1 Kings 11:39

KJV

And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will for this afflict {H6031} the seed {H2233} of David {H1732}, but not for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this [offense] I will trouble David's descendants, but not forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, I will humble David’s descendants—but not forever.’”

American Standard Version

And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:39 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of the Davidic dynasty, revealing God's just judgment against King Solomon's profound idolatry while simultaneously reaffirming His unwavering covenant faithfulness to David. Despite the impending affliction and division of the kingdom as a consequence of Solomon's sin, this verse declares that the hardship upon David's lineage would be temporary, ensuring the preservation of the royal line and the ultimate fulfillment of God's eternal promises. It is a profound statement of divine justice tempered by enduring mercy, pointing forward to a future hope beyond immediate judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes God's direct pronouncement of judgment against King Solomon, which began in [1 Kings 11:9](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9 - God's Anger Against Solomon"). The preceding verses detail Solomon's egregious apostasy, where his numerous foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord, leading him to build high places for their detestable idols like Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")). God's anger is kindled, and He declares that He will tear the kingdom away from Solomon's hand, leaving only one tribe (Judah) to his son for the sake of David and Jerusalem ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). The narrative then introduces adversaries raised by God against Solomon ([1 Kings 11:14-25](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14-25 - God Raises Adversaries Against Solomon")), culminating in the prophecy to Jeroboam, where the prophet Ahijah symbolically tears a new garment into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam to signify the ten tribes God would give him ([1 Kings 11:29-31](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-31 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Verse 39, therefore, serves as a crucial addendum to this prophecy, emphasizing the temporary nature of the affliction on the Davidic line, even amidst the kingdom's division.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially marked by unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, eventually succumbed to the pervasive syncretism of the ancient Near East. Royal intermarriage was a common diplomatic strategy to forge alliances, but for Israel, it carried the explicit prohibition of God's law due to the inherent danger of idolatry ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). Solomon's embrace of foreign deities like Ashtoreth (Phoenician goddess of fertility and war), Chemosh (Moabite god), and Molech (Ammonite god associated with child sacrifice) was not merely a political concession but a profound spiritual betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh, the one true God. The building of "high places" (cultic sites on elevated ground) for these idols was a direct affront to the centralized worship commanded at the Jerusalem Temple. The geopolitical stability of Solomon's empire made such compromises seem expedient, but from God's perspective, they were an abomination that demanded severe consequences, ultimately leading to the fracturing of the united monarchy after his death.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that even highly favored leaders like Solomon are not exempt from divine judgment when they violate God's covenant. Solomon's personal apostasy had national repercussions, leading to the division of the kingdom and affliction for his descendants. Secondly, it profoundly illustrates **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Solomon's egregious sin, God's promise to David of an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) is upheld. The phrase "but not for ever" is a testament to God's commitment to His word, ensuring that the Davidic lamp would not be extinguished, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Lastly, the verse beautifully intertwines **Divine Justice and Mercy**. God's justice demands a response to sin, hence the "affliction," but His mercy and covenant love set a limit to that judgment, preventing total annihilation and maintaining the hope for a future restoration and ultimate fulfillment in a righteous Davidic king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afflict (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** This verb signifies to humble, oppress, bring low, or cause to suffer. In this context, it denotes the divine imposition of hardship and subjugation upon the Davidic line. This affliction would manifest as the loss of dominion over the majority of the tribes, internal strife, and external pressures, designed to humble the proud and bring them back to reliance on God. It is a disciplinary action, not a destructive one.
* **seed of David (Hebrew, _zera' Dawid'_):** This idiomatic phrase refers to the descendants or lineage of King David. It is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's covenant promises, specifically the Davidic Covenant. It emphasizes that the judgment is directed at the future generations of David's royal house, specifically Rehoboam and his successors, rather than Solomon himself directly experiencing the full extent of the kingdom's tearing away during his lifetime.
* **not for ever (Hebrew, _lo' l'olam'_):** This powerful negative declaration, using the Hebrew term for "eternity" or "forever," emphasizes the temporary and limited nature of the impending judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the eternal nature of God's covenant promises to David. While the Davidic line would experience significant hardship and a diminished kingdom, it would not be utterly destroyed or permanently disinherited. This phrase is the linchpin of hope in the verse, pointing to a future restoration and ultimate fulfillment beyond the immediate consequences of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will for this afflict the seed of David":** This clause pronounces God's divine judgment. The phrase "for this" directly links the impending affliction to Solomon's specific sin of idolatry and turning away from the Lord, as detailed in the preceding verses. God, as the sovereign King, declares His intention to bring hardship upon David's descendants. This punishment is not arbitrary but a just consequence of covenant infidelity, demonstrating that even the most favored individuals and lines are subject to divine accountability. The "affliction" would primarily involve the loss of the northern ten tribes, leaving the Davidic kings to rule over only Judah and Benjamin.
* **"but not for ever":** This second clause introduces a crucial qualification and a profound expression of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness. Despite the severe judgment, the affliction is explicitly stated to be temporary. This limitation is rooted in God's unconditional covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty and a perpetual lamp in Jerusalem. It signifies that while the Davidic line would be humbled and diminished, it would not be utterly cut off or permanently lose its claim to the throne. This phrase preserves the hope of a future Davidic king who would reign righteously and eternally, pointing beyond the immediate historical context to the ultimate Messianic fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast/Antithesis** is central, juxtaposing the "affliction" with the assurance that it will be "not for ever." This highlights the tension between God's justice and His mercy, His judgment and His covenant faithfulness. The divine declaration itself is an **Oracle** or **Divine Speech**, carrying the weight of God's authoritative word and revealing His sovereign plan. The phrase "seed of David" functions as **Metonymy**, referring to the entire Davidic dynasty and its future generations. Furthermore, the entire statement serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual division of the kingdom and the subsequent struggles of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, while simultaneously pointing to the ultimate, eternal reign of a future Davidic king, the Messiah. The use of "lamp" in the broader context of the Davidic covenant ([1 Kings 11:36](/1_kings/11-36 "1 Kings 11:36 - A Lamp for David")) is a powerful **Symbolism** for the enduring presence and continuity of the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:39 is a theological lynchpin, articulating the profound interplay between divine justice and covenantal fidelity. It underscores that God's holiness demands a response to sin, even from those He has greatly blessed, yet His promises are irrevocable. The temporary nature of the affliction on the Davidic line, explicitly stated as "not for ever," is a powerful testament to God's enduring commitment to His covenant with David, which guaranteed an eternal dynasty. This verse ensures that despite human failure and the resulting consequences, God's ultimate redemptive plan, centered on a future king from David's lineage, remains secure. It provides a theological framework for understanding the subsequent history of Judah, marked by both judgment and the persistent hope for restoration.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:34-37](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34-37 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of the serious consequences of spiritual compromise and the enduring faithfulness of God. Solomon's downfall, despite his wisdom and God's blessings, serves as a stark warning: no one is immune to the corrosive effects of idolatry and disobedience. Our choices have far-reaching implications, not only for ourselves but also for those who come after us. Yet, amidst this sober warning, the phrase "but not for ever" shines as a beacon of hope. It assures us that even when we face the painful consequences of our sin, God's ultimate purposes of grace and His covenant promises remain steadfast. His discipline is always redemptive, designed to humble and restore, not to utterly destroy. This truth invites us to repent with confidence, knowing that God's faithfulness transcends our failures and that His ultimate plan of salvation will prevail. We are called to live in faithful obedience, trusting in His unwavering character even when circumstances are difficult, and clinging to the hope that His work in us, though perhaps afflicted, will not be "for ever" incomplete.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's sin and its consequences challenge my understanding of spiritual privilege and accountability?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be allowing "foreign gods" (idols of comfort, success, approval) to turn my heart away from God?**
* **How does the phrase "but not for ever" offer me hope and reassurance in seasons of personal struggle or divine discipline?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the balance between God's justice and His enduring mercy in my own life and in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish Solomon so severely despite his wisdom and the great temple he built?**

