1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 43
Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
Original Language Analysis
וּמַדּ֕וּעַ
H4069
וּמַדּ֕וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
1 of 11
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֔רְתָּ
Why then hast thou not kept
H8104
שָׁמַ֔רְתָּ
Why then hast thou not kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּצְוָ֖ה
and the commandment
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֖ה
and the commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
8 of 11
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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
Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?
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.