King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:22 Mean?

1 Kings 15:22 in the King James Version says “Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and t... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah. exempted: Heb. free

1 Kings 15:22 · KJV


Context

20

So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

21

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.

22

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah. exempted: Heb. free

23

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

24

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. Jehoshaphat: Gr. Josaphat


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ1 of 26

Then king

H4428

a king

אָסָ֔א2 of 26

Asa

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

הִשְׁמִ֤יעַ3 of 26

made a proclamation

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת4 of 26
H853

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

כָּל5 of 26
H3605

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

יְהוּדָה֙6 of 26

throughout all Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֵ֣ין7 of 26
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נָקִ֔י8 of 26

none was exempted

H5355

innocent

וַיִּשְׂא֞וּ9 of 26

and they took

H5375

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

אֶת10 of 26
H853

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

אַבְנֵ֤י11 of 26

away the stones

H68

a stone

הָֽרָמָה֙12 of 26

of Ramah

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

וְאֶת13 of 26
H853

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

עֵצֶ֔יהָ14 of 26

and the timber

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 26
H834

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

וַיִּ֤בֶן16 of 26

built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּעְשָׁ֑א17 of 26

thereof wherewith Baasha

H1201

basha, a king of israel

וַיִּ֤בֶן18 of 26

built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בָּם֙19 of 26
H0
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ20 of 26

Then king

H4428

a king

אָסָ֔א21 of 26

Asa

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

אֶת22 of 26
H853

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

גֶּ֥בַע23 of 26

with them Geba

H1387

geba, a place in palestine

בִּנְיָמִ֖ן24 of 26

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאֶת25 of 26
H853

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

הַמִּצְפָּֽה׃26 of 26

and Mizpah

H4709

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine


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 15:22 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 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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