1 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 7
And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
said
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִ֣ישׁ
unto the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
unto the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אִתִּ֥י
H854
אִתִּ֥י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הַבַּ֖יְתָה
home
H1004
הַבַּ֖יְתָה
home
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 12
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
And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
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 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.