What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:36? I will give one tribe - The LORD limits the divided kingdom’s loss for David’s line to “one tribe”. Though Solomon’s sin warrants severe judgment (1 Kings 11:31–33), God’s mercy preserves a remnant. - Cross references: • 1 Kings 11:13 stresses, “I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David.” • Romans 11:5 reminds believers that God always keeps “a remnant chosen by grace.” - Takeaway: Even in discipline, God’s covenant faithfulness overrides total destruction. to his son - “His son” points to Rehoboam, Solomon’s heir. The promise bypasses Solomon’s personal failure and looks to the next generation, showing that God’s purposes are bigger than any single ruler. - Cross references: • 1 Kings 12:17 reports that Rehoboam “reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah.” • Psalm 89:30–33 affirms that when David’s sons forsake God’s law, He will discipline yet “never withdraw My loving devotion.” - Takeaway: God’s commitments to a lineage stand, even when individuals stumble. so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me - A “lamp” symbolizes ongoing royal lineage and covenant promise (cf. 2 Samuel 22:29; Psalm 132:17). God pledges that David’s dynasty will not be extinguished. - Cross references: • 2 Samuel 7:16—“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me.” • 1 Kings 15:4—“Yet, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem.” - Takeaway: God safeguards messianic hope; the line leading to Christ (Matthew 1:1) remains lit. in Jerusalem - Location matters: the spiritual center of worship, sacrifice, and eventual messianic fulfillment. God’s presence and promise are tied to this city. - Cross references: • Psalm 48:1–2 calls Jerusalem “the city of our God… the joy of all the earth.” • Zechariah 8:3—“I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.” - Takeaway: God anchors His redemptive plan in real history and geography. the city where I chose to put My Name - “My Name” signifies God’s revealed character and covenant presence (Deuteronomy 12:5 – “the place the LORD your God will choose… to put His Name there”). By choosing Jerusalem, God establishes it as the focal point of worship and revelation. - Cross references: • 1 Kings 9:3—“I have consecrated this temple… I have put My Name there forever.” • Revelation 21:2, 22 points to the New Jerusalem where God’s Name dwells eternally with His people. - Takeaway: God’s self-disclosure is purposeful and permanent; where He places His Name, He keeps His promises. summary 1 Kings 11:36 showcases God’s mercy within judgment. Although Solomon’s apostasy fractures the kingdom, the LORD preserves one tribe for Rehoboam to keep David’s lamp burning in Jerusalem, the city He chose for His Name. The verse underscores God’s unwavering covenant loyalty, His control over history, and His commitment to bring the Messiah through David’s line—all vital assurances for believers today. |
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