1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken {H8085} unto all that I command {H6680} thee, and wilt walk {H1980} in my ways {H1870}, and do {H6213} that is right {H3477} in my sight {H5869}, to keep {H8104} my statutes {H2708} and my commandments {H4687}, as David {H1732} my servant {H5650} did {H6213}; that I will be with thee, and build {H1129} thee a sure {H539} house {H1004}, as I built {H1129} for David {H1732}, and will give {H5414} Israel {H3478} unto thee.

Now if you will listen to all that I order you, live according to my ways and do what is right in my view, so that you observe my regulations and mitzvot, as David my servant did; then I will be with you, and I will build you a lasting dynasty, as I built for David; and I will give Isra'el to you.

If you listen to all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight in order to keep My statutes and commandments as My servant David did, then I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that which is right in mine eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and will build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

Commentary

Context

This powerful verse from 1 Kings 11:38 is part of God's prophetic message delivered through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam. It immediately follows God's declaration of judgment against King Solomon for his widespread idolatry, which had led him away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:9-10). As a consequence, God reveals His intent to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand, leaving only one tribe (Judah) to his son for David's sake. Jeroboam is promised rule over the remaining ten tribes, but this promise is explicitly conditional upon his faithfulness, mirroring the covenant God had with David.

Key Themes

  • Conditional Covenant: The core message is that God's blessing and the establishment of a lasting dynasty for Jeroboam are entirely dependent on his obedience to divine commands. This highlights a recurring biblical principle that while God's ultimate plan is sovereign, immediate blessings and consequences often hinge on human response.
  • The Standard of David: God repeatedly refers to "David my servant" as the model of faithfulness. David's reign, despite its flaws, was characterized by a heart generally devoted to God's ways (1 Samuel 13:14), setting a high benchmark for all subsequent kings of Israel.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment and Promise: God is shown actively orchestrating the division of the kingdom as a consequence of Solomon's sin, yet simultaneously extending a new opportunity and promise to Jeroboam, demonstrating His control over earthly kingdoms and His justice.
  • "Sure House" (Enduring Dynasty): The promise to "build thee a sure house" signifies an enduring, stable dynasty. This echoes God's unconditional promise to David's lineage in 2 Samuel 7, but here, the promise to Jeroboam is explicitly conditional on his personal obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sure house" translates from the Hebrew word bayith, which literally means "house" but often refers to a family, lineage, or dynasty. The term "sure" (ne'eman) implies faithful, trustworthy, or enduring. Thus, a "sure house" is a dynasty that is established, stable, and lasts through generations, contrasting sharply with the unstable and short-lived dynasties that would characterize the Northern Kingdom of Israel under many of Jeroboam's successors.

Cross-References & Significance

This verse serves as a crucial link between the unified kingdom under David and Solomon and the subsequent divided kingdom. The conditional nature of God's promise to Jeroboam stands in contrast to the unconditional promise to David regarding his lineage, although even David's descendants were subject to conditional blessings based on their obedience (Psalm 89:30-32). Unfortunately, Jeroboam quickly failed to uphold his end of the covenant, leading Israel into idolatry and ultimately ensuring the instability of his own "house" (1 Kings 12:28-30).

Practical Application

The principles embedded in 1 Kings 11:38 remain highly relevant today. It underscores that God values obedience above all else from those He places in positions of influence, whether in leadership, family, or personal life. Our walk with God—"walking in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments"—is the foundation for receiving and maintaining His blessings and establishing a lasting legacy. Just as God promised to be "with thee" for Jeroboam, He promises His presence and favor to those who diligently seek to follow Him (Matthew 28:20).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:11 (6 votes)

    And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

  • Joshua 1:5 (5 votes)

    There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

  • Deuteronomy 31:8 (3 votes)

    And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

  • 2 Samuel 7:16 (2 votes)

    And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

  • 1 Kings 9:4 (2 votes)

    And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

  • 1 Kings 9:5 (2 votes)

    Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

  • 1 Kings 6:12 (2 votes)

    [Concerning] this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: