1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 23
In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַ֜ת
and first
H259
וְאַחַ֜ת
and first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 18
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
over Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
over Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
13 of 18
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
בְּתִרְצָ֖ה
he in Tirzah
H8656
בְּתִרְצָ֖ה
he in Tirzah
Strong's:
H8656
Word #:
15 of 18
tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess
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
In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in 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.