1 kings 11:35 - but I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand, and will give it to you, even ten tribes.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 11:35

What does "1 kings 11:35" mean?


This verse is part of God's judgment against Solomon for his idolatry. Let's break it down:

"but I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand...": God is stating that Solomon's successor, his son Rehoboam, will not inherit the entire kingdom that Solomon ruled. This is a consequence of Solomon turning away from God and worshipping foreign gods.

"...and will give it to you...": Here, "you" refers to Jeroboam. Earlier in 1 Kings 11, the prophet Ahijah told Jeroboam that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's line and give him a significant portion.

"...even ten tribes.": This clarifies how much of the kingdom Jeroboam will receive. The kingdom of Israel was composed of twelve tribes. This verse indicates that Jeroboam will receive ten of those tribes to rule over.

In summary, the verse signifies that God is punishing Solomon by dividing his kingdom after his death. Jeroboam will become king over ten of the twelve tribes, splitting the kingdom and weakening the Davidic dynasty.

Context is Key:

To fully understand this verse, it's crucial to read the surrounding verses in 1 Kings 11. The preceding verses explain Solomon's sin of idolatry, which prompted God's judgment. The following verses describe how Jeroboam becomes a threat to Solomon and eventually leads the ten tribes in rebellion.

Significance:

This verse is significant because it marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history:

Division of the Kingdom: It foretells the division of the united kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel, composed of ten tribes) and the southern kingdom (Judah, composed of two tribes).
Judgment on Solomon's House: It demonstrates God's faithfulness to his covenant, both in blessing obedience and in punishing disobedience.
Rise of Jeroboam: It introduces Jeroboam as a key figure in the subsequent history of Israel, a leader who ultimately leads the northern kingdom into persistent idolatry.

The division of the kingdom weakens Israel politically and spiritually, setting the stage for further challenges and eventually leading to the exile of both the northern and southern kingdoms.

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