1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 12
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
לְכִ֛י
H1980
לְכִ֛י
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִֽיעָצֵ֥ךְ
let me I pray thee give thee counsel
H3289
אִֽיעָצֵ֥ךְ
let me I pray thee give thee counsel
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
3 of 12
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
4 of 12
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וּמַלְּטִי֙
that thou mayest save
H4422
וּמַלְּטִי֙
that thou mayest save
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
H5315
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
H5315
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
and the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
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 this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
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.