1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 22
But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
prevailed
H2388
וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
prevailed
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 16
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
הָעָ֕ם
But the people
H5971
הָעָ֕ם
But the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
that followed
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
that followed
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֶת
against
H854
אֶת
against
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הָעָ֕ם
But the people
H5971
הָעָ֕ם
But the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
that followed
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
that followed
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיָּ֣מָת
died
H4191
וַיָּ֣מָת
died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
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
But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.
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.