1 Kings Chapter 21 · Verse 24
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
H4191
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
1 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
לְאַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
H256
לְאַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
2 of 10
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
בָּעִ֔יר
in the city
H5892
בָּעִ֔יר
in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
H4191
וְהַמֵּת֙
Him that dieth
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
6 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
1 Kings 16:4Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.1 Kings 14:11Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it.Jeremiah 15:3And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
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
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, 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.