King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:28 Mean?

1 Kings 14:28 in the King James Version says “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 g...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 14:28 · King James Version

Context

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.

29

Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

30

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.

Read 1 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְהִ֛י1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִדֵּי2 of 12

“And it was so when”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

בֹ֥א3 of 12

“went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 12

“the king”

H4428

a king

בֵּ֣ית5 of 12

“into the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

יִשָּׂאוּם֙7 of 12

“bare”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הָֽרָצִֽים׃8 of 12

“into the guard”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וֶֽהֱשִׁיב֖וּם9 of 12

“them and brought them back”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל10 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תָּ֥א11 of 12

“chamber”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

הָֽרָצִֽים׃12 of 12

“into the guard”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 12:11

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