1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 35
But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
But I will take
H3947
וְלָֽקַחְתִּ֥י
But I will take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 9
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
H3027
מִיַּ֣ד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 9
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
בְּנ֑וֹ
out of his son's
H1121
בְּנ֑וֹ
out of his son's
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּנְתַתִּ֣יהָ
and will give
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֣יהָ
and will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.
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.