1 Kings 11 34

1 Kings 11:34 kjv

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:

1 Kings 11:34 nkjv

However I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of My servant David, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and My statutes.

1 Kings 11:34 niv

"?'But I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon's hand; I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees.

1 Kings 11:34 esv

Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes.

1 Kings 11:34 nlt

"'But I will not take the entire kingdom from Solomon at this time. For the sake of my servant David, the one whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees, I will keep Solomon as leader for the rest of his life.

1 Kings 11 verses

1 Kings 11 34 Meaning

1 Kings 11:34 declares God's decision to maintain Solomon's kingship over the unified kingdom throughout his lifetime. This act of grace, despite Solomon's profound apostasy and idolatry, is directly attributed to God's steadfast covenant faithfulness toward David, His chosen servant, who diligently observed God's commandments and statutes. The verse signifies that divine judgment, though determined, is delayed and mitigated out of reverence for past faithfulness, ensuring a period of peace and stability for David's son while preparing for the coming division of the kingdom.

1 Kings 11 34 Context

1 Kings chapter 11 narrates the tragic decline of King Solomon. Despite his initial wisdom and devotion, he disobeyed God's clear commands regarding foreign alliances and multiple wives, eventually being led astray by his pagan wives to worship their idols. God's judgment is pronounced, stating that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's house. However, 1 Kings 11:34 provides a critical qualification to this judgment: the division would not occur during Solomon's lifetime. This postponement is directly attributed to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with King David, whom God chose and who faithfully obeyed Him. The larger context of Kings establishes God's covenant loyalty as a constant, even in the face of human failure, profoundly influencing the trajectory of Israelite history and monarchy.

1 Kings 11 34 Word analysis

• However (אַךְ – ’akh): Signifies a strong concession or contrast. It introduces a counterpoint to the impending judgment, highlighting God's restraint.

• I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: This declares a limitation on the immediate judgment. The "hand" (יָד – yad) often symbolizes power, authority, and control. It means Solomon will retain control of the entire united kingdom for his duration.

• for I will make him prince (נָשִׂיא – nasi’) all the days of his life: Nasi’ denotes a chief, leader, or ruler. It underscores that Solomon's position as reigning king over all Israel will continue without disruption until his death. This is an act of divine deferment.

• for the sake of David my servant (עַבְדִּי – ’avdi): This phrase emphasizes the core reason for God's leniency. "My servant David" is a profound theological title, signifying David's unique devotion and his covenant relationship with God (e.g., Ps 89:3). God's commitment to His word and past faithfulness to David takes precedence here over immediate, full judgment on Solomon. It highlights God's loyalty to His established covenants.

• whom I chose (בָּחַר – bakhar): Reinforces God's sovereign initiative in establishing David as king. David's kingship was not merely human ascension but divine election, binding God to His promises to David's line (2 Sam 7).

• because he kept (שָׁמַר – shamar) my commandments (מִצְוֹת – mitzvot) and my statutes (חֻקּוֹת – huqqot): This explains why David was so favored and covenant-worthy. Shamar implies diligent observance, guarding, or preserving God's word. Mitzvot (commandments) are direct divine injunctions, while huqqot (statutes) are established ordinances or decrees, together encompassing the Law. David’s general fidelity, despite personal failures (like Bathsheba), is contrasted with Solomon's widespread apostasy in this context, demonstrating a righteous pattern God recognized and rewarded.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand; for I will make him prince all the days of his life": This entire clause conveys the leniency of God’s judgment. While the kingdom will eventually be torn, it will not happen during Solomon’s reign. This deferment protects Solomon's immediate power and prestige until his natural death.
  • "for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose": This identifies the primary motive for divine grace. It is not because of Solomon's inherent merit but solely because of the Davidic covenant and God's faithfulness to David. This highlights God's enduring commitment to His promises and chosen individuals.
  • "because he kept my commandments and my statutes": This part clarifies David's distinguished standing before God. It emphasizes obedience as a foundational principle for God's blessings and covenants. David's general disposition towards God's law provides the backdrop for God's continuing favor upon his lineage, contrasting sharply with Solomon's ultimate disobedience.

1 Kings 11 34 Bonus section

The concept of delaying judgment for the "sake of" a faithful servant foreshadows God's ultimate grace shown through Jesus Christ. Just as God spared Solomon for David's sake, God's mercy towards humanity is fundamentally "for the sake of" Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. This divine principle of grace by proxy is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. Furthermore, this verse highlights the conditional aspect of the covenant with David's successors (cf. 1 Ki 9:4-7) versus the unconditional nature of the covenant with David himself regarding an enduring lineage. Solomon's actions led to the tearing of his kingdom (from his heir), but not the termination of the Davidic line as a whole, specifically Judah's portion. This specific promise maintains the continuity needed for the Messianic lineage, showcasing God's meticulous oversight of history to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

1 Kings 11 34 Commentary

1 Kings 11:34 provides a poignant glimpse into God's character: His absolute justice is tempered by His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Solomon's grave disobedience, which justly deserved the immediate stripping of his entire kingdom, God delays the full consequence for Solomon’s lifetime. This isn't due to Solomon's reform, as none is recorded, but entirely for the "sake of David my servant." This illustrates the principle of God honoring His commitments and recognizing genuine past faithfulness. The verse underscores that God's plans and promises (specifically the Davidic Covenant for an enduring dynasty) are sure, even when human recipients falter. It shows the tension between God's immediate judgment for sin and His long-term fidelity to His Word and His chosen ones, laying the groundwork for the later division of the kingdom and the preservation of a remnant line through which the Messiah would come. It demonstrates that a righteous life, like David's, can impact future generations, bringing about divine mercy and protection.