1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 40
And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ
came up
H5927
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ
came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְהָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
וְהָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְהָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
וְהָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מְחַלְּלִ֣ים
piped
H2490
מְחַלְּלִ֣ים
piped
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
גְדוֹלָ֑ה
with great
H1419
גְדוֹלָ֑ה
with great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 13
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וַתִּבָּקַ֥ע
rent
H1234
וַתִּבָּקַ֥ע
rent
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
11 of 13
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
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 all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
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.