Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from himThis phrase reflects God's mercy and faithfulness despite Solomon's disobedience. The Hebrew word for "tear" (קָרַע, qara) conveys a violent action, symbolizing the severity of the judgment. However, the word "yet" introduces a contrast, highlighting God's restraint. Historically, this decision underscores the importance of the Davidic covenant, where God promised David an enduring dynasty ( 2 Samuel 7:16). God's decision to not completely dismantle the kingdom demonstrates His commitment to His promises, even when His people fail. but will give him one tribe
The "one tribe" refers to the tribe of Judah, which remained loyal to the house of David. The Hebrew word for "give" (נָתַן, natan) implies a deliberate and gracious act. This allocation was not due to Solomon's merit but was an act of divine grace. Archaeologically, the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah is well-documented, with Judah maintaining Jerusalem as its capital. This division fulfilled God's word while preserving a remnant for David's lineage. for the sake of My servant David
David is referred to as "My servant," a title of honor and covenantal relationship. The Hebrew word for "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved) signifies loyalty and service. David's heart for God and his role in establishing Israel as a united kingdom earned him this enduring legacy. God's faithfulness to David is a testament to His unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises, serving as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful. and for the sake of Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a special place in God's plan, chosen as the city where His name would dwell (1 Kings 11:36). The Hebrew root for "chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar) indicates a deliberate selection. Jerusalem's significance is both spiritual and historical, as it became the center of worship and the location of the Temple. God's preservation of Jerusalem underscores its role in His redemptive plan, foreshadowing its future importance in biblical prophecy. which I have chosen
The act of choosing (בָּחַר, bachar) reflects God's sovereign will and purpose. This choice is not arbitrary but is rooted in His divine plan for salvation history. Jerusalem's selection as the spiritual center for Israel and the world highlights God's intention to establish a place where His presence would be manifest. This divine choice reassures believers of God's sovereign control and His ability to bring His purposes to fruition, regardless of human failure. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel whose heart turned away from God due to his foreign wives and idolatry. 2. RehoboamSolomon's son, who would inherit the kingdom, albeit a divided one. 3. DavidSolomon's father, a man after God's own heart, whose legacy influenced God's decision. 4. JerusalemThe chosen city of God, central to His covenant with Israel. 5. The Division of the KingdomThe event where the united kingdom of Israel was divided into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite Solomon's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with David. This teaches us about the steadfastness of God's promises, even when we falter. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's idolatry led to the division of the kingdom. Our actions have consequences, and turning away from God can lead to division and strife in our lives. The Importance of LegacyDavid's faithfulness had lasting effects, influencing God's decisions generations later. Our faithfulness can impact future generations. God's Sovereign ChoiceJerusalem was chosen by God for His purposes. We must recognize and submit to God's sovereign choices in our lives. Hope in RedemptionThe promise of one tribe remaining points to the hope of redemption and restoration, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's decision to preserve one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem reflect His character and promises? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of Solomon's disobedience in our own lives or communities today? 3. How can we ensure that our legacy, like David's, positively influences future generations? 4. What does the choice of Jerusalem as God's city teach us about His plans and purposes for specific places or people? 5. How does the promise of a remnant tribe point to the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ, and how can we apply this hope in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure and that his kingdom would be established forever. 1 Kings 11:9-12The context of God's anger with Solomon for his idolatry, leading to the decision to divide the kingdom. 1 Kings 12The actual division of the kingdom during Rehoboam's reign. Psalm 132A reflection on God's promises to David and the significance of Jerusalem. Matthew 1:1The genealogy of Jesus, showing the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Christ. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Chosen, David, Howbeit, However, Jerusalem, Jerusalem's, Kingdom, Rend, Sake, Selection, Servant, Servant's, Tear, Town, Tribe, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:9-13 5120 Solomon, character
7944 ministry, qualifications 1 Kings 11:11-13 1351 covenant, with David 1 Kings 11:12-13 6160 fathers, sin of Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:13 NIV1 Kings 11:13 NLT1 Kings 11:13 ESV1 Kings 11:13 NASB1 Kings 11:13 KJV
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