But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel. But as for you, I will take youThis phrase indicates a divine selection and calling. In the context of 1 Kings 11, God is speaking to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah. Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, is chosen by God to lead a portion of the divided kingdom. This divine intervention is reminiscent of God's calling of other leaders in Israel's history, such as Moses ( Exodus 3:10) and David ( 1 Samuel 16:12). It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders according to His purposes. and you shall reign over all that your heart desires
This promise suggests that Jeroboam's reign will fulfill his ambitions and desires. It reflects the biblical principle that God often grants leadership to those whose hearts align with His purposes, though it also serves as a cautionary note about the potential for personal ambition to lead to downfall, as seen later in Jeroboam's reign (1 Kings 12:26-33). The phrase can be compared to God's promise to David, where God acknowledges the desires of a leader's heart (Psalm 37:4). and you will be king over Israel
This statement confirms Jeroboam's future role as king over the northern tribes of Israel. Historically, this marks the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign, leading to the separate kingdoms of Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Theologically, it highlights the consequences of Solomon's idolatry and disobedience (1 Kings 11:9-13). This division fulfills the prophecy given earlier in the chapter and sets the stage for the complex history of the divided kingdoms. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate reunification under a future king, seen as a type of Christ, who will reign over a united people of God (Ezekiel 37:22-24). Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamA servant of Solomon who is chosen by God to rule over ten tribes of Israel. His rise to power is a significant event in the division of the united kingdom of Israel. 2. SolomonThe reigning king of Israel at the time, whose disobedience to God leads to the division of the kingdom. 3. Ahijah the ProphetThe prophet who delivers God's message to Jeroboam, foretelling his future as king over Israel. 4. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon, which is prophesied to be divided due to Solomon's idolatry and disobedience. 5. The Division of the KingdomA pivotal event in Israel's history where the united kingdom is split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod is in control of who rises to power. Despite human actions, His plans prevail, as seen in Jeroboam's rise. Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's failure to adhere to God's commands resulted in the division of the kingdom. Disobedience to God can have far-reaching consequences. Prophetic FulfillmentGod's word through His prophets is reliable and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the certainty of God's promises. Desires of the HeartJeroboam is promised to reign over all his heart desires. Believers should align their desires with God's will to ensure they are righteous and fulfilling. Leadership and ResponsibilityWith leadership comes great responsibility. Jeroboam's account reminds us that leaders are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeroboam's rise to power demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what can we learn about God's control over leadership today? 2. In what ways did Solomon's disobedience lead to the division of the kingdom, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal lives to avoid similar consequences? 3. How does the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy to Jeroboam encourage us to trust in God's promises in our own lives? 4. What does it mean to have desires that align with God's will, and how can we ensure our heart's desires are pleasing to Him? 5. As leaders in various capacities (family, work, church), how can we remain accountable to God and ensure our leadership reflects His principles? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:29-31These verses provide context for Jeroboam's rise, where Ahijah the prophet symbolically tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam, signifying the division of the kingdom. 1 Kings 12:20This verse describes the fulfillment of the prophecy when Jeroboam is made king over Israel, except for the tribe of Judah. Deuteronomy 17:14-20These verses outline the laws for kingship in Israel, which Solomon violated, leading to the kingdom's division. 1 Samuel 8:7-9These verses reflect God's warning about the consequences of Israel's demand for a king, which ultimately leads to the events in 1 Kings 11. 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 Desire, Desires, Desireth, Hast, Heart, Mayest, Reign, Reigned, Rule, Ruling, Soul, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes 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 11:37 NIV1 Kings 11:37 NLT1 Kings 11:37 ESV1 Kings 11:37 NASB1 Kings 11:37 KJV
1 Kings 11:37 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
