1 Kings 16:24

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ויקן את ההר שמרון מאת שמר בככרים כסף ויבן את ההר ויקרא את שם העיר אשר בנה על שם שמר אדני ההר שמרון:

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how King Omri bought a hill from Shemer and built a city there. He named the city Samaria after the previous owner of the hill. It shows the founding of the city of Samaria.

Explained for Children

Imagine you bought a piece of land from your friend and built a treehouse on it. Then you named the treehouse after your friend. That's what King Omri did here!

Historical Background

1 Kings was written by various authors including prophets like Jeremiah and others, around 550 BC. It details the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. This verse is part of the story of King Omri, who reigned around 885-874 BC.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can remind us of the importance of honoring those who have come before us. When you start a new project or move to a new place, consider acknowledging the original owner or the previous inhabitants.

Topics

historyleadershippropertynamingcity-buildingrespect

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the hill Samaria?

The hill Samaria became the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, symbolizing a new political center and a departure from the religious center in Jerusalem.

Why did King Omri choose to name the city after Shemer?

King Omri may have named the city after Shemer as a sign of respect or to honor the original owner of the land, which was a common practice in ancient times.

What does this verse tell us about King Omri?

This verse shows King Omri's initiative in expanding his territory and establishing a new capital, indicating his strategic thinking and leadership.

How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of 1 Kings?

This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the rise and fall of kings in Israel, highlighting the political and geographical changes that shaped the kingdom.

Compare 1 Kings 16:24 →