1 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 10
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּיטַ֥ב
pleased
H3190
וַיִּיטַ֥ב
pleased
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
1 of 10
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
הַדָּבָ֖ר
And the speech
H1697
הַדָּבָ֖ר
And the speech
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁאַ֣ל
had asked
H7592
שָׁאַ֣ל
had asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
6 of 10
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
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 the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
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.