Solomon Consolidates His Power
1 Kings 2:13-46
1 K.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אדניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חגית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שבע: NUM,card
- אם: CONJ
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.2.17-18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Adonijah asks Bathsheba to petition Solomon on his behalf (specifically for Abishag), showing why he approached her and what he requested.
- 1Kgs.2.22-25 (structural): Solomon’s response and the execution of Adonijah—direct narrative outcome of Adonijah’s approach and request to Bathsheba.
- 1Kgs.1.5-10 (thematic): Earlier account of Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne, providing background for his continued ambition and political maneuvering in 2:13.
- 1Kgs.1.15-31 (allusion): Bathsheba’s prior intervention with David (and Nathan’s involvement) to secure Solomon’s succession—establishes her role and influence in royal succession matters, which Adonijah now seeks to exploit.
- 2Sam.12.24-25 (thematic): Identification of Bathsheba as Solomon’s mother (and Solomon’s special status as Jedidiah), giving context to why Bathsheba is a central figure in succession disputes and why Adonijah approaches her.
Alternative generated candidates
- Adonijah son of Haggith came to Bathsheba, mother of Solomon; she said to him, 'Peace; you have come.' He answered, 'Peace.'
- Adonijah son of Haggith came to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. She said to him, “Is all well? Have you come in peace?” He answered, “Peace.”
1 K.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.1:11-31 (structural): Same principal characters and narrative pattern — Bathsheba approaches the king (David) to make a petition; parallels the courtly audience and female petitioning motif that continues when she speaks to Solomon.
- 1Sam.25:24-31 (thematic): Abigail’s direct, urgent plea to David to refrain from bloodshed and to accept her words: a woman interceding before a royal/leader figure, speaking boldly to shape a dynastic outcome.
- Esth.5:1-3; 7:3 (thematic): Esther’s approach to the king and the granting of audience so she may ‘speak’ parallels the motif of a woman given permission to present a decisive petition in the royal court.
- 1Sam.1:17-18 (thematic): Hannah’s interaction with Eli — a woman addressing a religious leader and being heard/responded to — parallels the brief, personal petition-and-response dynamic evident in 1 Kgs 2:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, 'Please speak to me.' She replied, 'Speak.'
- He said, “I have a word to say to you.” She replied, “Say on.”
1 K.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותסב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לאחי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מיהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:17-21 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Adonijah’s claim to the throne and Bathsheba/Nathan’s intervention that leads to Solomon’s anointing — same episode that frames the complaint that the kingdom has “turned.”
- 1 Samuel 16:1,13 (allusion): Shows the theological principle that Yahweh appoints kings (Samuel anoints David); echoes Adonijah’s concession that the kingship ultimately comes from the LORD.
- Proverbs 21:1 (verbal): “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD” — a concise proverb expressing divine control over royal disposition and succession, paralleling ‘for it was of the LORD.’
- Psalm 75:6-7 (thematic): Affirms that promotion comes not from human directions but from God, who puts down and sets up leaders — closely matches the theme that the kingdom’s transfer is God’s act.
- Daniel 2:21 (thematic): Declares that God changes times and removes and sets up kings, articulating the same theological conviction that sovereign authority is ordained by God rather than merely by human acclaim.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, 'You know that the kingship was mine, and all Israel looked to me as king; but the kingship turned about and came to my brother, for it was from the LORD to him.'
- He said, “You know that the kingship was mine, and that all Israel looked to me to make me king; yet the kingdom has turned and has come to my brother—for it is from the LORD.”
1 K.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- שאלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- שאל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאתך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- תשבי: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:20 (verbal): Solomon's immediate reply to Bathsheba—'Ask, my mother; for I will not refuse thee'—parallels the petitionary formula and the exchange begun in 2:16.
- Psalm 27:4 (verbal): Uses the same 'one thing I have asked' motif (אֶחַד שָׁאֲלְתִּי), echoing the concentrated single-request language of 1 Kgs 2:16.
- Psalm 27:9 (verbal): Contains the plea 'Hide not thy face' (הַסְתֵּר פָּנֶיךָ אַל־ תַּסְתֵּר), closely matching the Hebrew imperative 'אל־ תשבי את־ פני' in 1 Kgs 2:16.
- 1 Kings 3:5 (thematic): God's invitation to Solomon to 'ask what I shall give thee' parallels the broader motif of royal or divine permission to request a favor, framing 2:16's petition within a request-and-grant theme.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now only one small request I ask of you; do not refuse me.'
- “Now therefore one petition I ask of you; do not turn your face away from me.”
1 K.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- נא: PART
- לשלמה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישיב: VERB,hifil,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבישג: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השונמית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:3-4 (verbal): Introduces Abishag the Shunammite as David’s attendant/companion—the same woman Adonijah asks Solomon to give him, linking back to her original role.
- 1 Kings 1:5-10 (thematic): Describes Adonijah’s earlier self-exaltation and bid for power, providing background for why his request for Abishag is politically charged.
- 1 Kings 2:22-25 (structural): Solomon’s response and the subsequent execution of Adonijah show how the petition concerning Abishag is interpreted as a challenge to the throne and leads to punishment.
- 2 Samuel 16:20-23 (thematic): Absalom’s public sleeping with David’s concubines symbolically asserts his claim to the kingship—parallel motif of seizing a king’s women as a sign of royal usurpation.
- 2 Samuel 3:6-7 (thematic): Abner’s taking of Saul’s concubine (Rizpah) functions similarly as a political act asserting control over a royal house—another Old Testament example where occupying a king’s concubines signals claim to authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, 'Please say to King Solomon: "Do not turn away your face from me. Grant me Abishag the Shunammite to be my wife."'
- “Speak, I pray you, to King Solomon; for he will not turn away your face—ask him to give me Abishag the Shunammite for a wife.”
1 K.2.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שבע: NUM,card
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אדבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:17 (structural): Same speaker (Bathsheba) approaching the king to make a decisive request on behalf of succession/security; similar court setting and bold petitioning of the ruler.
- 1 Samuel 25:23–31 (thematic): Abigail’s humble approach to King David to intercede and avert bloodshed — parallels a woman’s direct, persuasive plea to a king to influence a political/justice outcome.
- 2 Samuel 14:2–14 (structural): The woman of Tekoa, sent to speak to David to secure Absalom’s return, presents a staged plea before the king; structurally comparable as a crafted petition by a woman to the sovereign in a dynastic/family matter.
- Esther 5:1–3 (structural): Esther’s risky personal approach to King Ahasuerus to request favor mirrors the motif of a woman directly addressing the monarch to obtain a petition and influence royal decision-making.
Alternative generated candidates
- Bathsheba said, 'Very well; I will speak for you to the king.'
- Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”
1 K.2.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שבע: NUM,card
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לדבר: INF,qal
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אדניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקראתה: PREP
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותשב: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לימינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1Kgs.2.13-18 (structural): Immediate narrative setup: Adonijah asks Bathsheba to petition Solomon for Abishag, which explains why Bathsheba comes to speak about Adonijah in v.19.
- 1Kgs.2.20-21 (structural): Direct continuation of the scene: Solomon receives Bathsheba and answers her petition regarding Adonijah (the throne/royal audience motif continues).
- 1Kgs.1.11-31 (thematic): Earlier palace audience where Bathsheba (with Nathan) intervenes to secure Solomon’s accession — parallels the mother’s advocacy before the king and throne imagery.
- 2Sam.12.24-25 (thematic): Accounts Bathsheba as Solomon’s mother (his birth and naming), providing background for her privileged access and role at the royal court.
- 1Kgs.15.13 (thematic): Reference to the office/position of the king’s mother (queen mother) in the Deuteronomistic history; highlights the institutional significance of setting a seat for the king’s mother as in 2:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on behalf of Adonijah. The king rose to meet her, bowed to her, sat on his throne, and set a place for the king’s mother. She sat at his right hand.
- Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on behalf of Adonijah. The king rose to meet her, bowed before her, and had a place set for the king’s mother; she sat at his right hand.
1 K.2.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שאלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- קטנה: ADJ,f,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- שאלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מאתך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- תשב: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שאלי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- אמי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:19 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Solomon rises to meet his mother and seats her at his right hand, setting the royal audience framework in which her petition (v.20) is made and favor is shown.
- 1 Kings 2:21-23 (structural): Direct continuation of the same scene: Bathsheba's specific request concerning Adonijah and Solomon's pledge not to refuse her—shows how v.20 functions within the pericope.
- 1 Kings 1:17, 29-30 (thematic): Earlier episode of Bathsheba petitioning the king (David) to secure Solomon's accession; parallels the motif of a mother making a strategic request to the sovereign and receiving a pledged assent.
- Esther 5:3-4 (thematic): Esther's measured approach to the king and her modest opening petition (inviting the king and Haman to a banquet) parallels the dynamic of a petitioner making a restrained request before a ruler who shows favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said, 'I have a little petition to make; do not refuse me.' The king said to her, 'Ask, my mother; I will not refuse you.'
- She said, “I have but one small petition to ask of you; do not refuse me.” The king said to her, “Ask, my mother; for I will not turn away your face.”
1 K.2.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבישג: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השנמית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאדניהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 1:3-4 (structural): Introduction of Abishag the Shunammite as David’s young attendant/servant — provides the background for her later being requested for Adonijah.
- 1 Kgs 2:22-25 (structural): Immediate continuation: Adonijah’s request for Abishag and Solomon’s reaction (viewing the request as a political claim) and the ensuing punishment — shows the narrative significance of giving Abishag to Adonijah.
- 2 Sam 16:21-22 (thematic): Absalom publicly lies with his father David’s concubines to signal and consolidate his claim to the throne — parallels the political use of sexual possession of a king’s women as a claim to kingship.
- 2 Sam 12:8 (thematic): Nathan’s oracle to David (‘I gave you your master's house…and your master's wives’) links possession of wives/concubines with royal prerogative and the transfer of kingly authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said, 'Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.'
- She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah my brother as a wife.”
1 K.2.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאמו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,3,m
- ולמה: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- שאלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבישג: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השנמית: ADJ,f,sg,def
- לאדניהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושאלי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ולו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולאביתר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וליואב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרויה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kgs. 1:3-4 (verbal): Introduces Abishag the Shunammite as David's attendant (same phrase 'Abishag the Shunammite'), providing the background for Bathsheba's later request on Adonijah's behalf.
- 1 Kgs. 1:5-7 (thematic): Describes Adonijah's supporters, including Joab and Abiathar, paralleling Solomon's mention of those who sided with Adonijah when accusing Bathsheba of soliciting the throne for him.
