1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 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:)
Original Language Analysis
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
out of all the tribes
H7626
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
out of all the tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
1 of 16
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
But he shall have one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
But he shall have one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יִֽהְיֶה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמַ֣עַן׀
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן׀
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
וּלְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
וּלְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
sake and for Jerusalem's
H3389
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
sake and for Jerusalem's
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
9 of 16
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
הָעִיר֙
sake the city
H5892
הָעִיר֙
sake the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
10 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּחַ֣רְתִּי
which I have chosen
H977
בָּחַ֣רְתִּי
which I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
מִכֹּ֖ל
H3605
מִכֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
(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:)
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.