1 Kings 9:7

KJV

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I cut off {H3772} Israel {H3478} out {H6440} of the land {H127} which I have given {H5414} them; and this house {H1004}, which I have hallowed {H6942} for my name {H8034}, will I cast out {H7971} of my sight {H6440}; and Israel {H3478} shall be a proverb {H4912} and a byword {H8148} among all people {H5971}:

Complete Jewish Bible

then I will cut off Isra'el from the land I have given them. This house, which I consecrated for my name, I will eject from my sight; and Isra'el will become an example to avoid and an object of scorn among all peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples.

American Standard Version

then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse delivers a profound and solemn warning from God to King Solomon, outlining the severe, conditional consequences that would befall the nation of Israel and the sacred Temple if they turned away from the covenant. It prophesies their expulsion from the promised land, the divine abandonment of the very house consecrated for God's name, and their transformation into a public spectacle of shame and derision among all peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent warning in 1 Kings 9:7 is part of God's second appearance to King Solomon, immediately following the completion and dedication of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 9:1-9). God had just reaffirmed His covenant promises regarding Solomon's dynasty and the enduring nature of the Temple, contingent upon Solomon's and Israel's obedience (1 Kings 9:4-5). This passage (1 Kings 9:6-9) serves as the stark counterpoint to those blessings, detailing the dire consequences—a divine curse—that would ensue if Solomon and the people of Israel turned away from God, served other gods, and broke the foundational covenant established at Sinai. It functions as a critical hinge in the Deuteronomistic history, reinforcing the principle that divine blessing is inextricably linked to covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign represented the zenith of Israelite power and prosperity, yet it was also a period marked by the introduction of foreign wives and, consequently, foreign deities (1 Kings 11:1-8). The Temple, recently completed, was not merely a building but the physical locus of God's presence among His people, central to their national identity, worship, and covenant relationship. In the ancient Near East, the fate of a nation and its sacred structures was often seen as directly tied to the favor or disfavor of its gods. To be "cut off" from the land was the ultimate reversal of the Abrahamic promise, and to become a "proverb and a byword" signified profound public humiliation and the loss of national honor, a common form of judgment in that cultural milieu where reputation was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Old Testament. It underscores the **conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant**, demonstrating that while God's ultimate promises are steadfast, the immediate enjoyment of His blessings and presence is contingent upon human faithfulness. It highlights **divine justice and the consequences of disobedience**, revealing God's righteous judgment against idolatry and covenant breaking, even among His chosen people. The prophecy also speaks to the **holiness of God** and His intolerance for sin, emphasizing that even a consecrated space like the Temple could lose its divine favor if the people defiled it through their actions, as tragically fulfilled in the [destruction of the Temple by Babylon](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Destruction of the Temple"). Finally, it touches on the theme of **national identity and disgrace**, contrasting Israel's intended role as a light to the nations with the shame of becoming a cautionary tale, echoing similar warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel a Proverb and Byword").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kārath'_):** This verb signifies a decisive and often violent severance, a radical separation. It is frequently used in the context of covenant-making (e.g., "cutting a covenant"), but here it denotes the breaking of a relationship and the severe consequences of that breach. In this context, it implies God's active removal of Israel from the land, reversing His own act of giving.
* **Hallowed (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** Meaning "to be set apart," "to be holy," or "to consecrate." God Himself consecrated the Temple for His name, indicating its unique and sacred status as the place where His presence would dwell. The implication of God casting it out of His sight is that even something divinely consecrated can be profaned by human sin to the point of divine rejection.
* **Proverb (Hebrew, _māshāl'_):** This term refers to a parable, a proverb, or a byword. In this context, it carries the connotation of a taunt or an object lesson. Israel's downfall would become a common saying, a widely known example of divine judgment for other nations to observe and learn from.
* **Byword (Hebrew, _shĕnînâ'_):** Often paired with _māshāl_, this word denotes derision, a taunt, or a sharp, biting saying. Together, "proverb and byword" paint a vivid picture of public disgrace, mockery, and scorn, where Israel's former glory would be replaced by widespread contempt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them;":** This clause declares God's direct and decisive action against His people. The "land" is the central promise of the Abrahamic covenant, a symbol of divine favor and blessing. To be "cut off" from it represents the ultimate reversal of that blessing, a forced expulsion from the very inheritance God graciously bestowed upon them. This foreshadows the exiles Israel would endure.
* **"and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight;":** This is a profoundly shocking statement. The Temple, the physical manifestation of God's presence and the centerpiece of Israelite worship, is declared subject to divine rejection. Despite God Himself having consecrated it, the people's sin would render it abhorrent to Him, leading to its abandonment and eventual destruction. This highlights that God's presence is not bound to a physical structure apart from the faithfulness of His people.
* **"and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:":** This final clause describes the resulting national humiliation and disgrace. Instead of being a blessing to the nations and a testimony to God's greatness, Israel would become an object of ridicule, a cautionary tale, and a subject of scorn. Their downfall would be so spectacular that it would become a common saying or example of divine judgment, widely known and derided among all other nations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its solemn message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, presenting a sequence of escalating judgments: first the land, then the Temple, then the people's reputation. This tripartite structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. The phrase "proverb and a byword" functions as **hendiadys**, using two nouns connected by "and" to express a single, intensified concept of utter disgrace and public ridicule. **Anthropomorphism** is present in "cast out of my sight," attributing human-like action (seeing and rejecting) to God to convey His profound displeasure and abandonment. Finally, the entire verse serves as a **prophecy**, foretelling future events with a certainty that underscores God's sovereignty and His commitment to covenant enforcement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the principle that divine blessing, while rooted in God's steadfast covenant, is experienced conditionally by humanity. It reveals that God's holiness demands a response of obedience and faithfulness from His people, and that persistent idolatry and rebellion inevitably lead to severe consequences. The "cutting off" from the land and the "casting out" of the Temple from God's sight illustrate that even the most sacred gifts and privileges can be forfeited when the covenant relationship is violated. This demonstrates God's unwavering justice, which, though often delayed, will ultimately hold His people accountable for their actions, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel a Byword Among Nations")
* [Jeremiah 7:12-15](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-15 - Shiloh and the Temple's Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 9:7 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that spiritual privilege does not guarantee immunity from divine judgment. For individuals and communities today, it underscores the critical importance of sustained faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. It warns against spiritual complacency, the insidious creep of modern idolatry (whether it be wealth, power, comfort, or self), and the dangers of allowing our hearts to drift from the Lord. While God's grace and mercy are boundless, His justice ensures that there are always consequences for persistent rebellion and a disregard for His holiness. This passage calls believers to a profound self-examination, prompting us to consider whether our lives truly reflect a hallowing of God's name, or if we are, perhaps unknowingly, setting ourselves up for a form of spiritual "cutting off" or becoming a "byword" through our unfaithfulness. It challenges us to live in a manner that honors God, lest our lives become a cautionary tale rather than a vibrant testimony to His goodness and transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to "cut off" ourselves from God's presence or "cast out" His hallowed name from our lives through disobedience?**
* **What are the modern "idols" or "other gods" that can subtly draw our hearts away from singular devotion to the Lord?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as seen in this verse, deepen our appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **How can we ensure that our lives and our churches remain a testament to God's goodness, rather than becoming a "proverb and a byword" in the eyes of the world?**

