Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant’s sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
However, I will not take the entire kingdom away from him during his lifetime. I will let him remain as ruler for as long as he lives, because of my servant David, whom I chose since he obeyed my commands and laws.
God is showing mercy to Solomon by letting him keep his throne during his lifetime, not because Solomon deserves it, but because of God's love for David who faithfully obeyed Him.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes during God's judgment on King Solomon, who had turned away from God by worshiping foreign gods and building temples for them. Despite Solomon's disobedience, God promised to honor His covenant with David by not completely removing the kingdom from Solomon's line immediately. The division of the kingdom would come after Solomon's death, when the nation would split into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
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