1 Kings 12:13

Authorized King James Version

And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָעָ֖ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
קָשָׁ֑ה
roughly
severe (in various applications)
#6
וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב
and forsook
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עֲצַ֥ת
counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#9
הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים
the old men's
old
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יְעָצֻֽהוּ׃
that they gave
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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