Answer: God's judgment on Solomon was severe precisely because of his profound spiritual privilege and the depth of his apostasy. Solomon, endowed with unparalleled wisdom and entrusted with building the Temple, directly violated God's explicit commands against intermarriage and idolatry ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). His sin was not one of ignorance but of deliberate disobedience, turning his heart away from the Lord who had appeared to him twice ([1 Kings 11:9](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9 - God's Anger Against Solomon")). The severity of the punishment underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of covenant infidelity, demonstrating that even the greatest human achievements cannot compensate for a divided heart. The Temple, meant to be a place of exclusive worship for Yahweh, became surrounded by cultic sites for pagan deities, a direct affront to God's glory.

**How does this verse relate to the division of the kingdom?**

Answer: This verse is a direct prophetic declaration concerning the impending division of the united monarchy. God had already informed Solomon that He would tear the kingdom from his son's hand, leaving him only one tribe for David's sake ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Declaration of Judgment")). Verse 39 specifically addresses the "affliction" on the "seed of David," which primarily refers to the loss of the ten northern tribes to Jeroboam, as prophesied by Ahijah ([1 Kings 11:29-31](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-31 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). The Davidic line would continue to reign in Judah, but their dominion would be significantly diminished, marking the end of the glorious united kingdom and ushering in centuries of divided monarchies. The affliction was the direct consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness, yet the promise "not for ever" ensured the survival of the Davidic line.

**What does 'not for ever' truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "not for ever" signifies that the affliction and diminished state of the Davidic dynasty, while severe and long-lasting, would not be permanent or lead to the complete annihilation of David's line or the revocation of God's covenant with him. It means that God would preserve a "lamp" for David in Jerusalem ([1 Kings 11:36](/1_kings/11-36 "1 Kings 11:36 - A Lamp for David")), ensuring that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne, even through periods of exile and foreign domination. This promise ultimately finds its fulfillment not in the earthly kingdom of Judah, which eventually fell, but in the eternal, spiritual kingdom established by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "seed of David" and whose reign truly is "for ever" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:39, with its declaration of temporary affliction upon the Davidic line, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "affliction" of David's seed, which began with the division of the kingdom and continued through centuries of political turmoil, exile, and foreign rule, prefigures the suffering and humiliation of the true Son of David. Jesus, though the rightful heir to David's throne, experienced profound affliction, culminating in His crucifixion, a period when it seemed the Davidic promise might be utterly extinguished. However, the crucial phrase "but not for ever" resonates with the resurrection of Christ. His death was not the end; it was a temporary affliction leading to eternal triumph. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, establishing a kingdom that is truly "not for ever" afflicted, but is eternal and unshakable ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")), the one through whom God's covenant with David is perfectly and eternally fulfilled. His reign, unlike Solomon's or any subsequent Davidic king, will truly have "no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")), establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace that transcends all earthly limitations and is truly "for ever."

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

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isaiah 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

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.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.