1 Kings Chapter 2 · Verse 40
And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 18
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַֽיַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
and saddled
H2280
וַֽיַּחֲבֹשׁ֙
and saddled
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
3 of 18
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
to seek
H1245
לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
to seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
10 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיָּבֵ֥א
and brought
H935
וַיָּבֵ֥א
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
15 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
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 Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
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.