Topical Bible: King: Extensive Livestock of

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In the biblical narrative, the possession of extensive livestock is often associated with wealth, prosperity, and divine blessing. Several kings and patriarchs in the Bible are noted for their vast herds and flocks, which symbolize not only material wealth but also God's favor and provision.

Solomon's Wealth and Livestock

King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, is one of the most prominent figures associated with extensive livestock. The Bible describes Solomon's daily provisions, which included large quantities of livestock, as a testament to his prosperity. In 1 Kings 4:22-23 , it is recorded: "Solomon’s provisions for one day were thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, and goats, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry." This abundance reflects the prosperity of Solomon's reign and the fulfillment of God's promise to bless him.

Job's Restoration

Although not a king, Job's account is significant in understanding the biblical perspective on livestock as a measure of wealth and divine blessing. After enduring severe trials, Job's fortunes were restored by God, and his livestock was doubled. Job 42:12 states, "So the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his first. He owned fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys." This restoration underscores the belief that God rewards faithfulness and righteousness with material abundance.

Abraham and the Patriarchs

The patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are also depicted as having extensive livestock, which signifies their wealth and God's covenantal blessings. In Genesis 13:2 , it is noted, "And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold." Abraham's wealth in livestock is a tangible sign of God's promise to make him a great nation and bless him abundantly.

David's Kingdom

King David, Solomon's father, also had significant livestock holdings, which were part of the wealth and resources of his kingdom. In 1 Chronicles 27:29-31 , the management of David's livestock is detailed, indicating the organized and prosperous nature of his reign: "Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds that grazed in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels, Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys, and Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks."

Symbolism and Significance

In the biblical context, extensive livestock is more than a measure of economic status; it is a symbol of God's blessing and favor. The possession of large herds and flocks is often linked to the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of God's covenant with His people. The narratives of kings and patriarchs with extensive livestock serve as reminders of God's provision and the prosperity that comes from living in accordance with His will.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 12:14
And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on three score and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.
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1 Kings 1:33
The king also said to them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
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1 Kings 4:26
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
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1 Kings 10:25
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
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2 Chronicles 9:24,25
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
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Esther 6:8
Let the royal apparel be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and the crown royal which is set on his head:
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Library

Chapter xlvii
... that if the money and the livestock owned is ... original arrangement had already undergone
extensive modification, except ... it to "the half-mythical king" Sesostris ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm