1 Kings 11:35

KJV

But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, [even] ten tribes.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will take {H3947} the kingdom {H4410} out of his son's {H1121} hand {H3027}, and will give {H5414} it unto thee, even ten {H6235} tribes {H7626}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, I will take the kingdom away from his son and give ten tribes of it to you.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you.

American Standard Version

but I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:35 articulates God's decisive judgment upon King Solomon's dynasty, declaring that the unified kingdom of Israel will be torn from the hand of his son, Rehoboam, and specifically, ten of the twelve tribes will be given to Jeroboam. This divine decree is a direct and sovereign consequence of Solomon's profound idolatry and covenant infidelity, underscoring God's unwavering justice and His active, providential involvement in the historical trajectory of His people, even amidst their spiritual failures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic pronouncement within the unfolding narrative of King Solomon's spiritual decline and the ensuing divine judgment. The preceding verses, particularly [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "Solomon's Idolatry and Apostasy"), meticulously detail Solomon's extensive foreign marriages and his tragic turning away from Yahweh to accommodate the pagan deities of his wives, even constructing high places for their worship. God's righteous anger is explicitly stated in [1 Kings 11:9-10](/1_kings/11-9 "God's Warning and Anger Towards Solomon"), revealing that Solomon had twice received direct warnings from the Lord against following other gods. The initial declaration of judgment, that the kingdom would be torn from him (though not in his lifetime for David's sake), is found in [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "God's Judgment on Solomon's Kingdom"). The narrative then introduces Jeroboam, a capable servant of Solomon, to whom the prophet Ahijah delivers a dramatic prophetic message, symbolically tearing his new cloak into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam, signifying the impending division of the kingdom ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Verse 35 serves as God's direct, personal confirmation and powerful reiteration of this prophecy, reinforcing its divine origin, certainty, and the specific terms of the kingdom's partition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the twilight of the United Monarchy, a period that under King Solomon had reached an apex of peace, prosperity, and architectural grandeur, notably with the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This era followed the foundational reign of King David, who had established Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of Israel. Culturally, dynastic marriages were common tools for forging political alliances among ancient Near Eastern monarchs. However, for Israelite kings, the Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited accumulating many wives, especially foreign ones, precisely because of the inherent risk of idolatry and syncretism ([Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Prohibition Against Many Wives and Foreign Gods for Kings")). Solomon's egregious violation of this divine injunction, by amassing hundreds of foreign wives and concubines and actively participating in or tolerating their pagan worship, directly led to the spiritual decay and divine judgment. The concept of a divided kingdom was a profound rupture from the ideal of a unified Israel under a single Davidic king, signaling a radical spiritual and political fragmentation unprecedented since the tribal confederacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes central to 1 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost, it underscores the **divine judgment and the inexorable consequences of disobedience**. It demonstrates unequivocally that even the wisest and most blessed of kings are not exempt from the repercussions of sin, particularly the insidious sin of idolatry. Solomon's spiritual compromise and covenant infidelity directly precipitate the fracturing of the united kingdom, serving as a stark and enduring warning about the far-reaching impact of unfaithfulness. Second, the passage emphasizes **God's absolute sovereignty in history**, revealing His active and meticulous control over nations and their leaders. The division of the kingdom is not a random political upheaval or a mere consequence of human ambition, but a divinely ordained act, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating God's righteous justice and His ability to raise up and bring down rulers according to His overarching purposes. Finally, the verse subtly reinforces **God's enduring covenant faithfulness**, even in the midst of severe judgment. While the kingdom is divided, a remnant (specifically, one tribe, Judah, with Benjamin later joining) is preserved for Solomon's son "for the sake of David my servant, and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen" ([1 Kings 11:36](/1_kings/11-36 "The Lamp for David in Jerusalem")), thereby affirming God's unwavering commitment to the Davidic covenant despite profound human failure ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Enduring Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This Hebrew verb (H3947) signifies "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win." In this context, it emphasizes the active, deliberate, and decisive nature of God's intervention. It is not a passive withdrawal of favor or a mere allowance of political instability, but a direct, forceful act of divine appropriation and redistribution of authority, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and their succession.
