1 kings 22:47 - There was no king in Edom. A deputy ruled.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 22:47

What does "1 kings 22:47" mean?


The verse "There was no king in Edom. A deputy ruled" (1 Kings 22:47) is a brief historical notation about the political situation in Edom during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah (mid-9th century BCE). It tells us that at that time, Edom was not an independent kingdom with its own king. Instead, it was governed by a "deputy," which suggests that Edom was under the control of a larger power.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning and significance:

"There was no king in Edom": This part clearly indicates the absence of a native Edomite king ruling independently.

"A deputy ruled": The "deputy" (Hebrew: netsib) implies that Edom was governed by someone appointed by and subject to a foreign power. This means Edom was likely a vassal state, a province, or otherwise subjugated. The precise nature and title of the deputy is not specified in this verse.

Possible Interpretations and Context:

Edom was under Judah's control: Considering the surrounding context in 1 Kings 22, which involves an alliance between Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahab of Israel, it is quite possible that Edom was under the dominion of the kingdom of Judah at this time. Jehoshaphat is depicted as having influence and power in the region. The next verse, 1 Kings 22:48, mentions Jehoshaphat's ships that went to Ophir for gold, further suggesting his economic and political strength.

Edom was under Israel's control: While less directly implied, it is theoretically possible that Edom was under the influence of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, perhaps through an arrangement or temporary conquest. The alliance between Judah and Israel suggests a level of cooperation that could involve control over Edom.

Edom was under another power's control: It's also conceivable that Edom was under the influence of another major power in the region, such as Aram (Syria), although there is no direct evidence in the text to support this.

Historical Significance:

This verse provides a glimpse into the fluctuating political landscape of the ancient Near East. The relationships between kingdoms and the control of territories often shifted. The verse is important because:

It provides a historical marker for the political status of Edom at a specific time.
It hints at the relative power dynamics between Edom, Judah, and possibly Israel.
It demonstrates that Edom, while often a distinct entity, was sometimes subject to foreign rule.

In conclusion, the verse indicates that during the time of Jehoshaphat of Judah, Edom was not an independent kingdom but was governed by a "deputy," most likely as a vassal state or province under the control of a larger power, most probably Judah itself. This tells us about the political situation in the area and the relationships between the different kingdoms.

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