1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

Original Language Analysis

וְשָׁ֣כַנְתִּ֔י And I will dwell H7931
וְשָׁ֣כַנְתִּ֔י And I will dwell
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 1 of 9
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
בְּת֖וֹךְ among H8432
בְּת֖וֹךְ among
Strong's: H8432
Word #: 2 of 9
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
בְּנֵ֣י the children H1121
בְּנֵ֣י the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 3 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶֽעֱזֹ֖ב and will not forsake H5800
אֶֽעֱזֹ֖ב and will not forsake
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 6 of 9
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֥י my people H5971
עַמִּ֥י my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 8 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 9 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

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.

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. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

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