1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 51
For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַמְּךָ֥
For they be thy people
H5971
עַמְּךָ֥
For they be thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְנַחֲלָֽתְךָ֖
and thine inheritance
H5159
וְנַחֲלָֽתְךָ֖
and thine inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצֵ֙אתָ֙
which thou broughtest forth
H3318
הוֹצֵ֙אתָ֙
which thou broughtest forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
from the midst
H8432
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
from the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
8 of 10
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Cross References
Jeremiah 11:4Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:Nehemiah 1:10Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.Deuteronomy 4:20But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.Jeremiah 51:19The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.
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
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication 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.