1 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 20
And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַיָּמִים֙
And the days
H3117
וְהַיָּמִים֙
And the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 14
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
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
3 of 14
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙
and he slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙
and he slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
8 of 14
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֔יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֔יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
10 of 14
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
11 of 14
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
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 the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
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.