- 1 Kgs. 1:11-31 (structural): The episode in which Adonijah attempts to seize the kingship; provides the broader narrative context for Solomon's charge here that Bathsheba sought the throne for Adonijah.
- 1 Kgs. 2:13-25 (structural): The immediate sequel where Adonijah asks Bathsheba to petition Solomon for Abishag and Solomon reacts—this passage completes and clarifies the issue raised in 2:22 (Solomon's accusation and the consequences).
Alternative generated candidates
- King Solomon answered his mother, 'And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my older brother, and for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab son of Zeruiah.'
- The king answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask also for him the kingdom, for he is my older brother—he, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab son of Zeruiah.”
1 K.2.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- יוסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בנפשו: PREP,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.2.21 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in the same scene: Solomon determines Adonijah's fate and sets the scene for the oath and its consequences (same episode of succession crisis).
- 1 Kgs.1.30–31 (thematic): Earlier royal oath in the succession narrative: David swears concerning Solomon's future reign—both are high-stakes, God-invoking oaths tied to transfer of kingship.
- 1 Sam.20.12–17, 41–42 (thematic): Covenantal oaths between Jonathan and David invoking the LORD to guarantee loyalty and protection in matters of succession and life—a similar use of divine oath-language to settle dynastic/loyalty claims.
- Gen.21.22–31 (thematic): Abraham and Abimelech make a sworn agreement invoking God as witness; parallels Solomon's use of an oath by God to settle a political/legal dispute between leaders and to bind consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, 'As the LORD lives, who has established me and placed me on the throne of David my father, if Adonijah has thus minded in his heart, saying this thing,'
- And King Solomon swore by the LORD, “So may God do to me and so add, if in his heart Adonijah has meant this thing.”
1 K.2.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכינני: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- ויושיבני: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (quotation): Direct echo of the Davidic covenant promising an enduring house and throne for David's offspring—basis for Solomon's claim that God 'made me a house' and established his throne.
- 1 Kings 1:35-39 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: the account of Solomon's anointing and installation on David's throne, which Solomon invokes here to justify his authority over Adonijah.
- 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 (thematic): David's charge about Solomon—God will give him rest, he shall build the house for God's name, and God will establish his throne—parallels Solomon's appeal to the promise that established his rule and house.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (thematic): Liturgical formulation of the Davidic promise ('I have made a covenant with my chosen... I will establish his seed and throne forever'), which Solomon invokes as the divine warrant for his reign and measures against rivals.
Alternative generated candidates
- he continued, 'now as the LORD lives, who has established me and seated me on the throne of David my father, and who has made for me a house as he promised, today Adonijah shall be put to death.'
- And now, as the LORD lives who has established me and set me on the throne of David my father and who has fulfilled his promise to me by making for me a house—today Adonijah shall die.”
1 K.2.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:5-13 (thematic): Shimei's earlier cursing of David and dramatic encounter on the road—background to why Shimei is viewed as a rebel and later punished.
- 2 Samuel 19:18-23 (thematic): Shimei's plea for mercy to King David and David's oath to spare him—provides context for Solomon's later decision to enforce punishment despite David's earlier restraint.
- 1 Kings 2:31-34 (structural): Parallel case in the same narrative where Solomon commissions Benaiah to execute Joab—shows the same royal instrument (Benaiah) used to carry out Solomon's judgments.
- 2 Samuel 23:20-23 (verbal): Catalogue of Benaiah son of Jehoiada's exploits and his role as a chief warrior/executor—identifies Benaiah's capacity and authority to carry out royal executions.
Alternative generated candidates
- So King Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died.
- So King Solomon sent and Benaiah son of Jehoiada went out and struck him, and he died.
1 K.2.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאביתר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ענתת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שדיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אמיתך: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נשאת: PTCP,qal,ptcp,f,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- וכי: CONJ
- התענית: VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- התענה: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 6:3-11 (verbal): Narrative of transporting the ark to Jerusalem (including the priests and incidents like Uzzah); directly parallels Solomon’s remark that Abiathar "bore the ark of the LORD before David."
- 1 Chronicles 15:11-15 (verbal): Account of David commissioning the priests (including Zadok and Abiathar) to carry the ark and minister before the king—another explicit witness to the priestly role of carrying the ark before David.
- 2 Samuel 15:24-29 (thematic): Zadok and Abiathar accompany David during Absalom’s revolt and act for the ark; underscores the priests’ loyalty and suffering with David, echoing Solomon’s reference to Abiathar’s sharing in David’s afflictions.
- 1 Samuel 22:20-23 (allusion): Reports the massacre of Ahimelech’s house and Abiathar’s escape to David; provides background for Abiathar’s association with danger and David’s household (helps explain the charge "man of death" and his precarious position).
- 1 Kings 2:27 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: Solomon deposes Abiathar and sends him to Anathoth. This verse completes and implements the decision announced in 2:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Abiathar the priest the king said, 'Get you to your fields; you are gone up from being priest to the LORD—do not die the death of a man.' (For thus the king said to him.)
- To Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to your fields, to Anathoth; you are to die there. I will not put you to death today, because you carried the ark of the LORD God of Israel before my father David, and because you shared his hardships.”
1 K.2.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגרש: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהיות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- למלא: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בשלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.2.27-36 (quotation): The prophetic oracle against the house of Eli that announces loss of the priesthood — Solomon’s expulsion of Abiathar is presented as fulfillment of this word.
