1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 10
So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 7
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 7
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Acts 2:29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.Acts 13:36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:1 Chronicles 29:28And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.1 Kings 1:21Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders.1 Kings 11:43And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.1 Kings 3:1And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.2 Samuel 5:7Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
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 passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
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 clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
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.