Theses verses direct our attention back to the work of the deputies whose duty was to provide for Solomon’s needs at his table and in other ways. In 1 Kings 4:28 we are told that the deputies also supplied the needs of fodder (animal food) for Solomon’s horses. The horses are divided into two groups. The ESV translators have inserted the word war
before the first mention of horses to clarify the way the text reads. Without that insertion the text reads, They also brought barley and straw for the horses and baggage horses.
Such a reading would leave us with a question as to why the writer distinguishes baggage horses
from just plain horses.
27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon’s table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking.