1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 27
And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.
Original Language Analysis
נָתַ֛ן
made
H5414
נָתַ֛ן
made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֶּ֛סֶף
silver
H3701
הַכֶּ֛סֶף
silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 13
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
to be in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
to be in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 13
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְאֵ֣ת
H853
וְאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֲרָזִ֗ים
and cedars
H730
הָֽאֲרָזִ֗ים
and cedars
Strong's:
H730
Word #:
8 of 13
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
נָתַ֛ן
made
H5414
נָתַ֛ן
made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
כַּשִּׁקְמִ֥ים
he to be as the sycomore trees
H8256
כַּשִּׁקְמִ֥ים
he to be as the sycomore trees
Strong's:
H8256
Word #:
10 of 13
a sycamore (usually the tree)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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 the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, 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.