1 Kings 11:13

KJV

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; [but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {H7535} I will not rend away {H7167} all the kingdom {H4467}; but will give {H5414} one {H259} tribe {H7626} to thy son {H1121} for David {H1732} my servant's {H5650} sake, and for Jerusalem's {H3389} sake which I have chosen {H977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even then, I won't tear away all the kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Yerushalayim, which I have chosen."

Berean Standard Bible

Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

American Standard Version

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but I will give one tribe to thy son, for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:13 reveals God's tempered judgment upon King Solomon, who had turned away to idolatry, declaring that while the kingdom would indeed be torn from his lineage, a remnant—specifically one tribe—would be preserved for his son. This divine mitigation was not due to Solomon's merit but entirely for the sake of God's unbreakable covenant with His servant David and for the enduring significance of Jerusalem, the city He had sovereignly chosen as the dwelling place for His Name. This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between divine justice for sin and unwavering covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for the kingdom's division while securing the Davidic line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct pronouncement from the Lord to Solomon, following God's explicit declaration of judgment in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). The immediate preceding verses, [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Apostasy"), meticulously detail Solomon's profound spiritual decline, particularly his proliferation of foreign wives who led his heart astray to worship their gods, building high places for them in direct violation of God's commands. God had appeared to Solomon twice before, in [1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5-14 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - God's First Appearance to Solomon") and [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1-9 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God's Second Appearance to Solomon"), warning him against precisely this kind of apostasy and explicitly stating the consequences of disobedience. Verse 13, therefore, serves as a crucial theological pivot, introducing the element of divine mercy and covenant fidelity that would prevent the complete annihilation of the Davidic dynasty's rule, setting the historical and theological stage for the kingdom's division under Rehoboam.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially marked by unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, had devolved into a period of widespread syncretism and spiritual compromise. The practice of kings marrying foreign princesses was common in the ancient Near East, often for political alliances, but for Israelite kings, it carried the unique danger of introducing foreign deities and practices, directly contravening the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against idolatry and intermarriage. The "one tribe" mentioned in this verse refers primarily to Judah, which would also encompass the tribe of Benjamin, as these two tribes remained loyal to the Davidic line after the split. Jerusalem, chosen by God as the site for His temple and the capital of the united monarchy, held immense religious and political significance. Its status as God's chosen city provided a theological anchor for the preservation of a remnant of the kingdom, even as the larger nation faced divine discipline and fragmentation.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 11:13](/1_kings/11-13 "1 Kings 11:13 - God's Promise to David's Line") powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to the Deuteronomistic History and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering covenant faithfulness**, particularly to the Davidic covenant established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an eternal dynasty. Despite Solomon's egregious failure, God's promise to David stands, demonstrating that divine promises are not contingent on human perfection. Secondly, the verse highlights the tension between **divine justice and mercy**. Solomon's sin justly warrants the rending of the kingdom, as declared in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon"), yet God's mercy prevails, preserving a remnant. This illustrates God's character as both righteous judge and compassionate Redeemer. Thirdly, the **significance of Jerusalem** is emphasized. God's choice of Jerusalem, not merely as a political capital but as the place where His Name would dwell, as seen in [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem"), provides another profound reason for the partial preservation of the kingdom, tying the Davidic line to the holy city and the temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rend away (Hebrew, _qâraʿ_):** This verb (H7167) literally means "to tear," "to rip," or "to cut off." Its use here vividly conveys the violent and decisive nature of God's judgment, signifying a forceful separation and division of the kingdom. It implies a painful, irreversible act, emphasizing the severity of Solomon's apostasy and the direct consequence of his actions, yet also highlighting God's sovereign power to execute His will.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed_):** The term (H5650) applied to David is highly significant. It denotes a bond of loyal and devoted service, not merely a slave. In biblical theology, being called God's "servant" is a title of honor and intimacy, indicating one chosen and commissioned by God for a specific purpose. Here, it underscores David's unique standing before God, whose faithfulness and God's unconditional covenant with him serve as the basis for God's continued grace to his descendants, despite their failures.
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar_):** This verb (H977) signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection. When applied to Jerusalem, it highlights the city's special status, not based on its inherent merit or strategic importance, but solely on God's divine purpose and election. It underscores that Jerusalem's significance is rooted in God's initiative and His plan for redemption, making it a focal point of His covenantal dealings and the place where His presence would uniquely reside.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom;":** This clause introduces the crucial mitigation of the judgment previously declared in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). While the kingdom *will* be torn from Solomon's lineage, it will not be a complete and utter removal of all royal authority. This demonstrates God's restraint and mercy, preventing total annihilation of the Davidic dynasty, thereby preserving the line through which the Messiah would come.
* **"[but] will give one tribe to thy son":** This specifies the extent of the preservation. The "one tribe" refers primarily to Judah, which also included the tribe of Benjamin, as these two tribes largely remained loyal to the Davidic line after the kingdom's division. This ensures the continuation of a remnant of the Davidic kingdom, maintaining the integrity of the messianic promise and the continuity of the covenant line.
* **"for David my servant's sake,":** This phrase provides the primary and most profound reason for God's mercy. It is not for Solomon's sake, who has grievously sinned and provoked God's wrath, but for the sake of God's unbreakable covenant with David. This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when the human party to the covenant fails. David's past obedience and God's unconditional promise to him serve as the foundation for this act of sovereign grace.
* **"and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.":** This offers a secondary, yet equally profound, reason for the preservation of a remnant. God's sovereign choice of Jerusalem as the place where His Name would dwell, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem"), signifies its unique theological importance in His redemptive plan. The preservation of a portion of the kingdom is intrinsically linked to the preservation of the holy city, which would remain the center of true worship and the future birthplace of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Divine Speech** is central, as the words are a direct pronouncement from God Himself, lending them ultimate authority and immutable truth. The phrase "rend away" functions as a powerful **metaphor** for the violent and decisive division of the kingdom, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment through a vivid, physical image. There is a clear use of **contrast** between the full judgment threatened ("rend away all the kingdom") and the tempered execution ("not rend away all... but will give one tribe"), highlighting God's justice tempered with His profound mercy. The repetition of "for... sake" ("for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake") serves as a powerful **motif**, emphasizing the two foundational reasons for God's covenant loyalty and election. This repetition reinforces that God's actions are rooted in His unchanging character and prior commitments, not in human merit. This also functions as a form of **covenantal language**, demonstrating God's unwavering adherence to His established promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:13 is a pivotal theological statement, articulating the profound tension between God's righteous judgment against sin and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. While Solomon's apostasy justly incurs severe consequences, God's character as a covenant-keeping God prevails. The preservation of a single tribe for David's sake underscores that God's promises are ultimately unconditional, rooted in His own character and sovereign election rather than human performance. This divine fidelity ensures the continuity of the messianic line through Judah, demonstrating God's overarching redemptive plan. The inclusion of Jerusalem's chosen status further ties the Davidic covenant to God's broader purposes for a holy dwelling place and a people set apart for His name, emphasizing the city's role in the unfolding of salvation history.
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Eternal Promise to David")
* [Psalm 89:33-34](/psalm/89-33 "God's Unfailing Love and Covenant")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "God's Faithfulness Despite Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 11:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of the enduring nature of God's faithfulness even in the face of human failure. While Solomon's grievous sins brought severe consequences—the division of his kingdom—God's promise to David remained unbroken, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This should instill in us a deep confidence in God's steadfast love and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even when we stumble. However, it also serves as a sober warning: sin has real and painful consequences, not only for us personally but potentially for generations and for the wider community. Our choices, whether in obedience or disobedience, contribute to a legacy. We are called to live faithfully, not presuming upon God's grace, but trusting in His mercy while striving for holiness and obedience. Ultimately, this verse points us to the truth that God's purposes will prevail, not because of our strength or merit, but because of His sovereign will and His eternal covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's decision to preserve "one tribe" for David's sake deepen your understanding of His covenant faithfulness and the unconditional nature of His promises?**
* **In what ways do you see the tension between divine justice and divine mercy playing out in your own life or in the world around you, and how does this verse help you process that tension?**
* **What does Solomon's failure, despite his initial wisdom and blessings, teach you about the ongoing need for vigilance, humility, and complete dependence on God in your own spiritual walk?**
* **How does the concept of God's "chosen" city, Jerusalem, relate to the idea of God's chosen people or His church today, and what implications does this have for our identity and purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why did God not completely "rend away" the kingdom from Solomon's line, given his severe idolatry?**

