1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 2
That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.
Original Language Analysis
נִרְאָ֥ה
appeared
H7200
נִרְאָ֥ה
appeared
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֛ה
That the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
That the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֵׁנִ֑ית
the second time
H8145
שֵׁנִ֑ית
the second time
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Kings 3:5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.2 Chronicles 7:12And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.1 Kings 11:9And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
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
That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.
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.