1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 6
And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִלְחָמָ֨ה
And there was war
H4421
וּמִלְחָמָ֨ה
And there was war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
1 of 9
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
הָֽיְתָ֧ה
H1961
הָֽיְתָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֵין
H996
בֵין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
3 of 9
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֥ין
H996
וּבֵ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 9
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
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 there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, 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.