1 Kings 12:15

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֥ע

H8085

hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

Wherefore the king

a king

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

not unto the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

סִבָּה֙

H5438

for the cause

a (providential) turn (of affairs)

מֵעִ֣ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#10

יְהוָה֙

H3068

was from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

לְמַ֜עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#12

הָקִ֣ים

H6965

that he might perform

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

דְּבָר֗וֹ

H1697

his saying

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#15

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

דִּבֶּ֤ר

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#17

יְהוָה֙

H3068

was from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

בְּיַד֙

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

אֲחִיָּ֣ה

H281

Ahijah

achijah, the name of nine israelites

#20

הַשִּֽׁילֹנִ֔י

H7888

the Shilonite

a shilonite or inhabitant of shiloh

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם

H3379

unto Jeroboam

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

#23

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#24

נְבָֽט׃

H5028

of Nebat

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Elijah

Study Resources

Biblical Maps