1 Kings 15:4

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

Nevertheless for David's {H1732} sake did the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} give {H5414} him a lamp {H5216} in Jerusalem {H3389}, to set up {H6965} his son {H1121} after {H310} him, and to establish {H5975} Jerusalem {H3389}:

Nevertheless, for David's sake ADONAI his God gave him a lamp burning in Yerushalayim by establishing his son after him and making Yerushalayim secure.

Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong.

Nevertheless for Davidโ€™s sake did Jehovah his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem;

Commentary

1 Kings 15:4 describes a significant moment in the reign of Abijam (also known as Abijah), king of Judah, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness despite human shortcomings. Despite Abijam's own unfaithfulness, as noted in 1 Kings 15:3, God continued to uphold His promises due to His covenant with David.

Context

This verse is set during the period of the divided kingdom, following the split of Israel into two nations: Judah (south) and Israel (north). Abijam was the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon. His reign was marked by idolatry and walking in the sins of his father. However, Godโ€™s commitment to His prior promises superseded Abijam's actions. The phrase "Nevertheless for David's sake" underscores that the continuation of the Davidic line and the stability of Jerusalem were not earned by Abijam, but were a direct result of Godโ€™s covenant with his grandfather, King David.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness: The primary message is God's absolute commitment to His promises. The "lamp" symbolizes the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, ensuring that David would always have a descendant on the throne in Jerusalem. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant established in 2 Samuel 7, which promised an eternal dynasty.
  • The Significance of David's Righteousness: David's obedience and heart for God had generational implications. Even centuries later, God acted "for David's sake," showing that a righteous foundation can have lasting blessings for future generations, despite their failures.
  • Divine Grace and Mercy: Abijam did not deserve God's favor based on his own merit. God's decision to maintain the lamp in Jerusalem was an act of pure grace, extended not to Abijam, but out of fidelity to His bond with David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "give him a lamp in Jerusalem" is a powerful metaphor throughout the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for lamp, ื ึตืจ (ner), signifies a continuous light, symbolizing a perpetual line of descendants, prosperity, and the enduring presence of a dynasty. It indicates that the royal line of David would not be extinguished. This imagery is also used in 2 Samuel 21:17 where David himself is called "the lamp of Israel." Here, it refers to the continuation of his lineage, ensuring that his throne would not be vacant.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement regarding God's character. It teaches us that God remembers His covenants and acts according to His nature, which is faithful and merciful, even when we are unfaithful. It underscores that our present circumstances, good or bad, can sometimes be influenced by the faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) of those who came before us, yet God's ultimate plan prevails. Ultimately, this promise of a perpetual "lamp" in Jerusalem finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is the eternal heir of David's throne and whose kingdom will have no end.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:36

    And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:7

    Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

  • 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.

  • 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:)

  • Genesis 12:2

    And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

  • Isaiah 37:35

    For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.