1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 35
And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
Original Language Analysis
נָתַ֣ן
put
H5414
נָתַ֣ן
put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 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
תַּחְתָּ֖יו
H8478
תַּחְתָּ֖יו
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 16
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַצָּבָ֑א
in his room over the host
H6635
הַצָּבָ֑א
in his room over the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
9 of 16
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נָתַ֣ן
put
H5414
נָתַ֣ן
put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
1 Kings 2:27So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.1 Chronicles 24:3And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.1 Chronicles 29:22And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.1 Kings 4:4And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
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 king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.
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.