1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 29
And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֥ע
sware
H7650
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֥ע
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 11
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
חַי
liveth
H2416
חַי
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 11
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֕ה
As the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּדָ֥ה
that hath redeemed
H6299
פָּדָ֥ה
that hath redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
7 of 11
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשִׁ֖י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֖י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
9 of 11
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
And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
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.