feeding his own court (Nehemiah 5:18). • Scripture consistently affirms that workers deserve support (1 Timothy 5:17-18), and Proverbs 27:18 notes that “whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit.” Orderly provision honors those who serve and those who supply. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year “Each one was responsible for providing supplies for one month of the year.” (1 Kings 4:7) • Rotating responsibility means no tribe or district is crushed by continuous taxation—wisdom foreshadowed by Joseph’s plan to store grain by fifths in Genesis 41:33-36. • The monthly cycle matches the military and priestly rotations in 1 Chronicles 27:1; 24:19, showing that rhythm and predictability bless a nation. • Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us there is “a time for every purpose,” and faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2) learn to plan within God-given seasons. Spiritual lessons for today • Delegation honors God-given gifts—Acts 6:3 illustrates appointing Spirit-filled leaders so the mission advances. • Shared load fosters unity; when the body of Christ functions “according to the measure of faith God has given” (Romans 12:6-8), everyone benefits. • Orderly planning does not replace reliance on God; rather, it expresses it. “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19) stands alongside organized labor and clear roles. • Just, limited demands on people’s resources reflect love of neighbor and prevent abuse, contrasting with the oppressive taxation foretold in 1 Samuel 8:11-18. summary 1 Kings 4:7 records Solomon’s wise appointment of twelve regional governors who, on a rotating monthly schedule, supplied all the food required by the royal court. The verse showcases delegation, national unity, fair distribution of burdens, and thoughtful planning—principles rooted in God’s character of order and justice. By mirroring these patterns in church, family, and civic life, believers honor the Lord who provides both structure and sustenance for His people. (7) Provided victuals for the king and his household.--This denotes the collection of revenue--mostly, no doubt, in kind--for the maintenance of the Court and household and guards of the king; and perhaps may have included also the management of the royal domain lands, such as is described under David's reign in 1Chronicles 26:25-31. It is curious that in five cases only the patronymic of the officer is given, probably from some defect in the archives from which this chapter is evidently drawn. The office must have been of high importance and dignity, for in two cases (1Kings 4:11; 1Kings 4:15) the holders of it were married into the royal house. The provinces over which they had authority--nine on the west and three on the east of Jordan--coincide only in a few cases with the lands assigned to the several tribes. It is not unlikely that by this time much of the tribal division of territory had become obsolete although we see from 1Chronicles 27:16-22, that for chieftainship over men, and for levy in war, it still remained in force.Verse 7. - And Solomon had twelve officers [lit., persons "placed" or "set over" others, i.e., superintendents. The term is used of Doeg (1 Samuel 22:9). They were twelve, not because of the twelve tribes, but the twelve months] over all Israel, which provided victuals for [Heb. nourished] the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision [lit., a month in the year it was (i.e., devolved) upon each to nourish. It has been thought by some that these superintendents were also governors of provinces (ἡΓενισισόνες καὶ σταηγοί, Jos. Ant. 8:2, 3), as well as purveyors. But of this nothing is said in the text. Their principal function was to collect the royal dues or taxes which were evidently paid, as they still are in the East, in kind].Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Solomonוְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֞ה (wə·liš·lō·mōh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne had twelve שְׁנֵים־ (šə·nêm-) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) governors נִצָּבִים֙ (niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc to provide food וְכִלְכְּל֥וּ (wə·ḵil·kə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain for the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and his household. בֵּית֑וֹ (bê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house [Each] one הָאֶחָ֖ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first would arrange provisions לְכַלְכֵּֽל׃ (lə·ḵal·kêl) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain for one month חֹ֧דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month of the year, בַּשָּׁנָ֛ה (baš·šā·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year Links 1 Kings 4:7 NIV1 Kings 4:7 NLT 1 Kings 4:7 ESV 1 Kings 4:7 NASB 1 Kings 4:7 KJV 1 Kings 4:7 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 4:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 4:7 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 4:7 French Bible 1 Kings 4:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 4:7 Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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