1 Kings 9:9
And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.
Original Language Analysis
עַל֩
H5921
עַל֩
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 28
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָֽזְב֜וּ
Because they forsook
H5800
עָֽזְב֜וּ
Because they forsook
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
4 of 28
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 28
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 28
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצִ֣יא
who brought forth
H3318
הוֹצִ֣יא
who brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 28
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲבֹתָם֮
their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָם֮
their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
11 of 28
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
H776
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
12 of 28
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וַֽיַּחֲזִ֙קוּ֙
and have taken hold
H2388
וַֽיַּחֲזִ֙קוּ֙
and have taken hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
14 of 28
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 28
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוֻּ֥
and have worshipped
H7812
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוֻּ֥
and have worshipped
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
17 of 28
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וַיַּֽעַבְדֻ֑ם
them and served
H5647
וַיַּֽעַבְדֻ֑ם
them and served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
19 of 28
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 28
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
21 of 28
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
23 of 28
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
24 of 28
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
26 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:19And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not your's.Jeremiah 2:19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.2 Chronicles 7:22And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.
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.