Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.
However, I will not tear away the entire kingdom from you. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of my servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen.
God is showing mercy by promising that Solomon's family will still rule over one tribe, honoring His previous promises to David and His love for Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
God is speaking to Solomon about the consequences of his turning away from God to worship foreign gods. Because of Solomon's disobedience, God declared that the kingdom would be divided, but He promised to preserve one tribe (Judah) for Solomon's descendants. This promise was made in remembrance of God's covenant with David and His special relationship with Jerusalem as the holy city.
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