1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 16
(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֵׁ֧שֶׁת
For six
H8337
שֵׁ֧שֶׁת
For six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
2 of 13
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
יָֽשַׁב
remain
H3427
יָֽשַׁב
remain
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֥ם
H8033
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
there with all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
there with all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הִכְרִ֥ית
until he had cut off
H3772
הִכְרִ֥ית
until he had cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
10 of 13
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
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
(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, 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.