1 kings 11:13 - However I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give one tribe to your son, for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 11:13

What does "1 kings 11:13" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 11:13, is a key part of understanding the division of the Kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Let's break it down:

"However I will not tear away all the kingdom...": God is speaking here (through the prophet Ahijah) and is promising that Solomon's son, Rehoboam, will not lose the entire kingdom that Solomon ruled. This is a mitigation of the full punishment that Solomon deserves for his idolatry (explained in the preceding verses).

"...but I will give one tribe to your son...": Rehoboam will retain rulership over at least one tribe. Historically, this was the tribe of Judah, which also contained Jerusalem. This means that a significant portion of the kingdom would break away.

"...for David my servant’s sake...": This is a crucial element. God is showing mercy because of his covenant and love for David. David, despite his flaws, was considered a righteous king who followed God's heart. God is honoring his promise to David that his line would continue to rule.

"...and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.": Jerusalem was divinely chosen as the city where God's temple was located and where his presence resided. God is preserving it. Keeping Jerusalem under Rehoboam's control ensures the continued worship of God in the designated place.

In Summary:

The verse essentially states that even though Solomon's idolatry deserves the complete dissolution of the kingdom, God is showing mercy and restraining his judgment due to:

1. His promise to David: To preserve David's line of descendants.
2. His choice of Jerusalem: To maintain the center of worship in the divinely appointed city.

This verse foreshadows the splitting of the kingdom into the Northern Kingdom of Israel (consisting of ten tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (consisting of Judah and, generally, Benjamin). Rehoboam, as Solomon's son, would only rule the Southern Kingdom. This sets the stage for the turbulent history of the divided kingdoms, ultimately leading to their respective captivities and exiles.

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