1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 7
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.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֤ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֤ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 18
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
נִצָּבִים֙
officers
H5324
נִצָּבִים֙
officers
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
4 of 18
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
over all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
over all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְכַלְכֵּֽל׃
made provision
H3557
לְכַלְכֵּֽל׃
made provision
Strong's:
H3557
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּית֑וֹ
and his household
H1004
בֵּית֑וֹ
and his household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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
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.
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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.