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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 4:7 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/11_1Ki_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 4:7 - Solomon's Twelve Officers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/4-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/4-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm" title="1 Kings 4:6">◄</a> 1 Kings 4:7 <a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm" title="1 Kings 4:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each <i>deputy</i> had to provide food for a month in the year.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who sustained the king and his household; each man had to sustain <i>them</i> for a month in the year.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=1480" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Solomon's Twelve Officers</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: wə·liš·lō·mōh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm- (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">had twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">governors</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3557.htm" title="3557: wə·ḵil·kə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To comprehend, contain. A primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain.">to provide food</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">for the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">and his household.</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ʾɛ·ḥå̄ḏ (Art:: Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">Each one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3557.htm" title="3557: lə·ḵal·kêl (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To comprehend, contain. A primitive root; properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain.">would arrange provisions</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḥō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">for one month</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: baš·šā·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">of the year,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-23.htm">1 Kings 9:23</a></span><br />They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-16.htm">1 Kings 5:16</a></span><br />not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">1 Kings 10:15</a></span><br />not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-10.htm">2 Chronicles 8:10</a></span><br />They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-4.htm">2 Chronicles 10:4</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-14.htm">2 Chronicles 9:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15</a></span><br />The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a></span><br />So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a></span><br />So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-3</a></span><br />In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a></span><br />And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a></span><br />And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">each man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1-15</a></b></br> Now the children of Israel after their number, <i>to wit</i>, 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 <i>were</i> twenty and four thousand… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Deputies</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">District</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">Food</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Month</a> <a href="/joshua/19-9.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/joshua/24-1.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-33.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Provisions</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-46.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/numbers/31-5.htm">Supplied</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-33.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Victuals</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Deputies</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-13.htm">District</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-9.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Month</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-12.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-19.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-16.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-17.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">Provision</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">Provisions</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-16.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-1.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-11.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-19.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Supplied</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Sustained</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Victuals</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon's princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">His twelve officers for provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">The peace and largeness of his kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">His daily provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">His stable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">His wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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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.<p><b>to provide food for the king and his household</b><br>The provision of food for the king and his household indicates the wealth and prosperity of Solomon's reign. The king's household would have been extensive, including family, servants, and officials. This system of provision highlights the centralization of resources and the importance of hospitality and sustenance in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It also underscores the responsibility of the governors to support the king's court, reflecting the hierarchical nature of the society.<p><b>Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year</b><br>This rotational system of provision ensured a steady supply of resources and prevented any single region from being overburdened. It reflects a well-organized and fair distribution of responsibilities among the governors. This method of governance can be seen as a precursor to modern systems of taxation and resource allocation. The monthly rotation also mirrors the agricultural calendar, aligning with the cycles of planting and harvest, which were crucial for sustaining the kingdom's economy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/twelve_governors.htm">Twelve Governors</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/provision_for_the_king's_household.htm">Provision for the King’s Household</a></b><br>The logistical system established by Solomon to maintain the royal court, reflecting the administrative organization and economic prosperity of his reign.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/monthly_provision_system.htm">Monthly Provision System</a></b><br>A structured approach to governance and resource management, ensuring that the needs of the king's household were met consistently throughout the year.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_administration.htm">Wisdom in Administration</a></b><br>Solomon's appointment of twelve governors demonstrates the importance of wise and organized leadership. Effective administration is crucial for maintaining order and prosperity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_responsibility.htm">Stewardship and Responsibility</a></b><br>Each governor's responsibility for one month highlights the importance of stewardship and accountability in our roles, whether in family, work, or ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/provision_and_planning.htm">Provision and Planning</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_cooperation.htm">Unity and Cooperation</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_wisdom.htm">Dependence on God’s Wisdom</a></b><br>Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, reminding us to seek divine guidance in our decisions and leadership responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_ben-hur_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ben-Hur in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_restore_my_joy_of_salvation.htm">Who was Ben-Hur in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_rehoboam's_reply_only_harsh.htm">Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_solomon's_empire's_wealth.htm">Does any archaeological evidence confirm the vast wealth and population of Solomon’s empire described in 1 Kings 4? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Provided victuals for the king and his household.</span>--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 <a href="/context/1_chronicles/26-25.htm" title="And his brothers by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.">1Chronicles 26:25-31</a>. 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 (<a href="/1_kings/4-11.htm" title="The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife:">1Kings 4:11</a>; <a href="/1_kings/4-15.htm" title="Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:">1Kings 4:15</a>) 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 <a href="/context/1_chronicles/27-16.htm" title="Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:">1Chronicles 27:16-22</a>, that for chieftainship over men, and for levy in war, it still remained in force.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Solomon had twelve officers</span> [lit., persons <span class="accented">"placed"</span> or <span class="accented">"set</span> over" others, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, superintendents. The term is used of Doeg (<a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9</a>). They were twelve, not because of the twelve tribes, but the twelve months] <span class="cmt_word">over all Israel, which provided victuals for</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">nourished</span>] <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>the king</span> <span class="cmt_word">and his household</span>: <span class="cmt_word">each man his month in a year made provision</span> [lit., <span class="accented">a</span> <span class="accented">month in the year it was</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, devolved) <span class="accented">upon each to nourish.</span> It has been thought by some that these superintendents were also governors of provinces (<span class="greek">ἡΓενισισόνες καὶ</span> <span class="greek">σταηγοί</span>, 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]. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Solomon</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֞ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liš·lō·mōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵים־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">governors</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצָּבִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to provide food</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכִלְכְּל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵil·kə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3557.htm">Strong's 3557: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep in, to measure, to maintain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his household.</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּית֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Each] one</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֶחָ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would arrange provisions</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכַלְכֵּֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵal·kêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3557.htm">Strong's 3557: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep in, to measure, to maintain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for one month</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֧דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> </span><span class="str2">The new moon, a month</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the year,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשָּׁנָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(baš·šā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 4:7 Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>