1 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 20
And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֕י
H1961
וַיְהִ֕י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
And it came to pass as they sat
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
And it came to pass as they sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן
at the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן
at the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
5 of 12
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
that the word
H1697
דְּבַר
that the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַנָּבִ֖יא
came unto the prophet
H5030
הַנָּבִ֖יא
came unto the prophet
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
10 of 12
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
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 does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.