Definition: Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 11:11. It’s a really serious and dramatic statement about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: God is saying to Solomon (King of Israel) that he has disobeyed Him. Specifically, he hasn't been following His rules and commandments – the “statutes” he gave him. Because of this disobedience, God is going to completely take away everything Solomon has built and controls. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon…” : This tells us we're talking about a conversation between God and Solomon. “…forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant…” : This is the key part. “Covenant” means a promise or agreement made between two people. "Covenant" here refers to God’s promises and rules. The verse says Solomon has not kept these promises. He hasn't obeyed God’s commands. "...and my statutes, which I have commanded thee..." : This is the most important part. Solomon had made a list of laws and guidelines for his kingdom – things he was supposed to do right and wrong. The LORD specifically called him to follow these laws. "...I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant." : This is the frightening part. God is going to completely destroy Solomon’s kingdom – everything he built, his power, and everything he controls – and give it to a "servant" – which means a person who will manage it for him. What does this mean in a nutshell? It's a very strong warning from God about the consequences of disobedience. It’s a message of judgment and that God is serious about upholding His laws. It implies that Solomon was acting out of pride and self-reliance, and that his actions were causing trouble for both him and Israel. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a period of conflict and division in the story of Solomon’s reign. It’s a pivotal moment where God decides to punish those who stray from His path. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you an analogy to help understand it better? Talk about the historical background of this verse?