1 Kings 11:39

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Kings 11:39 (KJV): "And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever."

Context

This verse is part of God's judgment pronounced against King Solomon. In 1 Kings 11:1-8, Solomon, despite his renowned wisdom and the great blessings bestowed upon him by God, allowed his numerous foreign wives to turn his heart away from the Lord. He built high places for their idols, including Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech, committing spiritual adultery against the God of Israel. This disobedience directly violated God's commands against intermarriage and idolatry. As a consequence, God declared He would tear the kingdom away from Solomon's son, leaving him with only one tribe (Judah) for the sake of David, Solomon's father, and for Jerusalem, the city God had chosen (1 Kings 11:11-13). Verse 39 specifically highlights that while the Davidic line would suffer affliction due to Solomon's sin, this judgment would not be permanent, underscoring God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with David.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Solomon's personal sin of idolatry and spiritual compromise led to severe national consequences, affecting his descendants and the unity of the kingdom. It illustrates that even great leaders face divine judgment for unfaithfulness.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: Despite the impending judgment and the division of the kingdom, the phrase "but not for ever" is a powerful testament to God's enduring commitment to His covenant with David. God had promised David an eternal dynasty and a perpetual lamp in Jerusalem, a promise that would ultimately find its fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33).
  • Divine Judgment and Mercy: This verse beautifully intertwines God's justice in punishing sin with His mercy in setting a limit to the affliction. The judgment was necessary to uphold God's holiness, but His covenant love ensured that the Davidic line would not be utterly cut off, preserving the hope for a future king from David's lineage who would reign forever.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seed of David" (Hebrew: זֶרַע דָּוִד, zera' Dawid) is a common biblical idiom referring to the descendants or lineage of King David. It is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's covenant promises. The term "afflict" (Hebrew: עָנָה, 'anah) signifies to humble, oppress, or bring low. It implies a period of hardship and subjugation. The powerful declaration "but not for ever" (Hebrew: לֹא לְעוֹלָם, lo' l'olam) emphasizes the temporary nature of this specific punishment, contrasting it with the eternal nature of God's covenant promises, ensuring that the Davidic throne would ultimately endure.

Practical Application

This verse holds significant lessons for believers today:

  1. Sin Has Consequences: Even those greatly blessed by God are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience. Our actions, especially spiritual compromises, can have far-reaching negative impacts on ourselves and future generations.
  2. God's Faithfulness Endures: Despite our failures, God remains true to His promises. While He may discipline His people, His ultimate purpose and covenants of grace stand firm. This provides immense hope and assurance in times of personal or collective struggle.
  3. Hope in the Messiah: The "not for ever" clause ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the promised Son of David. Through Him, God's promise of an eternal kingdom is fulfilled, offering a reign of righteousness and peace that will truly be "for ever" (Isaiah 9:7).
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 11:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 9:7 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

  • Jeremiah 23:5 (2 votes)

    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.