- 1 Sam.3.11-14 (allusion): God’s earlier rebuke to Eli about his sons and the coming judgment on his house provides the theological cause for removing Eli’s descendant Abiathar from the priesthood.
- 1 Sam.22.20-23 (thematic): Narrative showing Abiathar’s survival and service as priest to David after the slaughter at Nob; explains why Abiathar was still present to be deposed by Solomon.
- 1 Chr.15.11-12 (structural): David’s consultation with both Zadok and Abiathar as priests demonstrates the earlier joint priestly ministry that Solomon later alters by removing Abiathar.
- 1 Kgs.2.35 (structural): Solomon’s formal installation of Zadok as sole priest completes the transition and fulfills the prophetic judgment referenced in 1 Kgs 2:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, to fulfill the word of the LORD concerning the house of Eli, as the LORD had declared at Shiloh.
- So Solomon expelled Abiathar from serving as priest to the LORD, to fulfill the word of the LORD concerning the house of Eli.
1 K.2.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשמעה: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,f,sg
- באה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עד: PREP
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- אדניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואחרי: CONJ
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- לא: PART_NEG
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בקרנות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kgs. 2:31-34 (structural): Direct continuation: Solomon orders Benaiah to execute Joab at the altar—immediate outcome of Joab’s flight and the king’s response to his support for Adonijah.
- 1 Kgs. 1:50-53 (thematic): Adonijah earlier seeks sanctuary by seizing the horns of the altar; parallels the motif of fugitives clinging to the altar and links to the wider story of Adonijah’s rebellion (which Joab supported).
- 1 Kgs. 2:5-6 (verbal): David’s charge to Solomon to deal with Joab (for his past murders and factionalism) provides the authorial rationale for Solomon’s later action when Joab flees to the altar.
- 2 Sam. 3:26-27 (thematic): Joab’s murder of Abner: an earlier example of Joab’s violent, factional actions—background that helps explain why David/Solomon view him as a threat and punish him despite his seeking sanctuary.
- 2 Sam. 20:8-10 (thematic): Joab’s killing of Amasa (during civil conflict) again shows his pattern of political murder and brutal methods, reinforcing the narrative basis for his prosecution after siding with Adonijah.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the news came to Joab—that he had turned after Adonijah, and had not turned after Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and clung to the horns of the altar.
- A report came to Joab that he had sided with Adonijah and with Absalom and had not turned to follow David; and Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar.
1 K.2.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נס: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והנה: ADV
- אצל: PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- פגע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:50-53 (thematic): Adonijah takes hold of the horns of the altar to seek sanctuary—parallel motif of fugitives seeking protection at the sacred altar.
- 1 Kings 2:31-34 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Solomon orders Benaiah to execute Joab despite his flight to the altar; shows the outcome of the royal command in this episode.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Joab’s murder of Abner (a politically motivated killing) establishes Joab’s violent record and helps explain Solomon’s determination to eliminate him.
- 2 Samuel 20:10-12 (thematic): Joab’s killing of Amasa (another ruthless, decisive slaying of a rival) shows the pattern of Joab’s lethal methods that Solomon confronts here.
- 1 Samuel 22:18-23 (thematic): Doeg’s slaughter of the priests at Nob—an instance of sanctuary protection being violated—offers a parallel example of violent disregard for sacred asylum.
Alternative generated candidates
- When King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD, and that he was beside the altar, Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, 'Go, strike him down.'
- It was told King Solomon, “Behold, Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD; behold, he is beside the altar.” The king sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.”
1 K.2.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- כי: CONJ
- פה: ADV
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- ענני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 2:28 (verbal): Immediate context: Joab flees to the tent of the LORD and takes hold of the horns of the altar — the scene Benaiah approaches in v.30.
- 1 Kgs 2:31–34 (structural): Direct continuation: Benaiah reports Joab's words to the king and Solomon's orders lead to Joab's execution — resolution of the episode begun in v.30.
- 1 Kgs 1:50–53 (allusion): Adonijah earlier seizes the altar/horns to seek asylum during the succession struggle; a closely parallel use of the sanctuary as political refuge in the David–Solomon transition.
- Deut 19:1–13 (esp. Deut 19:4–6) (thematic): Law of cities of refuge and the broader institution of asylum contrasts with royal/political treatment of those who seek sanctuary — background for the tension between sanctuary and execution in v.30.
- 2 Sam 3:27 (thematic): Joab’s prior murder of Abner (a political killing carried out by Joab) provides background for Solomon’s fatal judgment against him — explains why Joab is held culpable despite claiming sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- Benaiah went to the tent of the LORD and said to him, 'Thus says the king: Come out.' But he answered, 'No; if by me he is to be killed, let me die here.' Benaiah returned and told the king what Joab had said.
- Benaiah came to the tent of the LORD and said to him, “Thus says the king, ‘Come out.’” He answered, “No; I will die here.” So Benaiah returned and reported to the king the words Joab had spoken and how he had answered.
1 K.2.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופגע: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וקברתו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- והסירת: VERB,hifil,imp,2,m,sg
- דמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- חנם: ADV
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מעלי: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומעל: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:5-6 (structural): David's prior charge to Solomon to deal with Joab for killing Abner and Amasa — sets the command Solomon now enforces to remove Joab's bloodguilt.
- 1 Kings 2:32-33 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Solomon's orders and the consequence for Joab, repeating the language of removing bloodguilt from the king and the royal house.
