1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 12
And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
And he took away
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר
And he took away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 11
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
הַקְּדֵשִׁ֖ים
the sodomites
H6945
הַקְּדֵשִׁ֖ים
the sodomites
Strong's:
H6945
Word #:
2 of 11
a (quasi) sacred person, i.e., (technically) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגִּלֻּלִ֔ים
all the idols
H1544
הַגִּלֻּלִ֔ים
all the idols
Strong's:
H1544
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Kings 22:46And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.1 Peter 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
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 he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
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.