1 Kings 15 15

1 Kings 15:15 kjv

And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels.

1 Kings 15:15 nkjv

He also brought into the house of the LORD the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which he himself had dedicated: silver and gold and utensils.

1 Kings 15:15 niv

He brought into the temple of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.

1 Kings 15:15 esv

And he brought into the house of the LORD the sacred gifts of his father and his own sacred gifts, silver, and gold, and vessels.

1 Kings 15:15 nlt

He brought into the Temple of the LORD the silver and gold and the various items that he and his father had dedicated.

1 Kings 15 verses

1 Kings 15 15 Meaning

King Asa brought various valuable items into the Jerusalem Temple treasury. This included things his father, Abijam, had previously dedicated to the Lord but which were perhaps never properly deposited or maintained within the Temple system, and items that Asa himself had newly dedicated. These "dedicated things" were treasures of silver, gold, and other vessels, signifying a commitment to proper worship and the resourcing of the Lord's house, aligning with Asa's early religious reforms and devotion.

1 Kings 15 15 Context

1 Kings 15 begins by detailing the reign of Abijam, Asa’s father, who did evil in the sight of the Lord (vv. 1-8). In stark contrast, when Asa takes the throne, he is immediately praised for doing what was "right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done" (v. 11). His reforms included the removal of male shrine prostitutes and idolatrous objects, and he also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position for her idolatry (vv. 12-14). This specific verse, 1 Kings 15:15, thus comes as a culmination and evidence of Asa's genuine piety and commitment to Yahweh, showing his efforts not only to purge idolatry but also to restore the proper functions and sacredness of the Temple. The "things which his father had dedicated" implies either that Abijam’s earlier dedications were not fully brought into the Temple or were not maintained properly, which Asa rectified, alongside his own pious contributions.

1 Kings 15 15 Word analysis

• And he brought (וַיָּבֵא֙ - vayyāḇēʾ): This is a Hiphil imperfect tense, typically expressing a causative action, meaning "he caused to come in" or "he made to bring." It signifies Asa’s deliberate, active role in gathering and depositing these items. It highlights his initiative and authority in directing these resources towards their proper sacred use.
• into the house of the Lord (בֵּית־ יְהוָ֣ה - bêṯ- YHWH): This refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the kingdom of Judah. Bringing items into the Temple emphasizes their consecrated purpose and their belonging to God's sanctuary. This act serves as a physical embodiment of theological alignment with proper Yahweh worship, distinguishing it from local "high places" which Asa later struggles with (1 Kings 15:14).
• the things which his father had dedicated (קָדְשֵׁ֣י אָבִ֗יו - qodšê ʾāḇîw): Qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ) means "holy" or "dedicated." In plural construct form, qodshei, it denotes "dedicated things" or "holy things." These were items "set apart" for God, usually as offerings or vows. The text implies these dedicated items, originally consecrated by his father Abijam, were not properly within the Temple treasury. This might have been due to negligence, active misappropriation, or an unfulfilled intention by Abijam. Asa’s action here is therefore an act of restoration and completion, rectifying past oversights or wrongs.
• and the things which he himself had dedicated (וְקָדְשָׁיו֙ - wəqādšāyw): This phrase uses the same root qodesh but with a personal possessive suffix ("his own"). This indicates Asa’s personal piety and commitment, demonstrating his own willingness to set apart valuable items for the Lord’s use. It underscores that his act was not merely corrective of his father's actions but also an expression of his own devotion.
• silver, and gold, and vessels (כֶּ֥סֶף וְזָהָ֖ב וְכֵלִֽים - kesef wəzāhāḇ wəḵēlîm): This specifies the valuable nature of the dedicated items. Silver and gold were precious metals, often used for treasury deposits or as materials for sacred objects. "Vessels" (kelim) is a broader term, which could refer to utensils for Temple service, containers for offerings, or other valuable artifacts, likely made of precious metals or other costly materials suitable for divine dedication. These materials confirm the substantial value of the gifts.

1 Kings 15 15 Bonus section

• Significance of "dedicated things": In ancient Israel, "dedicated things" (qodesh) were removed from common use and irrevocably committed to the Lord. Their improper handling or use was considered sacrilege. This explains why Asa's bringing them into the Temple treasury was an act of righteousness—it was rectifying a sacred boundary.
• Contrast with Rehoboam: Earlier, Rehoboam, Asa's grandfather, saw the Temple treasures plundered by Shishak king of Egypt (1 Ki 14:26). Asa's act in 1 Kings 15:15 symbolizes a reversal of this decline, replenishing and respecting the Temple's sanctity.
• Asa's mixed record: While 1 Kings 15:15 highlights Asa's strong initial piety, the account in 1 Kings 15 also notes his later failure to remove all the "high places" (1 Ki 15:14) and his reliance on human alliances rather than God (1 Ki 15:16-22, 2 Chron 16:1-12). This verse captures the initial fervent commitment that later faltered in some aspects, showing the complexities of even good leaders.

1 Kings 15 15 Commentary

This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment in King Asa's early reign, showcasing his devotion and efforts to purify the worship of Yahweh in Judah. By depositing both his father's outstanding dedicated items and his own, Asa demonstrates a strong commitment to fulfilling sacred vows and honoring the Lord’s house. This act underscores themes of restoration, religious rectitude, and generous stewardship of resources for divine service, especially important given the neglect and idolatry prevalent under his predecessors. It highlights that true worship involves both cleansing from unholy practices and consecrating valuable resources and possessions to the Lord. His action effectively re-establishes the Temple’s financial and ceremonial integrity, serving as a powerful example of faithful kingship that prioritizes God's glory above personal gain or expediency.