Definition: But I will take the kingdom out of his sonâs hand, and will give it unto thee, [even] ten tribes.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 11:35. It's a really important and somewhat complex part of the Old Testament that speaks about the succession of the kingdom of Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific plan to divide the kingdom of Israel after the death of King Solomon. It’s saying that after Solomon dies, his son, Rehoboam, will lose control of the entire kingdom. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand…” – This is a key phrase. It means that you (the people of Israel) are now going to become the new rulers of the land. The kingdom, which Solomon built, is being handed over to us. “…and will give it unto thee, [even] ten tribes.” - This is where it gets a little more detailed. The "ten tribes" refers to specifically the ten tribes that were originally part of the kingdom of Israel. It’s not just any ten tribes; they are the ones who were historically considered part of the original Israelite nation. What does this mean practically? It's a division: The verse highlights that the kingdom wasn't going to be held by one king. It was being divided into smaller territories, each ruled by a different leader. A shift in leadership: This is a significant change from Solomon’s rule. He had built a powerful empire and established a royal dynasty. This verse signifies a move towards a more decentralized system of governance. Important Context (Briefly): This passage happens before the story of Rehoboam, King of Israel, who makes a disastrous decision to dismiss his advisors. It's a warning about the dangers of self-interest and the importance of wise leadership. It sets up a situation where God is intervening to ensure the kingdom’s stability and prevent further problems. In short, this verse describes a transition in power from Solomon’s rule to the people of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Kings 11? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament?