1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 23
Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
Original Language Analysis
בָּקָ֛ר
oxen
H1241
בָּקָ֛ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
2 of 14
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
בָּקָ֛ר
oxen
H1241
בָּקָ֛ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
5 of 14
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וּמֵ֣אָה
and an hundred
H3967
וּמֵ֣אָה
and an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
7 of 14
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
צֹ֑אן
sheep
H6629
צֹ֑אן
sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
8 of 14
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
לְ֠בַד
H905
לְ֠בַד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.