1 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 24
And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
עֲשֵׂ֑ה
And do
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֑ה
And do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִ֣ישׁ
away every man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
away every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִמְּקֹמ֔וֹ
out of his place
H4725
מִמְּקֹמ֔וֹ
out of his place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וְשִׂ֥ים
and put
H7760
וְשִׂ֥ים
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
9 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
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 complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's wars with syria, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
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.