1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
Original Language Analysis
לִשְׁמֹ֨ר
And keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֨ר
And keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת׀
the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת׀
the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
3 of 26
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 26
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
לָלֶ֤כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֤כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 26
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בִּדְרָכָיו֙
in his ways
H1870
בִּדְרָכָיו֙
in his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 26
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לִשְׁמֹ֨ר
And keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֨ר
And keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתָיו֙
and his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָיו֙
and his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
10 of 26
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו
and his judgments
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו
and his judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
כַּכָּת֖וּב
as it is written
H3789
כַּכָּת֖וּב
as it is written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
13 of 26
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
בְּתוֹרַ֣ת
in the law
H8451
בְּתוֹרַ֣ת
in the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
14 of 26
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תַּשְׂכִּ֗יל
that thou mayest prosper
H7919
תַּשְׂכִּ֗יל
that thou mayest prosper
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
17 of 26
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
in all that thou doest
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
in all that thou doest
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
21 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאֵ֛ת
H853
וְאֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
23 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
24 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 29:9Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Psalms 119:2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.1 Chronicles 29:19And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.Psalms 119:138Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.Joshua 22:5But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
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 passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.
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 clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
- What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.
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.