What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:11? Then the LORD said to Solomon “Then the LORD said to Solomon” (1 Kings 11:11) reminds us that God personally responds to human choices. • This is the same covenant-keeping LORD who spoke to Solomon at Gibeon with promises (1 Kings 3:5). • He later appeared after the temple dedication, warning that continued obedience was required (1 Kings 9:1-9). The verse underlines that God’s word is direct, living, and authoritative, echoing moments when He confronted Adam (Genesis 3:9-11) or Cain (Genesis 4:6-7). Because you have done this Solomon’s specific sin was turning to foreign wives and their gods (1 Kings 11:1-8). • His “this” violated the clear command against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5) and against royal accumulation of foreign wives (Deuteronomy 17:17). • The phrase shows moral causation: choices carry consequences, just as David’s census led to plague (2 Samuel 24:10-15). And have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you God’s covenant with David’s line promised a lasting throne—but conditioned on obedience (2 Samuel 7:14-16; Psalm 132:12). • Solomon ignored earlier warnings (1 Kings 9:6-7) and thus broke both general law and personal covenant terms. • This pattern repeats Israel’s earlier breaches that triggered judgment in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34) and during the judges (Judges 2:20-23). I will tear the kingdom away from you “Tear” conveys decisive, painful division, much like Samuel’s acted parable when he tore Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 15:27-28). • God’s sovereignty over national boundaries is clear (Daniel 2:21; Acts 17:26). • The judgment is corporate yet begins with the king; leadership sin affects the whole nation (Proverbs 29:2). And give it to your servant The “servant” is Jeroboam, initially a labor overseer (1 Kings 11:26-40). • God lifts the lowly and dethrones the proud (1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:52). • Even in judgment He preserves a remnant, leaving one tribe for David’s sake (1 Kings 11:13; 2 Kings 17:18-19). summary 1 Kings 11:11 records God’s direct verdict on Solomon’s disobedience: covenant violation leads to forfeited blessing. The kingdom’s division is not random politics but a righteous response from the Lord who rewards faithfulness and judges rebellion, urging every reader to heed His unchanging word. |
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