* **kingdom (Hebrew, _mᵉlûwkâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H4410) refers to "something ruled, i.e. a realm; kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal." It denotes the entire royal domain, encompassing the territory, the people, and the governmental authority. The use of this term here highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment – it is not just a loss of influence or a minor rebellion, but the complete tearing away of the political entity that Solomon's son would otherwise inherit, signifying a profound and lasting schism that would redefine Israel's national identity.
* **ten tribes (Hebrew, _ʻeser shêbeṭ'_):** This specific numerical designation (H6235 for 'ten', H7626 for 'tribe') is crucial. _ʻeser_ means "ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)," and _shêbeṭ_ means "a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan; [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe." The precise number "ten tribes" indicates that the vast majority of the Israelite population and territory would be removed from the direct Davidic line. This specificity underscores the severity and exactitude of God's judgment, as well as the immense magnitude of the impending political and spiritual rupture, which would define the subsequent history of Israel for centuries to come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand":** This opening clause unequivocally identifies the divine agent ("I," referring to Yahweh) and the object of His decisive action ("the kingdom"). The judgment is explicitly directed at "his son," Rehoboam, rather than Solomon directly, a concession made out of God's faithfulness to the covenant He made with David ([1 Kings 11:12](/1_kings/11-12 "God's Mercy for David's Sake")). This signifies a divinely orchestrated removal of political authority and territorial control from the rightful heir of the Davidic throne, demonstrating God's ultimate and sovereign authority over all human succession and national sovereignty.
* **"and will give it unto thee":** This phrase clearly identifies the recipient of the fragmented kingdom: "thee," referring to Jeroboam, Solomon's servant. This highlights God's sovereign choice to raise up a new leader from outside the established Davidic line to rule over the majority of Israel. It underscores that Jeroboam's future kingship is not merely a result of human ambition or political maneuvering, but a direct divine appointment, making him an instrument of God's judgment and His overarching redemptive purposes for Israel.
* **"[even] ten tribes":** This final, specifying phrase quantifies the exact extent of the transfer of authority. The KJV's "[even]" emphasizes the precise number of tribes that would be given to Jeroboam, confirming the detailed prophecy delivered earlier by the prophet Ahijah ([1 Kings 11:31](/1_kings/11-31 "Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of the division, leaving only two tribes (Judah and Benjamin, implicitly) to the Davidic line, thus formally establishing two distinct kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Divine Fiat** is central, as God directly declares His intention and action ("I will take... and will give"). This emphasizes His absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word, portraying Him as the ultimate orchestrator of history. The statement functions as a **Prophetic Decree**, not merely predicting an event but actively ordaining it, thereby shaping the future history of Israel with divine authority. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this pronouncement sets the stage for the dramatic and tragic division of the kingdom detailed in the subsequent chapters, a schism that will profoundly impact the spiritual, political, and social trajectory of both the northern and southern kingdoms for centuries to come. Finally, a poignant **Contrast** is subtly present between the initial glory, unity, and divinely blessed reign of Solomon and the impending fragmentation and judgment, highlighting the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise and covenant infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:35 serves as a profound theological statement on God's justice, His absolute sovereignty, and His enduring covenant faithfulness. It unequivocally demonstrates that disobedience, particularly the insidious sin of idolatry, carries severe and far-reaching consequences, even for those highly favored and blessed by God, such as King Solomon. God's judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but a righteous and just response to the breaking of His covenant. Yet, even in the midst of such severe judgment, God's faithfulness to His promises endures; the kingdom is indeed divided, but the Davidic line is not entirely cut off, ensuring the continuity of the messianic promise. This passage powerfully reminds us that God is actively and intimately involved in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes, and holding leaders accountable for their spiritual integrity and adherence to His commands.

* [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "God's Declaration of Judgment on Solomon's Kingdom")
* [2 Samuel 7:15](/2_samuel/7-15 "God's Promise to David Regarding His Descendants")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience in the Mosaic Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The judgment pronounced in 1 Kings 11:35 offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. Solomon's tragic downfall, despite his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and initial devotion, serves as a poignant reminder that no one is immune to the insidious creep of spiritual compromise. His gradual turning away from God, fueled by foreign wives and their pagan gods, vividly illustrates how seemingly minor concessions to the world can lead to catastrophic consequences, not just for individuals but for entire communities and nations. This passage challenges us to vigilantly guard our hearts against any form of idolatry – anything that usurps God's rightful place in our affections, loyalties, or pursuits, whether it be wealth, power, comfort, or worldly approval. It underscores the profound gravity of obedience and the far-reaching impact of our choices, particularly for those in positions of leadership, whose spiritual integrity can shape the destiny of many. We are called to cultivate an undivided heart, remaining steadfast in our devotion to the Lord, knowing that His justice is as certain as His enduring faithfulness and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's downfall challenge our assumptions about success, spiritual stability, and the dangers of gradual compromise?**
* **What "foreign gods" or subtle idolatries might subtly creep into our lives today, distracting us from wholehearted devotion to God?**
* **In what ways does this passage remind us of the enduring consequences of disobedience, both for individuals and for the communities we influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish Solomon's son instead of Solomon directly?**

Answer: God's decision to defer the full political rupture and the tearing away of the kingdom until Rehoboam's reign was a profound act of mercy and a powerful demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant. [1 Kings 11:12](/1_kings/11-12 "God's Mercy Towards Solomon") explicitly states that God would not tear the kingdom away during Solomon's lifetime "for the sake of David thy father." While Solomon certainly experienced personal consequences for his sin, God's promise to David that his house and kingdom would endure before Him forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Enduring Covenant with David")) meant that the Davidic line would not be immediately extinguished. The judgment was delayed but not averted, highlighting both God's righteous justice and His enduring commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people fail.

**Who were the "ten tribes" and which tribes remained with Solomon's son?**

Answer: The "ten tribes" referred to the northern tribes of Israel, which would form the independent Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. These typically included Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, and Manasseh, representing the vast majority of Israel's population and territory. The tribes that remained loyal to Solomon's son, Rehoboam, forming the Kingdom of Judah, were primarily Judah and Benjamin, along with a significant number of Levites and faithful Israelites from other tribes who chose to remain loyal to the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem Temple as the center of true worship ([1 Kings 12:20](/1_kings/12-20 "The Division of the Kingdom")).

**Does this mean God encourages rebellion against kings?**

Answer: No, this passage does not encourage human-initiated rebellion against legitimate authority. Instead, it powerfully illustrates God's sovereign right and ultimate power to raise up and bring down kings according to His divine will and righteous purposes. The division of the kingdom was a divinely orchestrated act of judgment, explicitly declared by God through His prophet Ahijah, and then confirmed by God Himself in this very verse. It was not a political coup initiated by Jeroboam or the northern tribes without divine sanction, but rather God using human agents to fulfill His righteous judgment. God's actions here are unique and demonstrate His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, underscoring that even the most powerful human leaders are ultimately accountable to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:35, with its stark portrayal of a kingdom torn apart by human sin and disobedience, powerfully foreshadows the desperate need for a perfect King and an undivided, eternal kingdom. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and divinely granted prosperity, ultimately failed to maintain the unity and spiritual purity of Israel, leading to a fractured nation and a divided legacy. This profound brokenness points directly to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world and can never be divided, diminished, or taken away. Unlike Solomon, whose heart was tragically turned by foreign wives and idolatry, Jesus remained perfectly obedient to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). He is the promised Messiah, the one through whom God's covenant with David finds its ultimate, unfailing, and eternal fulfillment ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). His reign is not over a mere ten tribes or a temporary earthly domain, but over all creation, establishing a spiritual kingdom that unites people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into one body, redeemed by His blood ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). The tragic division of Israel underscores the inherent fragility of human leadership and the absolute necessity of God's perfect, righteous rule, which is fully and eternally realized in Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose dominion is everlasting and whose peace knows no end ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")).

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 12:15

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

1 Kings 12:17

But [as for] the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

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.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: [but] I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

2 Chronicles 10:15

So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.