| 26. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the rhetorical question halo {הֲל֣וֹא | ha-lōʾ} ‘is it not’, prompting reflection on previous actions. The expression al-eleh {עַל־אֵ֣לֶּה | ʿal-ʾēlleh} ‘because of these things’ refers back to earlier reforms. The compound verb–proper noun chata-shelomo establishes Solomon as the actor in sin. In the next clause, the nominal superlative uva-goyim harabbim lo-hayah melech kamohu highlights his unparalleled status. The phrase veahuv leelohav hayah communicates divine favor through passive participle, and vayittenehu elohim melech alkolyisrael attributes kingship to divine appointment. The final Hiphil causative hechetziu hanashim hanokhriyot underscores the active role of foreign women in leading him into sin. English renderings preserve the cascading clause relationships and contrasts of status, favor, and downfall. |