If you listen to all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight in order to keep My statutes and commandments as My servant David did, then I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. If you listenThe Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also obeying and understanding. In the biblical context, listening is an active engagement with God's word, requiring a response. This phrase sets the condition for the promise that follows, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands as a prerequisite for His blessings. to all that I command you
The phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of God's expectations. The Hebrew word for "command" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which conveys a sense of authoritative instruction. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where adherence to His commands is a sign of faithfulness and devotion. and walk in My ways
"Walk" in Hebrew is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which metaphorically represents one's conduct or lifestyle. "My ways" refers to the path of righteousness and holiness that God sets before His people. This phrase calls for a life that mirrors God's character and principles, aligning one's actions with His divine will. and do what is right in My sight
The concept of doing "what is right" is rooted in the Hebrew word "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight or upright. "In My sight" indicates living with an awareness of God's omnipresence and judgment. This phrase challenges believers to maintain integrity and righteousness, knowing that God sees and evaluates all actions. keeping My statutes and commandments
"Statutes" (חֻקּוֹת, chukot) and "commandments" (מִצְוֹת, mitzvot) refer to the specific laws given by God. The repetition of these terms highlights the importance of both the moral and ceremonial aspects of the law. Keeping them is a demonstration of loyalty and love for God, reflecting a heart committed to His covenant. as My servant David did
David is presented as a model of faithfulness, despite his imperfections. The term "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved) signifies a relationship of submission and dedication to God. David's life, characterized by repentance and a heart after God, serves as an example for all believers to follow. I will be with you
This promise of divine presence is central to the covenant relationship. The assurance "I will be with you" echoes God's promises to the patriarchs and leaders of Israel, signifying His support, guidance, and blessing. It is a reminder that God's presence is the source of strength and success. and I will build you a lasting dynasty
The Hebrew word for "dynasty" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), meaning house or family. This promise of a "lasting dynasty" parallels God's covenant with David, offering stability and continuity. It signifies God's intention to establish a legacy through those who are faithful to Him. as I built for David
This comparison to David's dynasty underscores the magnitude of the promise. David's house was established by God as a perpetual kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign plan for His people. and I will give Israel to you
The promise to "give Israel" signifies the transfer of leadership and blessing. It reflects God's sovereign choice and the conditional nature of His promises, dependent on obedience. This phrase assures the recipient of God's provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamA servant of Solomon who was promised a kingdom by God through the prophet Ahijah. He is the primary recipient of the promise in this verse. 2. SolomonThe reigning king of Israel at the time, whose kingdom was to be divided due to his disobedience to God. 3. Ahijah the ProphetThe prophet who delivered God's message to Jeroboam, foretelling the division of the kingdom. 4. DavidThe former king of Israel, whose obedience and heart for God are set as the standard for Jeroboam. 5. IsraelThe nation that God promises to give to Jeroboam if he remains faithful. Teaching Points Obedience as a Condition for BlessingGod's promises often come with conditions that require our obedience and faithfulness. The Legacy of FaithfulnessLike David, our faithfulness can impact not only our lives but also the generations that follow. The Importance of Walking in God's WaysWalking in God's ways involves a daily commitment to His statutes and commandments, reflecting a heart aligned with His. God's Presence with the ObedientThe assurance of God's presence is a powerful promise for those who choose to follow His commands. The Consequences of DisobedienceThe division of Solomon's kingdom serves as a warning of the consequences that come from turning away from God's commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise made to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:38 reflect the broader biblical theme of conditional covenants? 2. In what ways can we model our lives after David's example of obedience, as mentioned in this verse? 3. How does the promise of a lasting dynasty for Jeroboam compare to God's covenant with David, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are "walking in God's ways" in our daily lives? 5. How can the account of Jeroboam and Solomon serve as a warning and encouragement in our own spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, echoing the conditional promise given to Jeroboam. 1 Samuel 13:14God's search for a man after His own heart, which is fulfilled in David, sets a precedent for the kind of obedience expected from Jeroboam. 2 Samuel 7:12-16God's covenant with David, promising a lasting dynasty, parallels the promise made to Jeroboam if he remains faithful. 1 Kings 3:14God's promise to Solomon of a long life if he walks in obedience, similar to the promise made to Jeroboam. John 14:15Jesus' teaching on the importance of keeping His commandments as a demonstration of love for Him. 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 Attention, Build, Building, Built, Command, Commandments, Commands, David, Dynasty, Enduring, Hast, Hearken, Keeping, Lasting, Laws, Listen, Observing, Orders, Safe, Servant, Sight, Statutes, Stedfast, Sure, Walk, Walked, Walking, Whatever, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:38 5240 building
5366 king
5370 kingship, human
8244 ethics, and grace
8404 commands, in OT 1 Kings 11:29-39 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 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 11:38 NIV1 Kings 11:38 NLT1 Kings 11:38 ESV1 Kings 11:38 NASB1 Kings 11:38 KJV
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