1 Kings 11:32

KJV

(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:)

KJV (with Strong's)

(But he shall have one {H259} tribe {H7626} for my servant {H5650} David's {H1732} sake, and for Jerusalem's {H3389} sake, the city {H5892} which I have chosen {H977} out of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

But he will keep one tribe for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Yerushalayim, the city I have chosen from all the tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

(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);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:32 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's history, revealing God's profound tension between righteous judgment and unwavering covenant faithfulness. Following King Solomon's grievous apostasy through widespread idolatry and foreign alliances, God declares the tearing away of the kingdom from his son. Yet, this verse introduces a significant tempering of that judgment: one tribe, primarily Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital, will remain under the Davidic dynasty. This preservation is explicitly stated to be "for my servant David's sake" and "for Jerusalem's sake," highlighting God's steadfast commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereignly chosen city, even in the face of profound human failure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within God's direct pronouncement of judgment against King Solomon in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and God's Judgment"). The preceding verses meticulously detail Solomon's widespread idolatry, heavily influenced by his numerous foreign wives, which led his heart astray from the Lord, the God of Israel ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon Turns from God")). God's anger is kindled, and He declares that He will tear the kingdom away from Solomon's hand and give it to his servant ([1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). However, the immediate context of verse 32, along with verse 13, introduces a crucial caveat: the kingdom will not be torn away entirely during Solomon's lifetime, and a remnant will be preserved for David's sake. This divine decree sets the stage for the dramatic division of the united monarchy into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) after Solomon's death, with the Davidic line retaining control over Judah and Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially marked by unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and extensive peace, eventually succumbed to the very temptations against which God had warned Israel's kings in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16-17 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings to Kings Regarding Horses, Wives, and Wealth")). His numerous foreign wives brought their pagan deities, leading to the construction of pagan altars and the worship of abhorrent gods like Ashtoreth, Milcom, and Chemosh ([1 Kings 11:5-8](/1_kings/11-5-8 "1 Kings 11:5-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Building of High Places")). This widespread syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant and a profound cultural betrayal of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, called to be distinct from the surrounding nations. The concept of a "chosen city" like Jerusalem was significant in the ancient Near East, where patron deities were often associated with specific urban centers. For Israel, Jerusalem's election by Yahweh, where His Temple resided, underscored His singular sovereignty and presence among His people ([2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem and David")). The preservation of one tribe, Judah, under the Davidic dynasty, was not merely a political concession but a profound theological statement about God's unwavering commitment to His prior covenants, particularly with David.
* **Key Themes:**
* **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** Despite Solomon's profound apostasy, God's promise to David—that his house and kingdom would endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David"))—remains intact. This verse powerfully demonstrates that God's covenant promises are not contingent on human perfection or obedience but are rooted in His own immutable character and sovereign will. His faithfulness is a bedrock principle throughout the biblical narrative, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan even when His people fail.
* **Divine Mercy in Judgment:** While judgment is severe—the tearing away of the kingdom—it is profoundly tempered by mercy. The preservation of one tribe, Judah, ensures the continuity of the Davidic line, which is absolutely crucial for the eventual coming of the Messiah. This act of divine restraint highlights God's patience and His long-term redemptive purposes, demonstrating that even in the midst of deserved punishment, His grace provides a way forward and maintains the trajectory of His ultimate plan for salvation.
* **Significance of David and Jerusalem:** The explicit reasons given for the preservation—"for my servant David's sake" and "for Jerusalem's sake"—underscore the enduring importance of both the Davidic covenant and the holy city in God's redemptive history. David was God's chosen king, famously described as a "man after His own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")), and Jerusalem was the city God had chosen as the place for His name to dwell and His Temple to be built ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Presence in the Temple")). These two entities were central to God's plan for Israel and, by extension, for the world, serving as anchors for the covenant promises that would ultimately culminate in the person and work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** As seen in "my servant David," this term (H5650) signifies more than just a general follower; it denotes a special, intimate relationship of loyal devotion and divine appointment. "My servant David" is a title of honor and covenant privilege, emphasizing David's unique status before God, despite his own failures. It is on the basis of this established covenant relationship that God extends mercy to David's lineage, even when his descendants falter. This highlights God's faithfulness to His chosen instruments.
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** The name (H1732) itself, meaning "loving," points to the individual with whom God established an unconditional covenant. The preservation of one tribe is explicitly "for David's sake," underscoring that God's action is rooted in His commitment to the Davidic covenant, rather than any merit or lack thereof in Solomon or his son. This emphasizes the enduring nature of God's promises to His chosen one, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This verb (H977), meaning "to try, select," or "elect," is used in reference to Jerusalem ("the city which I have chosen"). Its use highlights God's sovereign initiative and deliberate selection of Jerusalem. It implies a special, unique relationship and purpose for Jerusalem, setting it apart from all other cities. This divine election is not based on the city's inherent qualities but on God's will and His plan for His dwelling place and the center of His worship, which is crucial for the unfolding of His redemptive history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(But he shall have one tribe":** This clause refers to Solomon's son, Rehoboam, and reveals the extent of God's mercy amidst judgment. While the majority of the kingdom (ten tribes) will be torn away, a significant portion—"one tribe"—will remain under the Davidic dynasty. This "one tribe" primarily refers to Judah, though the tribe of Benjamin and parts of the Levitical priesthood would also align with the Southern Kingdom. This preservation is vital for the continuity of the Davidic line and the future of God's redemptive plan.
* **"for my servant David's sake":** This phrase provides the primary theological justification for the tempered judgment. God's faithfulness to His unconditional covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) is the overriding factor. Despite Solomon's profound disobedience and apostasy, God's word to David remains inviolable and secure. This underscores that God's promises are grounded in His unchanging character, not in human performance or merit.
* **"and for Jerusalem's sake":** This is the second explicit reason for the preservation. Jerusalem was not merely a political capital; it was the city God had specifically chosen as the place for His name to dwell, where the Temple was built, and where His presence was uniquely manifested among His people. Its preservation ensures the continued existence of the divinely ordained center of worship and the future unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly the Messianic hope.
* **"the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)":** This final clause reiterates and emphasizes Jerusalem's unique status and divine election. God's choice of Jerusalem was an act of sovereign will, distinguishing it from all other places within Israel. This election signifies its pivotal and enduring role in God's redemptive history, serving as the spiritual and geographical anchor for the Davidic covenant and the future Messianic hope.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Contrast** is prominently featured, juxtaposing the impending severe judgment of kingdom division with the gracious preservation of one tribe. This highlights the profound tension between God's righteous justice in response to sin and His unwavering mercy rooted in His covenant promises. The deliberate **repetition** of the phrase "for...sake" ("for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake") functions as an emphatic **anaphora**, underscoring the two foundational and non-negotiable reasons for God's tempered judgment. This rhetorical device reveals God's deep commitment to His prior covenants and His chosen entities. The entire verse is delivered as part of a **divine oracle** or **prophetic pronouncement**, emphasizing its origin directly from God and thus its absolute authority, certainty, and divine purpose. Furthermore, the language is steeped in **covenantal themes**, particularly highlighting the unconditional nature of the Davidic covenant, thereby demonstrating God's steadfastness even when human partners fail to uphold their end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness amidst human failure. It reveals a God who, though just in His judgment of sin, is also rich in mercy, tempering His wrath with grace for the sake of His prior commitments. The preservation of the Davidic line and Jerusalem is not a mere political maneuver but a crucial step in the unfolding drama of salvation history, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would come. It teaches us that while our disobedience has real and painful consequences, God's ultimate purposes and promises are secure, anchored in His unchanging character rather than our fleeting obedience. This divine steadfastness provides profound assurance that God will bring His redemptive plan to its glorious completion, regardless of human shortcomings.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "Romans 3:3-4 - God's Faithfulness Despite Unbelief")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13-14 "Psalm 132:13-14 - The Lord's Dwelling in Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 11:32 offers both profound comfort and a sobering warning for believers today. It reminds us that while our sin carries real consequences and can disrupt our lives and relationships, God's ultimate purposes for His people and His world are unshakeable. His faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His own character and His eternal covenant promises. This truth should inspire both humility and hope: humility, knowing that our disobedience grieves God and has real repercussions for ourselves and those around us, and hope, trusting that even in our darkest moments of failure, God remains true to His word. We are called to live in faithful obedience, striving to honor God in all things, but when we stumble, we find solace in the God who, for the sake of His own name and His Son, Jesus Christ, remains faithful to His redemptive plan. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to God's overarching faithfulness, which guarantees the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and His purposes for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, despite Solomon's grave sin, encourage you in your own struggles with sin and failure?**
* **What does the explicit mention of "David's sake" and "Jerusalem's sake" teach us about the importance of God's prior covenants and chosen instruments in His redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways can you identify God's mercy tempering judgment in your own life or in the broader narrative of human history?**
* **How does understanding the severe consequences of Solomon's idolatry inform your commitment to undivided devotion to God today?**