Answer: God's decision to preserve a remnant of the kingdom, specifically "one tribe" (Judah, including Benjamin), was not due to any merit on Solomon's part. Instead, [1 Kings 11:13](/1_kings/11-13 "1 Kings 11:13 - God's Promise to David's Line") explicitly states two profound reasons: "for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen." This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an eternal dynasty. It also underscores His commitment to Jerusalem as the chosen city for His Name to dwell, a truth emphasized in [2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem"). God's character is both perfectly just (punishing sin) and profoundly merciful (keeping His promises), ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

**What is the significance of God calling David "my servant" in this context?**

Answer: The title "my servant" (Hebrew: _ʿeved_) is a profound term of endearment and honor in the Old Testament, signifying a special relationship of trust, obedience, and divine commissioning. When God refers to David as "my servant" in [1 Kings 11:13](/1_kings/11-13 "1 Kings 11:13 - God's Promise to David's Line"), it underscores that the preservation of a portion of the kingdom is a direct consequence of God's unbreakable covenant with David. This covenant was established because of David's faithful heart and his general obedience, despite his own personal failings. It emphasizes that God's promises are rooted in His own immutable character and prior commitments, not solely on the immediate performance of subsequent generations. This covenantal faithfulness to David became the bedrock for Israel's hope, ultimately pointing to the ultimate "Servant" of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:13, with its emphasis on God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant despite human failure, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The preservation of "one tribe" (Judah) for David's sake ensured the continuity of the royal lineage from which the Messiah would be born. Jesus, the "Son of David" who perfectly embodies the Davidic covenant, is the true and eternal King whose kingdom will never be divided or destroyed, as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and throughout the New Testament. Unlike Solomon, who turned away, Jesus is the perfectly faithful "servant" of the Lord, who perfectly fulfilled God's will and humbled Himself in obedience even to death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Furthermore, just as Jerusalem was chosen by God as the place for His Name to dwell, Christ is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He Himself declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). He is the spiritual center of God's eternal kingdom, the "New Jerusalem" where God's presence dwells fully among His redeemed people, as envisioned in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"). Thus, the partial preservation of the kingdom in 1 Kings 11:13 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, culminating in the reign of Christ, who perfectly embodies the Davidic covenant and establishes an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 12:20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

1 Kings 11:32

(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

Psalms 132:13

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

Psalms 132:14

This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.