This verse, 1 Kings 11:32, is a critical part of a prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom of Israel under Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Let's break it down:
"(but he shall have one tribe)": This refers to Rehoboam, Solomon's son. After Solomon's death, the kingdom will be torn apart. However, Rehoboam will retain control over one tribe.
"for my servant David's sake": This is a key reason why Rehoboam will retain any territory at all. God had made a covenant with David, promising that his line would continue to rule. God is showing mercy and faithfulness to that covenant. David was deeply favored by God because of his obedience (despite his sins).
"and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel": Jerusalem, the capital city and the location of the Temple, was specifically chosen by God. Preserving Jerusalem's status as the center of worship is another reason for maintaining a portion of the kingdom under David's lineage. The Temple was the place where God had chosen to dwell, and so keeping it under control of David's line was paramount.
In essence, the verse means:
Because of God's promise to David and because of God's choice of Jerusalem as His city, Solomon's son, Rehoboam, will not lose the entire kingdom. He will retain control of one tribe, which will maintain control of Jerusalem.
Historical Context:
The context of this verse is found in 1 Kings 11. Solomon, despite his wisdom, turned away from God in his later years, embracing foreign gods at the urging of his many foreign wives. As a consequence, God announced that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son. However, because of David and Jerusalem, a remnant would be left.
Historically, Rehoboam retained control of the tribe of Judah. Jerusalem was located within the territory of Judah. The other tribes revolted, forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam.
This verse, 1 Kings 11:32, is a critical part of a prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom of Israel under Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Let's break it down:
"(but he shall have one tribe)": This refers to Rehoboam, Solomon's son. After Solomon's death, the kingdom will be torn apart. However, Rehoboam will retain control over one tribe.
"for my servant David's sake": This is a key reason why Rehoboam will retain any territory at all. God had made a covenant with David, promising that his line would continue to rule. God is showing mercy and faithfulness to that covenant. David was deeply favored by God because of his obedience (despite his sins).
"and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel": Jerusalem, the capital city and the location of the Temple, was specifically chosen by God. Preserving Jerusalem's status as the center of worship is another reason for maintaining a portion of the kingdom under David's lineage. The Temple was the place where God had chosen to dwell, and so keeping it under control of David's line was paramount.
In essence, the verse means:
Because of God's promise to David and because of God's choice of Jerusalem as His city, Solomon's son, Rehoboam, will not lose the entire kingdom. He will retain control of one tribe, which will maintain control of Jerusalem.
Historical Context:
The context of this verse is found in 1 Kings 11. Solomon, despite his wisdom, turned away from God in his later years, embracing foreign gods at the urging of his many foreign wives. As a consequence, God announced that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son. However, because of David and Jerusalem, a remnant would be left.
Historically, Rehoboam retained control of the tribe of Judah. Jerusalem was located within the territory of Judah. The other tribes revolted, forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam.