1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 8
And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 12
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֔יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֔יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּעִ֣יר
him in the city
H5892
בְּעִ֣יר
him in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 12
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
Cross References
2 Chronicles 14:1So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.1 Kings 14:31And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.
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 Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
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.