1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 10
And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַת֙
and one
H259
וְאַחַת֙
and one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
he in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
he in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 10
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְשֵׁ֣ם
~
H8034
וְשֵׁ֣ם
~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אִמּ֔וֹ
And his mother's
H517
אִמּ֔וֹ
And his mother's
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
7 of 10
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
מַֽעֲכָ֖ה
was Maachah
H4601
מַֽעֲכָ֖ה
was Maachah
Strong's:
H4601
Word #:
8 of 10
maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman
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 forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, 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.