1 Kings 15 4

1 Kings 15:4 kjv

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

1 Kings 15:4 nkjv

Nevertheless for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, by setting up his son after him and by establishing Jerusalem;

1 Kings 15:4 niv

Nevertheless, for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong.

1 Kings 15:4 esv

Nevertheless, for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem,

1 Kings 15:4 nlt

But for David's sake, the LORD his God allowed his descendants to continue ruling, shining like a lamp, and he gave Abijam a son to rule after him in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 15 verses

1 Kings 15 4 Meaning

Despite King Abijam's unfaithfulness and walking in the sins of his father, the LORD God demonstrated His unwavering covenant loyalty to King David. For David's sake, God continued the royal line in Jerusalem, ensuring there would always be an heir from David's house to sit on the throne and upholding the stability and enduring presence of Jerusalem as the capital of Judah and the spiritual center chosen by God. This act was not based on Abijam's merit, but solely on God's prior unconditional promise to David.

1 Kings 15 4 Context

First Kings 15 begins the account of King Abijam (also known as Abijah in 2 Chronicles) who reigned for three years in Judah. The preceding verse (1 Kgs 15:3) explicitly states Abijam's unrighteousness: he "walked in all the sins that his father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father." This paints a picture of spiritual compromise and disobedience. Verse 4 stands in stark contrast to Abijam's personal failings, pivoting not on his actions, but on God's faithfulness to David. The historical context is the divided kingdom period, where both Israel and Judah had a succession of kings, many of whom proved unfaithful. The enduring covenant with David was a foundational theological pillar for Judah, explaining its continued existence despite its kings' and people's persistent sinfulness. This verse explains why the Davidic line, and by extension Judah, survived despite the unfaithfulness of its current king.

1 Kings 15 4 Word analysis

• Nevertheless (אַךְ – ’akh): A strong adversative particle, translated as "nevertheless," "but," or "surely." It signals a clear contrast or opposition to the preceding statement (Abijam's wickedness). It emphatically highlights God's overriding principle of faithfulness, placing it above human failing. It conveys that despite Abijam's lack of merit, God's promise prevailed.
• for David’s sake (לְמַעַן דָּוִד – l'ma'an Dawid): Lit. "for the purpose/reason of David." This phrase underscores the unconditional nature of God’s covenant with David. It means that God acted solely out of His commitment to David, not because of Abijam’s character or obedience. This emphasis on the patriarch's merit, by God's choice, recurs in scripture, reflecting God's faithfulness across generations.
• the LORD his God (יהוה אֱלֹהָיו – YHWH Elohav): Refers to the personal covenant relationship between YHWH (the revealed covenant God) and the king. This highlights that God's actions were deliberate and part of His covenant plan. "His God" reaffirms God's specific relationship with Judah, especially through the Davidic dynasty.
• gave him (נָתַן־לוֹ – nātan-lo): Simple verb, "gave." It signifies divine bestowal, an active decision by God to provide and maintain the promised blessings. It's a gift of divine preservation.
• a lamp (נִיר – nîr or נֵר – nēr): A potent metaphor. It does not mean a literal light. Figuratively, it denotes an enduring successor or descendant who will perpetuate the lineage and dynasty. A "lamp" symbolizes continuity, presence, hope, and survival of a royal house (e.g., 2 Sam 21:17; Ps 132:17). Its presence signifies that the family line, particularly the ruling line, is not extinguished, and life/rule continues. It metaphorically keeps the "light" of the kingdom burning.
• in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם – bîrûshālayim): God's chosen city (Zion), where David established his capital and the Ark of the Covenant rested. It is the geographic and political center of the Davidic dynasty. The presence of the "lamp" in Jerusalem signifies the secure establishment and continuation of David's rule precisely where it was ordained.
• to raise up (לְהָקִים – l'haqîm): The hiphil infinitive of qûm, meaning "to cause to rise," "to establish," or "to confirm." It refers to God's active role in ensuring the continuation and establishment of the next heir.
• his son after him (אֶת־זַרְעוֹ אַחֲרָיו – ’et zar'ô ’aharāv): Lit. "his seed/offspring after him." This specifically refers to the succession of male heirs from the Davidic line. God's promise was not just for David, but for his descendants who would follow him on the throne. This points directly to the continuity of the lineage.
• and to establish (וּלְהַעֲמִיד – ul'ha’amîd): Another hiphil infinitive, "to cause to stand," "to confirm," or "to make firm/secure." Parallel to "to raise up," it emphasizes the stability and enduring nature that God bestows.
• Jerusalem (אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם – ’et Yerushalāyim): Reiterated to emphasize that the promise for David and his lamp also entails the continued stability and security of his capital city. The fate of the Davidic line and the city of Jerusalem are inextricably linked in the covenant.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Nevertheless, for David's sake": This powerful opening highlights a recurring theological principle: God’s fidelity to His covenant triumphs over human infidelity. It is a fundamental truth in Israel's history that despite their waywardness, God maintains His promises.
• "the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem": This phrase succinctly states the core divine action. "A lamp in Jerusalem" embodies the continuing royal lineage (heir) from David, physically present and reigning from the covenantal capital. It directly connects God's covenant with David (the "lamp" idea) to His chosen place (Jerusalem), indicating divine protection for both.
• "to raise up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem": These two infinitive clauses state the specific outcomes of God's action. The "lamp" serves two interconnected purposes: ensuring a royal successor (dynastic continuity) and guaranteeing the stability and perpetuation of Jerusalem itself. The preservation of the king is tied to the preservation of the city, both part of God's overarching redemptive plan leading to the Messiah.

1 Kings 15 4 Bonus section

The consistent use of the "lamp" imagery throughout the Books of Kings (e.g., 1 Kgs 11:36; 2 Kgs 8:19) underlines the foundational importance of the Davidic covenant to the identity and theological understanding of Judah. The language of "establishing" (להקים / להעמיד) conveys not merely existence but security and perpetuity. This concept of divine preservation "for the sake of David" highlights a grace that extends beyond the individual and is rooted in God's specific election and covenant. This ongoing assurance meant that the throne would never be empty for long, a critical detail given the internal struggles and external threats faced by Judah, ultimately culminating in the promise of the Messiah, the final "Lamp" of David's house, whose light would truly never go out (Isa 9:6-7; Lk 1:32-33).

1 Kings 15 4 Commentary

First Kings 15:4 serves as a theological anchor in a narrative often marked by royal unfaithfulness. It reveals the steadfastness of God’s covenant (ḥesed) with David, emphasizing that divine promises are ultimately contingent on God's character, not solely on human obedience. Though King Abijam strayed from God, the perpetuation of his line was assured because of God’s unwavering commitment to David (2 Sam 7). The "lamp" (נִיר / נֵר) is a potent biblical metaphor signifying the continuous presence and vitality of David's royal line, preventing its complete extinction. This divine preservation ensured the ultimate coming of the Messiah through David's lineage, for Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty were crucial elements in God's broader redemptive plan. The verse acts as a bridge of hope in a bleak historical period, reminding the reader that even amidst widespread sin, God is always faithful to His word.