- 2 Samuel 3:27-30 (verbal): Narrates Joab's murder of Abner and David's public disavowal of responsibility — the specific killing that creates the 'blood' Solomon is commanded to remove.
- 2 Samuel 20:10 (thematic): Records Joab's killing of Amasa in the field — a second instance of Joab shedding blood mentioned by David as grounds for punishment.
- Genesis 9:6 (thematic): General legal/moral principle that shedding human blood requires accountability — provides the broader ethical backdrop for removing 'bloodguilt' from the king and his house.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king said to him, 'Do as he has spoken and strike him down; bury him, and take away from me and from my father's house the guilt of the blood which Joab shed,
- The king said to him, “Do as he has said and strike him down; bury him that you may remove the innocent blood which Joab shed from my hand and from the house of my father.”
1 K.2.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשיב: VERB,hip,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- על: PREP
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פגע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשני: PREP+NUM,m,du,abs
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- צדקים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וטבים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויהרגם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עמשא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:26–27 (verbal): Narrates Joab’s murder of Abner at the gate—identifies the violent act that 1 Kgs 2:32 attributes to the man whose blood should return on his head.
- 2 Samuel 3:28–29 (verbal): David’s reaction and imprecation after Abner’s death: he pronounces that Abner’s blood be required of Joab—language and theme echoed in Solomon’s charge in 1 Kgs 2:32.
- 2 Samuel 20:8–10 (verbal): Records Joab’s killing of Amasa during the pursuit of Sheba—this is the other commander named in 1 Kgs 2:32 as one of the two ‘righteous’ men Joab struck down.
- 1 Kings 2:5 (structural): Solomon’s earlier instruction to deal with Joab so that his gray head not go down to the grave in peace—connects directly to the motive and outcome explained in 1 Kgs 2:32–34.
Alternative generated candidates
- because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah—and he killed them by the sword, and their blood was on his head, on his own head.'
- The LORD will return his blood upon his own head, for he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army—and David did not know it.
1 K.2.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- דמיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- יואב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ובראש: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זרעו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- לעלם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולדוד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ולזרעו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולביתו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולכסאו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.2.31 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same speech: the formula that Joab and his seed must bear the bloodguilt is repeated (same legal/forensic language about blood upon Joab's head).
- 2Sam.3.27 (thematic): Narrative background: Joab's murder of Abner — the violent act that creates the bloodguilt Solomon is commanded to address.
- 2Sam.20.10 (thematic): Joab's killing of Amasa after the civil strife — another instance of Joab’s bloodshed invoked as reason for holding him and his house accountable.
- Gen.9.5-6 (thematic): Broader legal-theological principle that blood is required/avenged (God ‘requires’ blood), providing the conceptual basis for holding individuals accountable for bloodguilt.
- 2Sam.7.16 (allusion): Promise that David's house and throne will be established forever — parallels the latter half of 1 Kgs 2:33 which petitions/declares peace and perpetuity for David’s seed, house and throne.
Alternative generated candidates
- May their blood remain on the head of Joab and on the head of his offspring forever; but on David and on his offspring and on his house and on his throne may there be peace forever from the LORD.
- Their blood returned upon the head of Joab and upon his offspring forever; but the LORD gave peace to David and to his offspring and to his house and to his throne.
1 K.2.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימתהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- ויקבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:31-35 (structural): Immediate context: Solomon charges Benaiah to carry out judgment against Joab, and verses 34–35 record Benaiah executing Joab — the direct narrative parallel and outcome.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Reports Joab's murder of Abner at the gate — one of Joab's unlawful killings cited later as justification for Solomon's order to have him put to death.
- 2 Samuel 20:10-12 (thematic): Describes Joab striking and killing Amasa — another instance of Joab's lethal actions within David’s household that grounds the sanctions leading to his death in 1 Kings 2:34.
- 2 Samuel 23:20-23 (verbal): Lists Benaiah son of Jehoiada’s heroic exploits and his appointment as commander of David’s bodyguard — parallels the same Benaiah who executes Joab for the new king.
- 2 Samuel 8:18 (structural): Notes Benaiah son of Jehoiada’s official role over the Cherethites and Pelethites (royal guards), providing background for his authority and suitability to carry out Solomon’s execution order.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and struck him down, and he died, and they buried him in his house in the wilderness.
- Benaiah went up and struck him down, and he died, and he was buried in his house in the wilderness.
1 K.2.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צדוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תחת: PREP
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:27 (structural): Immediate context: the king's earlier decree that Abiathar would not be put to death but would no longer be priest explains and leads directly to the removal recorded in v.35.
- 1 Samuel 2:35 (allusion): A prophetic promise that God would raise up 'a faithful priest' and punish Eli's house—Abiathar is descendant of Eli; his removal can be read as fulfillment of this prophecy.
- 2 Samuel 8:17 (verbal): Parallel wording naming Zadok (son of Ahitub) and Abiathar (called Ahimelech in some traditions) as David’s priests, showing their joint service prior to Abiathar’s later removal.
- 2 Samuel 20:25 (verbal): States that 'the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, were the chief ministers of the house of the LORD,' highlighting the pairing whose eventual separation is narrated in 1 Kgs 2:35.
- 1 Samuel 22:20–23 (thematic): Records Abiathar's flight to David and continued priestly service under him; thematically connected as background to Abiathar’s role and the political-religious reasons for his later displacement by Zadok.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army, and appointed Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.
