But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you. But I will takeThis phrase signifies a divine intervention and decision. The Hebrew root for "take" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which often implies a forceful or authoritative action. In the context of 1 Kings, it underscores God's sovereign authority to alter the course of history according to His will. This action is not merely a political maneuver but a fulfillment of divine prophecy and judgment due to Solomon's disobedience. the kingdom
The term "kingdom" here refers to the united monarchy of Israel, established under Saul and solidified under David and Solomon. The Hebrew word "מַמְלָכָה" (mamlakah) denotes a realm or dominion. Historically, this kingdom was a significant power in the ancient Near East, and its division marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the formation of two separate entities: Israel and Judah. out of his son’s hand
This phrase indicates the transfer of power from Solomon's lineage, specifically his son Rehoboam. The "hand" symbolizes control and authority. The historical context reveals that Rehoboam's inability to maintain the kingdom was partly due to his failure to heed wise counsel, leading to the fulfillment of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry. and give it to you
The "you" in this passage refers to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (nathan) for "give" implies a bestowal or granting of authority. This divine appointment of Jeroboam as king over the ten tribes is a testament to God's sovereign choice, often using unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, as seen throughout biblical narratives. ten tribes
The division into "ten tribes" signifies the majority of the Israelite tribes forming the northern kingdom, known as Israel. This separation left the tribes of Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam's rule, forming the southern kingdom of Judah. Archaeological evidence and historical records from neighboring nations corroborate the existence of these two distinct kingdoms, highlighting the geopolitical and spiritual ramifications of this division. Theologically, this split serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, as well as His continued faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom but also for his eventual turning away from God due to idolatry and foreign influences. 2. RehoboamSolomon's son, who was set to inherit the kingdom but faced the division of Israel due to his father's disobedience. 3. JeroboamA servant of Solomon who was promised by God to receive ten tribes of Israel, marking the division of the united kingdom. 4. IsraelThe united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, which was prophesied to be divided due to Solomon's unfaithfulness. 5. Prophecy of AhijahThe prophet Ahijah foretold the division of the kingdom, symbolized by tearing a new garment into twelve pieces. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod's decision to divide the kingdom demonstrates His sovereignty and justice. Despite Solomon's wisdom, his disobedience had consequences, reminding us that no one is above God's law. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's failure to adhere to God's commandments led to the division of his kingdom. This serves as a warning about the long-term effects of disobedience and idolatry. The Faithfulness of God's PromisesDespite the division, God remained faithful to His promise to David by preserving a remnant. This illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenants. Leadership and ResponsibilityThe account highlights the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to follow God's commands, as their actions can have far-reaching impacts. Hope in God's PlanEven in judgment, God's plan includes hope and restoration, as seen in the eventual reunification of Israel under Christ, the true King. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the division of the kingdom in 1 Kings 11:35 reflect the consequences of Solomon's actions, and what can we learn about the importance of obedience to God? 2. In what ways does God's promise to Jeroboam demonstrate His sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plans for our lives? 3. How does the prophecy of Ahijah and its fulfillment in 1 Kings 12:15-16 illustrate the reliability of God's word, and how can this encourage us in our daily walk with God? 4. Considering Deuteronomy 17:14-20, what specific instructions did Solomon ignore, and how can we apply these principles to our own leadership roles, whether in the church, family, or workplace? 5. How does the division of the kingdom ultimately point to the need for a perfect King, and how does this foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:11-13These verses provide context for God's decision to divide the kingdom, highlighting Solomon's idolatry and God's promise to maintain a remnant for David's sake. 1 Kings 12:15-16The fulfillment of the prophecy as Rehoboam's harsh policies lead to the rebellion of the northern tribes, resulting in the division of the kingdom. Deuteronomy 17:14-20God's instructions for kings, which Solomon violated, leading to the consequences seen in 1 Kings 11:35. 2 Chronicles 10:15A parallel account of the division of the kingdom, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the unfolding events. 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 Hands, Kingdom, Son's, Ten, TribesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:29-39 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 1 Kings 11:34-36 1351 covenant, with David 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 11:35 NIV1 Kings 11:35 NLT1 Kings 11:35 ESV1 Kings 11:35 NASB1 Kings 11:35 KJV
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