Bible Strands
1 Kings 11:34
Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David My servant, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and statutes.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Yahweh addresses the impending division of the monarchy, declaring that Solomon will retain his throne until death despite his idolatry.
The words — The Hebrew כָּל (kol, "all") and מַמְלָכָה (mam.la.Khah, "kingdom") frame the divine restraint, as Yahweh refuses to remove the entire realm from Solomon’s hand. The term נָשִׂיא (na.Si', "ruler") confirms Solomon’s continued authority.
The thread — The promise to spare Solomon’s rule for David’s sake echoes Yahweh’s earlier pledge in 1 Kings 11:12 and anticipates the partial judgment detailed in 1 Kings 11:31.
Why it lands — The text establishes that political continuity in this narrative depends entirely on covenant loyalty and prior divine oath, not on personal merit. It requires the reader to recognize that divine mercy operates within the boundaries of established covenant terms.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant’s sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 11:12 Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son.
- 1 Kings 11:31 and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes.
- Job 11:6 and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
- Psalms 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities.
- Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.
- Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy!