1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 28
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַתֶּ֔בֶן
also and straw
H8401
וְהַתֶּ֔בֶן
also and straw
Strong's:
H8401
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
וְלָרָ֑כֶשׁ
and dromedaries
H7409
וְלָרָ֑כֶשׁ
and dromedaries
Strong's:
H7409
Word #:
4 of 12
a relay of animals on a post-route (as stored up for that purpose); by implication, a courser
הַמָּקוֹם֙
they unto the place
H4725
הַמָּקוֹם֙
they unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָּׁ֔ם
H8033
Cross References
Micah 1:13O 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 8:10And 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:Esther 8:14So 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.
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
Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
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.