### FAQ
**Why was only one tribe preserved for Solomon's son, and why was it Judah?**

Answer: The preservation of "one tribe" (primarily Judah, along with Benjamin and some Levites) for Solomon's son, Rehoboam, was a direct act of divine grace and faithfulness, tempering the judgment pronounced against Solomon. God had made an unconditional promise to David that his house and kingdom would endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David")). Preserving Judah ensured the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, through which the Messiah would eventually come. It was not a reward for Solomon's son, but a demonstration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David and His chosen city, Jerusalem, which was located within Judah's territory. This act ensured that the lineage of the promised King would remain intact, fulfilling God's long-term redemptive plan.

**What does "for my servant David's sake" mean if David himself sinned?**

Answer: The phrase "for my servant David's sake" does not imply that David was sinless or that God's faithfulness was contingent on David's perfect obedience. David, too, committed grievous sins (e.g., [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin with Bathsheba")). Rather, it refers to God's unconditional covenant with David, which was an act of divine grace and sovereign election ([2 Samuel 7:8-16](/2_samuel/7-8-16 "2 Samuel 7:8-16 - God's Promise to David")). God chose David and established an eternal dynasty through him, not because of David's merit, but because of God's own character and purpose. Thus, the preservation of the Davidic line is a testament to God's faithfulness to His own word and His unchangeable nature, even when His human partners fail. It underscores that God's promises are ultimately secured by His character, not by human performance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:32 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the King whose kingdom will have no end. The preservation of "one tribe" and the Davidic line, "for my servant David's sake," directly points to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, born of the tribe of Judah ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the promised heir to David's throne, fulfilling the eternal covenant God made with David ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). While Solomon's kingdom was tragically divided due to his sin, Jesus establishes a spiritual kingdom that is indivisible, eternal, and universal, extending His dominion over all peoples, nations, and languages ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). The "Jerusalem's sake" aspect also finds its culmination in Christ, who is the foundation of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God dwells perfectly and eternally with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem and God's Dwelling with Humanity")). Thus, this Old Testament passage, steeped in judgment and grace, serves as a vital prophetic thread, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the faithful King who secures an eternal kingdom 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 11:13

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.

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 12:21

And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.

1 Kings 14:21

¶ And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.