1 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 14
And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֣ם
And he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֣ם
And he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲלָפִ֤ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֤ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 15
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
יִֽהְי֣וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּבֵית֑וֹ
at home
H1004
בְּבֵית֑וֹ
at home
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
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 he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, 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.