1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 27
And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
shipmen
H582
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
shipmen
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
יֹֽדְעֵ֖י
that had knowledge
H3045
יֹֽדְעֵ֖י
that had knowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הַיָּ֑ם
of the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֑ם
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
9 of 12
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Cross References
1 Kings 5:9My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.1 Kings 5:6Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.1 Kings 10:11And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
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 Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
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.