1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 23
These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
Original Language Analysis
הַנִּצָּבִ֗ים
of the officers
H5324
הַנִּצָּבִ֗ים
of the officers
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
3 of 14
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
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 #:
5 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃
in the work
H4399
בַּמְּלָאכָֽה׃
in the work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
הָֽרֹדִ֣ים
which bare rule
H7287
הָֽרֹדִ֣ים
which bare rule
Strong's:
H7287
Word #:
11 of 14
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
בָּעָ֔ם
over the people
H5971
בָּעָ֔ם
over the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
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
These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
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.