1 Kings Chapter 1 · Verse 3
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙
So they sought
H1245
וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙
So they sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
1 of 13
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
בְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
בְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גְּב֣וּל
throughout all the coasts
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
throughout all the coasts
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַֽיִּמְצְא֗וּ
and found
H4672
וַֽיִּמְצְא֗וּ
and found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
a Shunammite
H7767
הַשּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית
a Shunammite
Strong's:
H7767
Word #:
10 of 13
a shunammitess, or female inhabitant of shunem
וַיָּבִ֥אוּ
and brought
H935
וַיָּבִ֥אוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
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. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
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 does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's accession and adonijah's rebellion, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
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.