About 1 Kings

1 Kings records Solomon's glorious reign and the tragic division of the kingdom, along with the ministry of Elijah.

Author: Jeremiah (traditionally)Written: c. 560-540 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 34
WisdomTempleDivisionApostasyProphetsJudgment

King James Version

1 Kings 16

34 verses with commentary

Prophecy Against Baasha

Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theologica...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Jehu the son of Hanani**—probably of Hanani the seer of Judah in the reign of Asa (2Chronicles 15:7). Jehu must have been now young, for we find him rebuking Jehoshaphat after the death of Ahab, and writing the annals of Jehoshaphat’s reign (2Chronicles 19:2; 2Chronicles 20:34).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27-39. he made ten bases of brass--**These were trucks or four-wheeled carriages, for the support and conveyance of the lavers. The description of their structure shows that they were elegantly fitted up and skilfully adapted to their purpose. They stood, not on the axles, but on four rests attached to the axles, so that the figured sides were considerably raised above the wheels. They were all ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under va...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Forasmuch as I exalted thee** **. . .**—The prophecy—closely resembling that of Ahijah against Jeroboam—clearly shows that Baasha had a probation, which he neglected; and it seems to be implied in 1Kings 16:7 that his guilt was enhanced by perseverance in the very sins for which, by his hand, so terrible a vengeance had been inflicted.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwelling among His p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for un...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And also.**—This second reference to the prophecy of Jehu seems to be a note of the historian—perhaps added chiefly for the sake of the last clause, which shows that Baasha’s act, though foretold, was not thereby justified.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40-45. And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins--**These verses contain a general enumeration of Hiram's works, as well as those already mentioned as other minor things. The Tyrian artists are frequently mentioned by ancient authors as skilful artificers in fashioning and embossing metal cups and bowls; and we need not wonder, therefore, to find them employed by Solomon in maki...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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Elah's Reign in Israel

In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this pass...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them--**Zarthan, or Zaretan (Jos 3:16), or Zartanah (1Ki 4:12), or Zeredathah (2Ch 4:17), was on the bank of the Jordan in the territories of western Manasseh. Succoth was situated on the eastern side of Jordan, at the ford of the river near the mouth of the Jabbok. One reason assigned by commentators for the castings being made there is, that at such...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. steward: Heb. which was over

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God'...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Drinking himself drunk.**—There seems an emphasis of half-contemptuous condemnation in the description of Elah’s debauchery, evidently public, and in the house of a mere officer of his household, while war was raging at Gibbethon. On the other hand, Zimri—noted emphatically as “his servant”—was apparently the high officer left in special charge of the palace and the king’s person, while the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding thi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**48. the altar of gold--**that is, the altar of incense.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. neither: or, both his kinsmen and his friends

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under vari...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**49. candlesticks of pure gold--**made, probably, according to the model of that in the tabernacle, which, along with the other articles of furniture, were deposited with due honor, as sacred relics, in the temple. But these seem not to have been used in the temple service; for Solomon made new lavers, tables, and candlesticks, ten of each. (See further regarding the dimensions and furniture of t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, by: Heb. by the hand of

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foresha...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Heb...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Vanities**—that is, *idols* (as in Deuteronomy 32:21; 1Samuel 12:21; Psalm 31:6; Isaiah 41:29; Jer. viii 19; &c.): not only the idols of Dan and Bethel, but the worse abominations which grew up under cover of these. In the Old Testament generally the contempt for idolatry and false worship as a gross folly, wasting faith on unrealities, is at least as strong as the condemnation of them, as ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding t...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-14** David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, i...
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Zimri's Reign in Israel

In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text re...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Made Omri . . . king.**—This exaltation of Omri, as a matter of course, shows how entirely the kingdom of Israel had become the prize of the sword. By a curious coincidence (see 1Kings 15:27) the dynasty of Baasha had been founded in the camp before the same city of Gibbethon. Zimri’s conspiracy appears to have been hastily planned, with no provision of adequate means of support; for Tirzah...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 1Ki 8:1-12. The Dedication of the Temple. **2-6. at the feast in the month Ethanim--**The public and formal inauguration of this national place of worship did not take place till eleven months after the completion of the edifice. The delay, most probably, originated in Solomon's wish to choose the most fitting opportunity when there should be a general rendezvous of the people in Jer...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theolog...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 1Ki 8:1-12. The Dedication of the Temple. **2-6. at the feast in the month Ethanim--**The public and formal inauguration of this national place of worship did not take place till eleven months after the completion of the edifice. The delay, most probably, originated in Solomon's wish to choose the most fitting opportunity when there should be a general rendezvous of the people in Jer...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **The palace of the king’s house.**—The same phrase is found in 2Kings 15:25. The word here rendered “palace” evidently means (as is clear from its derivation) “the high place,” or “citadel,” of the building. Some render it the “harem,” with which the curious rendering (ἄντρον) of the LXX.—signifying properly a cave or “lurking-place”—may perhaps, agree. But this is not suggested by the word ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 1Ki 8:1-12. The Dedication of the Temple. **2-6. at the feast in the month Ethanim--**The public and formal inauguration of this national place of worship did not take place till eleven months after the completion of the edifice. The delay, most probably, originated in Solomon's wish to choose the most fitting opportunity when there should be a general rendezvous of the people in Jer...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances imp...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **In walking in the way of Jeroboam.**—The use here of this constantly-recurring phrase probably indicates only the historian’s sense of the curse lying on the whole kingdom from its idolatry, which Zimri did not attempt to repudiate; unless, perhaps, his conspiracy had clothed itself under pretence of a righteous zeal for the fulfilment of the prophecy of Jehu (1Kings 16:3-4), and had thrown...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 1Ki 8:1-12. The Dedication of the Temple. **2-6. at the feast in the month Ethanim--**The public and formal inauguration of this national place of worship did not take place till eleven months after the completion of the edifice. The delay, most probably, originated in Solomon's wish to choose the most fitting opportunity when there should be a general rendezvous of the people in Jer...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for un...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 1Ki 8:1-12. The Dedication of the Temple. **2-6. at the feast in the month Ethanim--**The public and formal inauguration of this national place of worship did not take place till eleven months after the completion of the edifice. The delay, most probably, originated in Solomon's wish to choose the most fitting opportunity when there should be a general rendezvous of the people in Jer...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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Omri's Reign in Israel

Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Tibni.**—Of him we know nothing. No doubt he also was a military chief—possibly Zimri’s colleague, under the supreme command of Omri—and the LXX. speaks of a brother, Joram, who fought and fell with him. There is an ominous significance in the terse description of the alternatives of fortune in this internecine struggle, “so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.” By comparison of 1Kings 16:23 with ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understand...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. they drew out the staves--**a little way, so as to project (see on Ex 25:15; Nu 4:6); and they were left in that position. The object was, that these projecting staves might serve as a guide to the high priest, in conducting him to that place where, once a year, he went to officiate before the ark; otherwise he might miss his way in the dark, the ark being wholly overshadowed by the wings of ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Began Omri to reign over Israel.**—The accession of Omri after this long civil war opened a new epoch of more settled government and prosperity for about forty-eight years. Omri had (as appears from 1Kings 20:34) to purchase peace with Syria by some acknowledgment of sovereignty and cession of cities. He then allied himself with the royal house of Tyre, probably both for strength against Sy...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone--**Nothing else was ever in the ark, the articles mentioned (He 9:4) being not in, but by it, being laid in the most holy place before the testimony (Ex 16:33; Nu 17:10).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-23** The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who wa...
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And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. Samaria: Heb. Shomeron

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Built on the hill.**—Omri only followed the usual practice of a new dynasty in the East, of which Jeroboam had set an example at Shechem, and probably Baasha at Tirzah. Possibly the seeds of disaffection may have still lurked in Tirzah, the place of Zimri’s conspiracy, and (as has been conjectured) of Tibni’s rival power. But the site of Samaria must have been chosen by a soldier’s eye. Its...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10-11. the cloud filled the house of the Lord--**The cloud was the visible symbol of the divine presence, and its occupation of the sanctuary was a testimony of God's gracious acceptance of the temple as of the tabernacle (Ex 40:34). The dazzling brightness, or rather, perhaps, the dense portentous darkness of the cloud, struck the minds of the priests, as it formerly had done Moses, which such ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the LORD, and did worse than all that were before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings'...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Did worse than all that were before him.**—This phrase, used of Jeroboam in 1Kings 14:9, may indicate, in addition to the acceptance and development of the old idolatry, some anticipation of the worse idolatry of Baal, formally introduced by Ahab. The “statutes of Omri” are referred to by Micah (Micah 6:16) in parallelism with the “works of the house of Ahab,” as the symbol of hardened and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10-11. the cloud filled the house of the Lord--**The cloud was the visible symbol of the divine presence, and its occupation of the sanctuary was a testimony of God's gracious acceptance of the temple as of the tabernacle (Ex 40:34). The dazzling brightness, or rather, perhaps, the dense portentous darkness of the cloud, struck the minds of the priests, as it formerly had done Moses, which such ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin, to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin, to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reve...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. Then spake Solomon--**For the reassurance of the priests and people, the king reminded them that the cloud, instead of being a sign ominous of evil, was a token of approval. **The Lord said--**not in express terms, but by a continuous course of action (Ex 13:21; 24:16; Nu 9:15).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he shewed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances importa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. I have surely built thee an house--**This is an apostrophe to God, as perceiving His approach by the cloud, and welcoming Him to enter as guest or inhabitant of the fixed and permanent dwelling-place, which, at His command, had been prepared for His reception.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. the king turned his face about--**From the temple, where he had been watching the movement of the mystic cloud, and while the people were standing, partly as the attitude of devotion, partly out of respect to royalty, the king gave a fervent expression of praise to God for the fulfilment of His promise (2Sa 7:6-16). 1Ki 8:22-61. His Prayer.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Ahab's Reign in Israel

And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebre...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. as if: Heb. was it a light thing, etc

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of bo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians.**—The mention of Ethbaal, clearly the *Eithobalus* of Menander (see Jos. *against Apion* i. 18), affords another comparison of Israelite with Tyrian history. He is said to have assassinated Pheles, king of Tyre, within fifty years after the death of Hiram, and to have founded a new dynasty. He was a priest of Astarte, and it is notable that he is called, not,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). The s...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understand...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of israel: elah, zimri, omri, ahab, within the book's focus on spiritual decline...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Did Hiel . . . build Jericho.**—This marks both the growth of prosperity and power, and the neglect of the old curse of Joshua (Joshua 6:26). The place had not, it would appear, been entirely deserted. (See Judges 3:13; 2Samuel 10:5.) But it was now made—what it continued to be even down to the time of Herod—an important place. Its natural advantages were great. It stood in a position well ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 16 Chapter Outline Ziba's falsehood.(1-4) David cursed by Shimei.(5-14) Ahithophel's counsel.(15-23) **Verses 1-4** Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

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