1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 36
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 17
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַ֙יִת֙
thee an house
H1004
בַ֙יִת֙
thee an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
10 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֖
and dwell
H3427
וְיָֽשַׁבְתָּ֖
and dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵצֵ֥א
there and go not forth
H3318
תֵצֵ֥א
there and go not forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
14 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִשָּׁ֖ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֖ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
15 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
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 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.