1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 42
And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים
And the time
H3117
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים
And the time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
אֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 10
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 10
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
And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
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.