- The king placed Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army, and he made Zadok the priest to be in the place of Abiathar.
1 K.2.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשמעי: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,f,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- תצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- משם: PREP
- אנה: ADV,interrog
- ואנה: ADV,interr
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:39-46 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: Shimei violates Solomon's injunction by leaving Jerusalem, pursues him, and is executed—showing the consequence of disobeying the house-arrest order in v.36.
- 2 Samuel 16:5-13 (thematic): The origin of the conflict: Shimei publicly curses David during Absalom's rebellion. This episode explains why Shimei was later restricted by Solomon.
- 2 Samuel 19:16-23 (thematic): Shimei's subsequent plea for forgiveness to David and David's pardon provide the immediate background to Solomon's conditional mercy and his later restriction of Shimei to Jerusalem.
- 1 Kings 2:1-11 (structural): David's final charge to Solomon to secure the kingdom and execute justice sets the larger political and moral context for Solomon's handling of Shimei (and others) in ch.2.
- 1 Kings 2:28-34 (thematic): Parallel example of Solomon's consolidation of power and judicial decisions (regarding Adonijah, Abiathar, Joab) illustrating the pattern of mercy, restriction, and punishment applied to rivals and troublemakers like Shimei.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, 'Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there; and do not go out anywhere.'
- Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there; do not go out from there anywhere.
1 K.2.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- צאתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons,poss:2ms
- ועברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תדע: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- תמות: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,sg
- דמך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בראשך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:5-13 (structural): The earlier episode where Shimei curses David as he flees Jerusalem; provides the backstory and motive for Solomon’s later warning and punishment of Shimei.
- 1 Kings 2:39-46 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Shimei leaves Jerusalem, crosses the Kidron, is declared to have broken Solomon’s command, and is executed—fulfilling the threat of 2:37.
- 2 Samuel 15:23 (thematic): David’s crossing of the brook Kidron when fleeing Absalom; the brook functions as a boundary or turning point in Jerusalem narratives (banishment, exile, decisive action), echoing the symbolic weight of crossing Kidron in 1 Kgs 2:37.
- John 18:1 (allusion): The New Testament mention of Jesus crossing the Kidron (Cedron) situates the brook as a recurrent topographical and symbolic marker in biblical tradition, linking movements in and out of Jerusalem.
- Ezekiel 33:8-9 (thematic): The prophet’s language about warning the wicked and the responsibility for blood parallels the theme of warned capital punishment and the formulaic idea that ‘blood’ rests on a person’s head when judgment follows a given warning.
Alternative generated candidates
- For on the day you go out and cross the Kidron, you shall know for certain you shall die; your blood shall be on your own head.'
- For on the day you go out and pass over the brook Kidron you shall know for certain that you will die; your blood shall be on your own head.”
1 K.2.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כן: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:39 (structural): Immediate continuation: describes Shimei leaving Jerusalem, violating his pledge, and Solomon ordering his execution — directly completes the action promised in 2:38.
- 2 Samuel 16:5-14 (allusion): Earliest episode of Shimei’s hostility toward David (cursing and throwing stones); background for Solomon’s later treatment and for Shimei’s need to placate the new king.
- 2 Samuel 19:18-23 (verbal): Shimei’s prior apology and oath of loyalty to David after Absalom’s rebellion — parallels his similar pledge to Solomon in 1 Kgs 2:38 and highlights recurring promises of submission.
- 1 Kings 2:28-34 (thematic): Solomon’s summary enforcement of justice (execution of Joab) — parallels the theme of a new king executing former offenders despite earlier toleration or promises of safety.
Alternative generated candidates
- Shimei answered the king, 'The saying is good; as my lord the king has said, so shall your servant do.' So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
- Shimei answered the king, “The word is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived many days in Jerusalem.
1 K.2.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מקץ: PREP
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויברחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לשמעי: PREP+PN,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אכיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעכה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ויגידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לשמעי: PREP+PN,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- בגת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Sam.16.5-13 (verbal): Earliest account of Shimei hurling curses at David; identifies the same person and background for Shimei's hostility that leads to his later restriction and the episode of his servants fleeing.
- 2 Sam.19.16-23 (thematic): Shimei's contrition and David's pledge of safety after the civil conflict—provides a contrast to Solomon's later enforcement of limits on Shimei and the consequences when those limits are breached.
- 1 Sam.21.10-15 (thematic): David's earlier flight to Achish king of Gath; parallels the motif and setting of fugitives seeking refuge in the Philistine city of Gath and the appearance of Achish as a patron.
- 1 Sam.27.2-7 (allusion): David's sustained residence with Achish of Gath; reinforces the recurring role of Achish as a place of asylum and royal host for Israelite fugitives—context for servants fleeing to Gath.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the end of three years two of Shimei’s servants fled to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath; they reported to him, 'Your servants are in Gath.'
- After three years it was told the king that Shimei’s servants had fled to Gath to Achish son of Maachah king of Gath, and they reported to Shimei, “Your servants are in Gath.”
1 K.2.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויחבש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חמרו: NOUN,m,sg,poss3ms
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אכיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- מגת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kgs.2:39-46 (structural): Immediate context — Solomon's sentence concerning Shimei and the subsequent instructions that lead to Shimei's departure to Gath and his recall of servants.
- 2 Sam.16:5-13 (thematic): Earliest episode of Shimei cursing David — background for Shimei's fraught relationship with the royal house that culminates in his later movements and punishments.
- 2 Sam.19:16-23 (allusion): Later reconciliation scene in which Shimei begs David's forgiveness; provides narrative context for why Shimei remains a figure whose movements (e.g., to Gath) are significant to the Davidic/solomonic story.
- 1 Sam.27:2-7 (thematic): David's decision to dwell with Achish king of Gath — parallels the motif of individuals going to Achish/Gath to seek protection or servants, as Shimei does here.
- 1 Sam.21:10-15 (verbal): David's earlier encounter with Achish in Gath (feigning madness) — another episode linking the figures and the locale of Gath/Achish, highlighting recurring use of that refuge in the narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- Shimei rose, saddled his donkey, went to Gath to Achish to fetch his servants. He brought them back from Gath.
- Shimei arose, saddled his donkey, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants; and he brought them back from Gath.
1 K.2.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשלמה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1Kgs.2.39 (verbal): Solomon’s explicit charge to Shimei to remain in Jerusalem under penalty — the prior command that Shimei later violates by going to Gath.
- 1Kgs.2.46 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: Solomon recalls Shimei’s departure to Gath as the basis for summoning and ultimately executing him — the fulfillment of the warning.
- 2Sam.16.5-13 (thematic): Earlier episode where Shimei curses David during Absalom’s rebellion; provides motive/background for Solomon’s harsh treatment of Shimei.
- 2Sam.19.18-23 (thematic): Later account in which Shimei begs David’s pardon and is forgiven by David — contrast with Solomon’s later refusal to extend the same mercy after Shimei leaves Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned,
- It was told King Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had stayed there.
1 K.2.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשמעי: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הלוא: PART
- השבעתיך: VERB,hif,perf,1,_,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- ואעד: VERB,piel,perf,1,_,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ביום: PREP
- צאתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons,poss:2ms
- והלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אנה: ADV,interrog
- ואנה: ADV,interr
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תדע: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- תמות: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.16.5-13 (allusion): Background episode where Shimei curses David during Absalom’s revolt—origin of Shimei’s enmity and the context for Solomon’s later admonition about his conduct.
- 2 Sam.19.18-23 (thematic): After David’s restoration Shimei begs forgiveness and swears loyalty; David pardons him—this earlier promise to David contrasts with Solomon’s later charge and the oath-language cited in 1 Kgs 2:42.
- 1 Kgs.2.39-46 (structural): Immediate narrative sequel/resolution: Solomon recalls Shimei’s movement from Jerusalem, interprets it as breach of the charge, and ultimately orders his execution—direct continuation of the situation referred to in 2:42.
- Deut.23.21-23 (thematic): Laws governing vows and the obligation to fulfill promises made to the LORD—parallels the motif of being adjured by Yahweh and the seriousness of such an oath in 1 Kgs 2:42.
- Ps.15.4 (thematic): Praise of the person who ‘swears to his own hurt and does not change’—an ethical reflection on fidelity to oaths that illuminates the moral expectations underlying Solomon’s admonition.
Alternative generated candidates
- the king summoned Shimei and said to him, 'Did I not make you swear by the LORD and adjure you, saying, "Know for certain on the day you go out and off you go anywhere, you shall die"—and you said to me, "The word is good"?
- The king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and admonish you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and leave this place you shall die’? And you answered me, ‘The word is good; I will obey.’
1 K.2.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומדוע: CONJ+ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- המצוה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צויתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (verbal): Both passages admonish obedience to the LORD’s commands and use the language of careful keeping/observance of God's commandments.
- Deuteronomy 30:8-10 (thematic): Links obedience to covenant faithfulness and blessings — the promise that keeping God's commandments demonstrates allegiance to the LORD.
- 2 Kings 17:13-14 (thematic): Describes God's repeated warnings and Israel’s failure to listen or keep his statutes, echoing the charge of not keeping the LORD’s command.
- Psalm 78:10-11 (verbal): Condemns forgetting God and not keeping his covenant/commands, using similar vocabulary about failing to keep the LORD’s charge.
- Ezekiel 20:13 (verbal): God recounts giving statutes and ordinances which the people did not walk in — a direct parallel in wording and theme of not keeping God's commands.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why then did you not keep the oath of the LORD and the command that I charged you with?'
- Why then did you not keep the oath of the LORD and the commandment which I commanded you?”
1 K.2.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- והשיב: VERB,hip,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m
- בראשך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:5-8 (structural): Narrative parallel: Shimei's original cursing of David during Absalom's rebellion—the episode Solomon refers to when confronting Shimei.
- 2 Samuel 19:18-23 (structural): Narrative parallel/contrast: After Absalom's defeat Shimei pleads for mercy and David spares him; Solomon later recalls Shimei's earlier hostility when administering judgment.
- Psalm 7:16 (verbal): Verbal and theological parallel: 'His mischief shall return upon his own head' closely echoes Solomon's statement that the LORD has returned Shimei's evil on his own head.
- Proverbs 26:27 (thematic): Thematic parallel: imagery of evil actions rebounding on the doer ('he who digs a pit will fall into it') parallels the idea of retributive return in Solomon's remark.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king said to Shimei, 'You know all the evil that is in your heart, which you did to my father David—now the LORD has returned your evil upon your head.'
- The king said to Shimei, “You know all the evil that was in your heart which you did to my father David; the LORD has returned your evil upon your own head.”
