Question 1

What does 1 Kings 22:46 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 22:46 states that King Jehoshaphat removed the remaining "sodomites"—a group associated with certain forbidden religious practices—from the land, continuing the reforms begun by his father, King Asa. This verse highlights Jehoshaphat's efforts to rid Judah of practices considered contrary to the worship of the God of Israel. The verse is part of a summary of Jehoshaphat's reign, describing his commitment to religious reform. The "sodomites" mentioned here refers to a group involved in ritual acts tied to pagan worship, and their removal was seen as necessary for maintaining the religious purity of the nation. The passage connects Jehoshaphat's actions to those of his father Asa, showing a continued effort across generations to uphold certain religious standards.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:46

Accepted Answer

"sodomites" (קָדֵשׁ, qāḏēsh): This word refers to people associated with cultic prostitution, often linked to Canaanite religious practices. The term carries a sense of ritual impurity in the context of ancient Israel. "remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means those who were left or remained after previous efforts. It emphasizes that Jehoshaphat was finishing a task his father Asa had started but not completed. "took" (בָּעַר, ba‘ar): This verb means to remove or purge, often with a sense of burning or thoroughly clearing out. It suggests a decisive and complete action to eliminate the group from the land.

Question 3

Why 1 Kings 22:46 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat was not starting a new reform but completing one begun by his father, showing the persistence needed to bring about lasting change. The mention of "sodomites" highlights the specific practices being targeted, which were tied to the broader struggle against idolatry and foreign religious influences in Israel and Judah. By connecting Jehoshaphat's actions to Asa's, the verse places his reign in continuity with earlier reforms, helping readers see the ongoing effort to shape the nation's religious identity.

1 Kings 22:46 (KJV)