Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Kings 11 Devotional

A Lamp Left in Jerusalem

“I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.”1 Kings 11:36 (BSB)

This chapter turns on the heart. Solomon loves many foreign women, against God's clear command, and as he grows old they turn his heart after other gods (11:1-4). The king who once asked for an understanding heart builds shrines for foreign gods (11:7). The LORD is angry because Solomon's heart has turned from the God who appeared to him twice (11:9). Wisdom, wealth and a temple did not keep him. No bright past makes a heart able to keep itself.

God raises up adversaries, and Ahijah tears a new cloak to show that ten tribes will go to Jeroboam (11:14, 11:29-31). Yet God keeps one tribe for Solomon's son, for the sake of David and Jerusalem, so that a light remains for David's line (11:36). He will humble David's descendants, but only for a time (11:39). The New Testament opens by naming Jesus the son of David (Matthew 1:1). Your hope does not rest on how well you keep your own heart, but on God keeping his promise.

To think about: What good thing in your past are you tempted to rely on, instead of asking God to keep your heart today?

About 1 Kings 11: Solomon Turns Away and the Kingdom Is Torn

In old age Solomon’s many foreign wives lead him to worship their gods, so the LORD vows to take most of his realm from his son, leaving one tribe for David’s sake. God raises up Hadad and Rezon as foes, Ahijah tears his cloak to promise Jeroboam ten tribes, Jeroboam flees to Egypt, and Solomon dies.

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