1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 38
And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
Original Language Analysis
ט֣וֹב
is good
H2896
ט֣וֹב
is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
הַדָּבָ֔ר
The saying
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
The saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּר֙
hath said
H1696
דִּבֶּר֙
hath said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
do
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
15 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 Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
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.