1 Kings 11:42 Meaning and Explanation
“And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Solomon reigned over all Israel in Jerusalem for forty years.
What Does 1 Kings 11:42 Mean?
The length of Solomon's reign is recorded: forty years over all Israel from Jerusalem. The number matches his father David's reign and the round span often used in Scripture for a full generation. It marks the close of the united kingdom's golden age before the division to come.
Forty years of reign over all Israel, the last time the twelve tribes would be held together under one throne until the days of the promised King. The verse quietly marks the end of an era. Solomon's reign began in unmatched glory and ended in compromise, a whole generation lived under one crown. Time, however long a life or reign, comes always to its close, and what endures is measured not in years but in faithfulness. The united kingdom now passes, but God's larger purpose moves on.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 11:42
What does 1 Kings 11:42 mean?
Solomon reigned over all Israel in Jerusalem for forty years.