1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 20
Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוּדָ֤ה
Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֤ה
Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
1 of 11
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙
and Israel
H3478
וְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙
and Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רַבִּ֔ים
were many
H7227
רַבִּ֔ים
were many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיָּ֖ם
which is by the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֖ם
which is by the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Cross References
Genesis 22:17That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;1 Kings 3:8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.Genesis 32:12And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.
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
Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
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.