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1 Kings 11:36

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 11:36 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
1 Kings 11:36 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon; and they have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and mine ordinances, as did David his father.
34Howbeit 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, who kept my commandments and my statutes;
35but I will take the kingdom out of his son`s hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.
36And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
37And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
38And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that which is right in mine eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and will build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
39And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And unto his son will I give one tribe, etc.] Judah and Benjamin reckoned as one; (see Gill on “<111113>1 Kings 11:13”), that David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there; or a kingdom, as the Targum; or an illustrious prince, a successor, shining in royal majesty and glory, to guide and direct, cheer and comfort, the people of Israel; be an honour to David’s family, and a means of continuing the pure worship of God in the temple at Jerusalem; (see <102117>2 Samuel 21:17 <19D217>Psalm 132:17).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That David may have a light - Compare the marginal references. The exact meaning of the expression is doubtful. Perhaps the best explanation is, that “light” here is taken as the essential feature of a continuing “home.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:36 a lamp: David’s successors were to be living representatives of God’s covenant with David, and they were to shine as lights of God’s grace (15:4; 2 Kgs 8:19; 2 Chr 21:7). They pointed to Jesus, the descendant of David, who is the light of the world (John 1:4-5) and who fulfills God’s promises to David (Ezek 34:23-31).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“David: Kg1 15:4; Sa2 7:16, Sa2 7:29, Sa2 21:17; Kg2 8:19; Ch2 21:7; Psa 132:17; Jer 33:17-21; Amo 9:11, Amo 9:12; Luk 1:69, Luk 1:70, Luk 1:78, Luk 1:79; Act 15:16, Act 15:17 light: Heb. lamp, or candle the city: Kg1 11:13, Kg1 9:3; Gal 4:25, Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22; Rev 21:10 3 Kings (1 Kings) 11:37”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification