King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:26 Mean?

1 Kings 14:26 in the King James Version says “And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: a...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.”

1 Kings 14:26 · KJV

Context

24

And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

25

And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:

26

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

27

And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house. guard: Heb. runners

28

And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, 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 Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּקַּח֙1 of 20

“And he took away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֽוֹצְרוֹת֙3 of 20

“and the treasures”

H214

a depository

בֵּ֣ית4 of 20

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְאֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֽוֹצְרוֹת֙7 of 20

“and the treasures”

H214

a depository

בֵּ֣ית8 of 20

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ9 of 20

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

וְאֶת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּ֖ל11 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וַיִּקַּח֙12 of 20

“And he took away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיִּקַּח֙13 of 20

“And he took away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל15 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מָֽגִנֵּ֣י16 of 20

“all the shields”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

הַזָּהָ֔ב17 of 20

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֖ה19 of 20

“had made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃20 of 20

“which Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 14:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:182 Chronicles 9:15-16Proverbs 23:5Psalms 89:35-452 Kings 24:13Psalms 39:6

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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