1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 41
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
Original Language Analysis
וְיֶ֨תֶר
And the rest
H3499
וְיֶ֨תֶר
And the rest
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
of the acts
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֖ה
and all that he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
and all that he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הֲלוֹא
H3808
הֲלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כְּתֻבִ֔ים
are they not written
H3789
כְּתֻבִ֔ים
are they not written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
10 of 14
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סֵ֖פֶר
in the book
H5612
סֵ֖פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
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
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
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. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).
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.