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1 Kings 22:47

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[There was] then no king in Edom: a deputy [was] king.

There was then no king {H4428} in Edom {H123}: a deputy {H5324} was king {H4428}.

There had previously been no king in Edom, but now a deputy was made king.

And there was no king in Edom; a deputy served as king.

And there was no king in Edom: a deputy was king.

Commentary

1 Kings 22:47 is a brief, editorial note providing insight into the political landscape of the ancient Near East during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. It states, "There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king." This seemingly minor detail reveals significant aspects of Judah's power and regional influence at the time.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse offers a snapshot of the relationship between the Kingdom of Judah and Edom. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was traditionally inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom and Israel (later Judah) had a complex relationship, often marked by rivalry and conflict. During the reign of King David, Edom was decisively conquered and subjected to Israelite rule, with garrisons placed throughout the territory (see 2 Samuel 8:14). This verse indicates that during Jehoshaphat's reign, this subjugation continued. Edom was not permitted to have its own independent monarch; instead, it was ruled by an appointed official answerable to Judah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sovereignty and Dominion: The primary message is Judah's political control over Edom. The absence of an Edomite king signifies their vassal status, underscoring Judah's regional power.
  • Political Stability: For Judah, this arrangement provided a degree of stability on its southern border, ensuring resources or tribute flowed to Jerusalem and preventing independent threats from Edom.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy (Indirect): While not a direct prophecy, the dominance of Jacob's descendants over Esau's (Edom) echoes the divine pronouncements made to Rebekah about the two nations within her womb, where "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).

Linguistic Insights

The term "deputy" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew word netziv (נְצִיב). This word can carry several meanings, including "governor," "prefect," "garrison," or even "pillar." In this context, it clearly denotes an appointed official or governor, a proxy ruler installed by the dominant power (Judah). It emphasizes that this individual was not a hereditary king but an administrator serving the interests of the controlling kingdom, further reinforcing Edom's lack of independent sovereignty at this time.

Practical Application and Reflection

While a brief historical note, 1 Kings 22:47 reminds us of the dynamic nature of power and governance in human history. It illustrates how nations rise and fall, and how political control can shift hands. For believers, it's a subtle reminder of God's overarching sovereignty even amidst the complex political dealings of humankind. He works through and oversees the affairs of nations, shaping their destinies according to His purposes. This verse also sets the stage for future events, as Edom would later rebel and regain some independence (see 2 Kings 8:20-22), highlighting the temporary nature of human dominion compared to God's eternal reign.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 8:14 (5 votes)

    And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

  • 2 Kings 3:9 (5 votes)

    So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.

  • 2 Kings 8:20 (4 votes)

    In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

  • Genesis 27:40 (3 votes)

    And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

  • Psalms 108:9 (2 votes)

    Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

  • Psalms 108:10 (2 votes)

    Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

  • Genesis 36:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ And these [are] the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.