1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 11
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים
And the days
H3117
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים
And the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 17
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 #:
6 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שֶׁ֣בַע
seven
H7651
שֶׁ֣בַע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
11 of 17
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
he in Jerusalem
H3389
וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
he in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
13 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
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
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
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.