What lessons on obedience can we learn from 1 Kings 11:35? 1 Kings 11:35—Text in Focus “ ‘But I will take the kingdom from the hand of his son and give ten tribes to you.’ ” Setting the Scene • Solomon’s heart drifted after foreign gods (1 Kings 11:4–8). • The Lord pronounced judgment: the kingdom would be torn away, yet David’s line would retain one tribe for the sake of the covenant (11:11–13, 32, 36). • Ahijah prophesied to Jeroboam that ten tribes would be his (11:29–31, 35). • 1 Kings 11:35 captures the transfer of authority—a direct response to obedience versus disobedience. Lesson 1 — Our obedience determines what we keep • God literally removed ten tribes from Solomon’s dynasty because of idolatry. • Disobedience forfeits blessings already in hand (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15, 63). • Faithfulness preserves inheritance (Proverbs 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:7–8). Lesson 2 — God promotes the obedient to positions prepared for others • Jeroboam, a servant, rose to kingship because he was industrious and, at first, receptive to God’s word (11:28, 37–38). • Similar patterns: David replacing Saul (1 Samuel 13:13–14), Esther replacing Vashti (Esther 2:17). • Obedience may open doors no pedigree could unlock (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). Lesson 3 — Disobedience has generational impact • The kingdom loss fell on Solomon’s son, Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:12). • Sin seldom ends with the sinner; it ripples (Exodus 20:5; Numbers 14:18). • Conversely, covenant loyalty blesses descendants (Psalm 103:17). Lesson 4 — God’s integrity anchors both blessing and discipline • The promise to David (2 Samuel 7:13–16) limited the judgment to ten tribes; God kept a lamp in Jerusalem (11:36). • His dealings are consistent—He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). • Obedience aligns us with His unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6). Lesson 5 — Partial obedience is still disobedience • Solomon maintained worship in Jerusalem yet tolerated high places (1 Kings 3:3), leading to full-scale idolatry. • Scripture nowhere softens God’s stance: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Complete, wholehearted submission safeguards against slow drift (Proverbs 4:23). Living It Out Today • Guard your heart from rival affections; small compromises grow. • Take stock of spheres God has entrusted—home, work, ministry—and steward them in obedience. • Remember that faithfulness today shapes tomorrow’s legacy. • Trust that God rewards obedience, even when promotion seems unlikely or delayed. |
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