1 Kings Chapter 21 · Verse 28
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
And the word
H1697
דְּבַר
And the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵֽלִיָּ֥הוּ
came to Elijah
H452
אֵֽלִיָּ֥הוּ
came to Elijah
Strong's:
H452
Word #:
5 of 7
elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other israelites
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 the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The prophetic office represents God's faithful witness even in apostasy, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness.
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.