What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:35? But I will take - The speaker is the LORD Himself, acting unilaterally (1 Kings 11:11–13). - He is never passive; He “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). - This divine initiative echoes earlier moments when God stepped in to redirect Israel’s story, such as taking the kingdom from Saul (1 Samuel 15:28). ten tribes - The number is literal, as confirmed when Ahijah tears Jeroboam’s cloak into twelve pieces and hands him ten (1 Kings 11:31). - These tribes become the Northern Kingdom—later called Israel—leaving Judah (and Benjamin) with the house of David (1 Kings 12:20; 2 Chronicles 10:16–17). - God’s choice preserves a remnant for David’s line while judging Solomon’s idolatry (1 Kings 11:33–36). of the kingdom - Up to this point all twelve tribes formed a single monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 5:5; 1 Kings 4:20–21). - “Kingdom” here is the earthly expression of God’s covenant people, meant to display His rule among the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6–8). - Its division is therefore a serious judgment, not a mere political reshuffle. from the hand - “Hand” signifies rule and authority (cf. 2 Kings 17:20). - God removes what Rehoboam would have held by inheritance, proving again that power ultimately rests in His hand, not human lineage (Psalm 75:6–7). - Solomon is spared the humiliation during his lifetime (1 Kings 11:12), yet his legacy is diminished. of his son - Rehoboam, Solomon’s successor (1 Kings 11:43; 12:1). - Though David’s line endures, Rehoboam’s pride triggers the final rupture (1 Kings 12:13–16). - God’s faithfulness to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16) ensures one tribe remains under Davidic rule, even while disciplining the dynasty. and give them - The transfer is portrayed as a gift, underscoring grace and responsibility (1 Kings 11:37). - As with Saul and David, receiving a kingdom is a stewardship tested by obedience (1 Samuel 13:13–14). - God can just as easily reclaim what He bestows (Hosea 13:11). to you - “You” is Jeroboam, once Solomon’s industrious servant (1 Kings 11:28). - God promises, “If you walk in My ways… I will build you an enduring house” (1 Kings 11:38). - Tragically, Jeroboam fashions golden calves (1 Kings 12:28–30), proving that privilege without faithfulness breeds ruin (1 Kings 14:7–11). summary 1 Kings 11:35 records God’s decisive act to divide Solomon’s realm: He personally takes ten tribes, snatches them from Rehoboam’s grasp, and hands them to Jeroboam. The verse highlights God’s sovereign control over nations, His faithfulness to David while judging sin, and the weighty stewardship entrusted to those who receive power from His hand. |
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