1 Kings 21:10

Authorized King James Version

And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠הוֹשִׁיבוּ

H3427

And set

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שְׁנַ֨יִם

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲנָשִׁ֥ים

H582

men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְלִיַּעַל֮

H1100

of Belial

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

נֶגְדּוֹ֒

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וִֽיעִדֻ֣הוּ

H5749

before him to bear witness

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

against him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

בֵּרַ֥כְתָּ

H1288

Thou didst blaspheme

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

#10

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

וָמֶ֑לֶךְ

H4428

and the king

a king

#12

וְהֽוֹצִיאֻ֥הוּ

H3318

And then carry him out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#13

וְסִקְלֻ֖הוּ

H5619

and stone

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

#14

וְיָמֹֽת׃

H4191

him that he may die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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