1 Kings 11:35
But I will take the kingdome out of his sonnes hand, and will giue it vnto thee, euen ten tribes. 1 Kings 11:35 (KJV)
“This verse is part of a larger narrative about King Solomon and his disobedience to God. In this chapter, Solomon has turned away from God by marrying foreign women and worshiping their gods, which was against God’s commandments. As a consequence of his actions, God declares that He will tear the kingdom away from Solomon’s descendants, leaving only one tribe for Solomon’s sake, but giving ten tribes to Solomon’s servant. To understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to look at the context of the whole chapter. Earlier in 1 Kings 11, we learn that God had warned Solomon against marrying foreign wives and participating in their idolatry. However, Solomon disregarded God’s commands and married many foreign women, who turned his heart away from God. In verse 11, God appears to Solomon and tells him that because he has abandoned God and worshipped other gods, God will tear the kingdom away from him. Yet God shows mercy to Solomon for the sake of his father, David, and allows Solomon to remain king during his lifetime. In verse 13, God specifies that He will not take the entire kingdom away from Solomon but will leave one tribe under his son’s rule. In verse 35, God makes a promise to Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s servants, telling him that He will take the kingdom out of Solomon’s son’s hand and give it to him, giving him rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. This promise is fulfilled later in 1 Kings when the kingdom is indeed divided, and Jeroboam becomes the king of the northern kingdom, which consists of ten tribes. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His justice. It illustrates the consequences of Solomon’s disobedience and idolatry. Despite Solomon’s failure, God remains faithful to the covenant He made with David and preserves a remnant for David’s sake. Moreover, this verse highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. Solomon’s actions and the subsequent division of the kingdom serve as a warning to future generations about the consequences of turning away from God.”
