1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 43
And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 12
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּעִ֖יר
in the city
H5892
בְּעִ֖יר
in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אָבִ֑יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 12
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
Cross References
1 Kings 2:10So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.2 Kings 21:18And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.Matthew 1:7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
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 Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
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.