1 Kings Chapter 16 · Verse 8
In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.
Original Language Analysis
וָשֵׁשׁ֙
and sixth
H8337
וָשֵׁשׁ֙
and sixth
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
3 of 15
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֵלָ֨ה
began Elah
H425
אֵלָ֨ה
began Elah
Strong's:
H425
Word #:
9 of 15
elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
over Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
over Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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 twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.
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.