1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 27
And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶ֣ה
H2088
הַדָּבָ֔ר
And this was the cause
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
And this was the cause
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵרִ֥ים
that he lifted up
H7311
הֵרִ֥ים
that he lifted up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
4 of 16
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
יָ֖ד
his hand
H3027
יָ֖ד
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִ֖יר
of the city
H5892
עִ֖יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
14 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Cross References
1 Kings 9:24But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.1 Kings 9:15And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
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 this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, 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.