1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 13
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֚ה
H4100
מָ֚ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הֶֽעָרִ֣ים
What cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֣ים
What cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֥תָּה
are these which thou hast given
H5414
נָתַ֥תָּה
are these which thou hast given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אָחִ֑י
me my brother
H251
אָחִ֑י
me my brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 15
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Joshua 19:27And turneth toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthah-el toward the north side of Beth-emek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,Amos 1:9Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, 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.