1 Kings 9:4
And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
הָלַ֜ךְ
walked
H1980
הָלַ֜ךְ
walked
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְפָנַ֗י
before
H6440
לְפָנַ֗י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָלַ֜ךְ
walked
H1980
הָלַ֜ךְ
walked
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
thy father
H1
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּתָם
in integrity
H8537
בְּתָם
in integrity
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
9 of 18
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צִוִּיתִ֑יךָ
according to all that I have commanded
H6680
צִוִּיתִ֑יךָ
according to all that I have commanded
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
15 of 18
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
חֻקַּ֥י
my statutes
H2706
חֻקַּ֥י
my statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
16 of 18
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
1 Kings 15:5Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.1 Kings 3:14And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.Genesis 17:1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.1 Kings 11:4For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.1 Kings 11:6And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.Psalms 26:11But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.Proverbs 28:18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.Zechariah 3:7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.1 Kings 11:38And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:
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.