1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 14
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִשְׁקַ֣ל
Now the weight
H4948
מִשְׁקַ֣ל
Now the weight
Strong's:
H4948
Word #:
2 of 14
weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וָשֵׁ֖שׁ
and six
H8337
וָשֵׁ֖שׁ
and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
9 of 14
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וָשֵׁ֖שׁ
and six
H8337
וָשֵׁ֖שׁ
and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
12 of 14
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
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. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
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.