1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 15
Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנַפְתָּלִ֑י
was in Naphtali
H5321
בְּנַפְתָּלִ֑י
was in Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
2 of 10
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֗וּא
H1931
ה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּֽשְׂמַ֥ת
Basmath
H1315
בָּֽשְׂמַ֥ת
Basmath
Strong's:
H1315
Word #:
7 of 10
bosmath, the name of a wife of esau, and of a daughter of solomon
בַּת
the daughter
H1323
בַּת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
8 of 10
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
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
Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, 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.