This verse from 1 Kings 11:36 is part of a larger prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Let's break it down:
"To his son will I give one tribe..." This refers to Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor. The prophecy foretells that he will not inherit the entire kingdom. God is promising him to retain control over just one tribe, which historically turned out to be Judah.
"...that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem..." This is the key to understanding the verse. The "lamp" symbolizes a continuing Davidic dynasty reigning in Jerusalem. God is preserving a remnant of the kingdom under Rehoboam, despite Solomon's unfaithfulness, specifically to keep the line of David alive on the throne in Jerusalem.
"...the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there." Jerusalem was the chosen city, the place where God's Temple was located and where He had promised to dwell. Maintaining a Davidic king in Jerusalem ensures the continuation of worship and covenant relationship in the place God had designated.
In summary:
The verse is a divine promise to preserve a portion of the kingdom for Rehoboam, not out of favor for him, but out of covenant faithfulness to David. The one tribe is given to Rehoboam to ensure the perpetuation of the Davidic line and the worship of God in Jerusalem, the city God had chosen for His name.
Theological Implications:
Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, even when human kings fail. He can use even imperfect situations to accomplish His purposes.
Covenant Faithfulness: God remains faithful to His promises to David, despite Solomon's sins.
Importance of Jerusalem: Jerusalem held a special place in God's plan as the center of worship and the seat of the Davidic kingdom.
The "Lamp" as Symbol: The "lamp" metaphor represents the enduring presence and rule of the Davidic dynasty, a theme that continues throughout the Old Testament and ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.
This verse from 1 Kings 11:36 is part of a larger prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Let's break it down:
"To his son will I give one tribe..." This refers to Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor. The prophecy foretells that he will not inherit the entire kingdom. God is promising him to retain control over just one tribe, which historically turned out to be Judah.
"...that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem..." This is the key to understanding the verse. The "lamp" symbolizes a continuing Davidic dynasty reigning in Jerusalem. God is preserving a remnant of the kingdom under Rehoboam, despite Solomon's unfaithfulness, specifically to keep the line of David alive on the throne in Jerusalem.
"...the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there." Jerusalem was the chosen city, the place where God's Temple was located and where He had promised to dwell. Maintaining a Davidic king in Jerusalem ensures the continuation of worship and covenant relationship in the place God had designated.
In summary:
The verse is a divine promise to preserve a portion of the kingdom for Rehoboam, not out of favor for him, but out of covenant faithfulness to David. The one tribe is given to Rehoboam to ensure the perpetuation of the Davidic line and the worship of God in Jerusalem, the city God had chosen for His name.
Theological Implications:
Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, even when human kings fail. He can use even imperfect situations to accomplish His purposes.
Covenant Faithfulness: God remains faithful to His promises to David, despite Solomon's sins.
Importance of Jerusalem: Jerusalem held a special place in God's plan as the center of worship and the seat of the Davidic kingdom.
The "Lamp" as Symbol: The "lamp" metaphor represents the enduring presence and rule of the Davidic dynasty, a theme that continues throughout the Old Testament and ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.