1 Kings 9:22

Authorized King James Version

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִבְּנֵי֙

H1121

But of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה

H8010

did Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

וַֽעֲבָדָיו֙

H5650

and his servants

a servant

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵ֞ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#11

וַֽעֲבָדָיו֙

H5650

and his servants

a servant

#12

וְשָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and his princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#13

וְשָֽׁלִישָׁ֔יו

H7991

and his captains

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

#14

וְשָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and his princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#15

רִכְבּ֖וֹ

H7393

of his chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#16

וּפָֽרָשָֽׁיו׃

H6571

and his horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

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