1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 20
And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֠עָם
And all the people
H5971
הָ֠עָם
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַנּוֹתָ֨ר
that were left
H3498
הַנּוֹתָ֨ר
that were left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
3 of 14
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י
of the Amorites
H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י
of the Amorites
Strong's:
H567
Word #:
5 of 14
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
הַֽחִוִּ֣י
Hivites
H2340
הַֽחִוִּ֣י
Hivites
Strong's:
H2340
Word #:
8 of 14
a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מִבְּנֵ֥י
which were not of the children
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֥י
which were not of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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 did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, 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.