1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 17
And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲלֶ֥ה
went up
H5927
וַיַּֽעֲלֶ֥ה
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
and all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
and all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עִמּ֖וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וַיָּצֻ֖רוּ
with him and they besieged
H6696
וַיָּצֻ֖רוּ
with him and they besieged
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
7 of 9
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
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 Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, 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.