1 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 19
So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
So he went back
H7725
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
So he went back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אִתּ֗וֹ
H854
אִתּ֗וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לֶ֛חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֛חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 7
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
בְּבֵית֖וֹ
in his house
H1004
בְּבֵית֖וֹ
in his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, 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. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
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 complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of the man of god from judah, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.