1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
בְּיָמֶ֙יךָ֙
Notwithstanding in thy days
H3117
בְּיָמֶ֙יךָ֙
Notwithstanding in thy days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֔נָּה
I will not do
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֔נָּה
I will not do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
לְמַ֖עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אָבִ֑יךָ
thy father's
H1
אָבִ֑יךָ
thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 10
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מִיַּ֥ד
it out of the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֥ד
it out of the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
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
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.
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.