1 K.2.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והמלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- וכסא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 7:13-16 (allusion): God’s covenant promise that David’s offspring will establish a lasting throne—the basis for Solomon’s throne being established forever.
- 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the divine promise to David’s house, using language closely corresponding to the Samuel tradition about an enduring dynasty.
- Psalm 89:3-4, 29-37 (thematic): Poetic affirmation of the Davidic covenant—God’s oath to make David’s line and throne endure perpetually before the LORD.
- Psalm 132:11 (allusion): The LORD’s oath to David that one of his descendants will sit on his throne—echoes the assurance that David’s throne will be established.
- Jeremiah 33:17-22 (thematic): Prophetic assurance that David will always have a descendant on the throne; reinforces the theme of an enduring Davidic kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king blessed the throne of David, and the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.
- Then the king blessed, and the throne of David was firmly established before the LORD forever.
1 K.2.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- בניהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויפגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והממלכה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- נכונה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:25 (verbal): Solomon commands Benaiah to put a rival to death; the same action-wording and the use of Benaiah as executor (’went out and struck him and he died’) parallels 2:46.
- 1 Kings 2:34 (verbal): Earlier in the chapter Benaiah carries out Solomon’s sentence against Joab—another near-identical report of Benaiah’s execution of a condemned man, reinforcing the pattern of summary executions to secure the throne.
- 1 Kings 2:12 (structural): Solomon’s accession and siting on the throne provide the political context for 2:46; both verses speak to the establishment and consolidation of the Davidic kingship in Solomon’s hand.
- 2 Samuel 4:12 (thematic): David orders the execution of the men who murdered Ish-bosheth; like Solomon’s commands, this shows the use of capital punishment to punish regicide/murder and to vindicate and stabilize the ruler’s authority.
- 2 Samuel 5:3-4 (thematic): The assembly’s recognition of David and the statement that he reigned as king over Israel parallel the theme of a kingdom being established under a single ruler—comparable to the closing clause of 2:46 that the kingdom was established in Solomon’s hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him down, and he died; and the kingdom was firmly in Solomon’s hand.
- The king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and Benaiah went out and struck him down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.
Adonijah son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. She said, “Peace; have you come in peace?” and he answered, “Peace.”
He said, “Speak to me, I pray you.” And she said, “Speak.”
He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel’s faces were toward me to make me king; yet the kingdom turned and became to my brother, for it was from the LORD to him.”
“Now one small thing I ask of you; do not turn your face away. ” And she said to him, “Speak.”
He said, “Speak, I pray you, to King Solomon—for he will not refuse you—that he give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”
Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”
Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose to meet her, bowed to her, and sat on his throne; he set a place for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand.
She said, “I have a small petition to make of you; please do not refuse me.” The king said to her, “Ask, my mother; for I will not turn away your face.”
She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”
King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Are you asking the kingdom for him as well? For he is my elder brother—concerning him, and concerning Abiathar the priest, and concerning Joab son of Zeruiah.”
Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, “So may God do to me and so may he add, if, in my father’s lifetime, Adonijah has spoken this thing.” Now therefore, as the LORD lives, who has established me and set me upon the throne of David my father and has made me a house as he promised, today Adonijah shall die.” So the king sent by the hand of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; Benaiah went and struck him down and he died.
To Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to your fields at Anathoth; you are to die there, and yet I will not put you to death now, because you bore the ark of the LORD God before my father David and because you shared in all his afflictions.” So Solomon removed Abiathar from serving as priest to the LORD, to fulfill the word of the LORD concerning the house of Eli. Now the report came to Joab: Joab had turned after Adonijah and had not turned after Absalom. Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and clung to the horns of the altar.
Solomon sent and called Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.”
Benaiah came to the tent of the LORD and said to him, “Thus says the king, Come out.” He answered, “No; I will die here.” Benaiah reported to the king, saying, “Thus said Joab and thus he answered me.”
The king said to him, “Do as he has said and strike him down; bury him, and remove the innocent blood which he shed from me and from my father’s house.
May the LORD return his blood upon his own head, for he struck down two men more righteous and better than himself, and he killed them with the sword—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of the host of Judah.
Their blood return upon the head of Joab and upon the head of his seed forever; but David and his seed and his house and his throne shall have peace forever from the LORD.”
Benaiah son of Jehoiada rose and went and struck him and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
The king put Benaiah son of Jehoiada in charge of the army, and he made Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.
The king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there; do not go forth from there anywhere.
For on the day you go out and cross over the brook Kidron you shall know for certain that you shall die; your blood shall be on your own head.”
Shimei said to the king, “The word is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
At the end of three years two of Shimei’s servants fled to Gath to Achish son of Maachah, king of Gath, and they reported to Shimei, “Your servants are in Gath.” So Shimei arose and saddled his donkey and went to Gath to seek his servants; he brought them back from Gath.
Word came to Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had stayed there.
The king sent and called Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and adjure you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and cross over the Kidron you shall die’—and you said to me, ‘The word is good; I know it’?
Why then did you not keep the oath of the LORD and the commandment that I commanded you?”
The king said to Shimei, “You know all the evil that your heart intended when you acted toward my father David. The LORD has returned your evil upon your own head.”
Then the king blessed Solomon, and the throne of David was confirmed before the LORD forever.
The king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada; Benaiah went out and struck him down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was established firmly in the hand of Solomon.