### FAQ
**Was this prophecy in 1 Kings 9:7 ever fulfilled in Israel's history?**

Answer: Yes, tragically and definitively. The prophecy of Israel being "cut off" from the land and the Temple being "cast out of God's sight" found its most dramatic fulfillment with the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile in the 6th century BC. The First Temple, which Solomon built and God had hallowed, was utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and the people of Judah were carried away into captivity (2 Kings 25:8-12). This event was a profound national humiliation, making Israel a "proverb and a byword" among the surrounding nations, who often attributed the downfall of a people to the weakness or abandonment by their deity. Later, the Second Temple was also destroyed by the Romans in AD 70, further underscoring the conditional nature of the physical structures and the continued consequences of national disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dire warning of 1 Kings 9:7, while a stark reality for Old Covenant Israel, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "cutting off" from the land and the "casting out" of the Temple from God's sight point to a deeper spiritual reality. Jesus Himself became the ultimate "proverb and byword" for us, enduring the shame and public derision on the cross (Isaiah 53:3-4). He was "cut off" from the land of the living and experienced the ultimate abandonment by God, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Yet, in His "cutting off," He bore the judgment due to us, becoming a curse so that we might receive blessing (Galatians 3:13). Furthermore, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple (John 2:19-21), stating that the physical structure would be destroyed but He would raise it in three days. Through His sacrifice, the need for a physical temple as the sole locus of God's presence was transcended, as God now dwells by His Spirit within believers, who are collectively the spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) and the new Israel (Galatians 6:16). The New Covenant, established in Christ's blood, is not conditional upon our perfect obedience in the same way the Mosaic Covenant was, but is grounded in God's unconditional grace and Christ's perfect fulfillment (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12). Thus, what was a terrifying prophecy of judgment for Old Covenant Israel becomes, through Christ, a profound revelation of God's redemptive plan to secure an eternal, unconditional relationship with His people, free from the threat of being "cut off" or made a "byword" when we are in Him (Romans 8:1).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 44:14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 28:37

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

Leviticus 18:24

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Leviticus 18:28

That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that [were] before you.

2 Kings 25:9

And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great [man's] house burnt he with fire.