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1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

1 Kings 11:38 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, God is promising to be with and bless the person who follows His commands and walks in His ways, just as David did. By obeying God's statutes and commandments, one can experience God's presence and blessings in their life. The reference to David, a man after God's own heart, serves as an example of how obedience can lead to God's favor and blessings. The promise to build a sure house, like the one He built for David, signifies stability, security, and prosperity that comes from a life lived in accordance with God's will. Additionally, the mention of giving Israel to the obedient individual highlights the idea of inheritance and ownership, implying that those who follow God's commands will receive their rightful blessings and rewards. Overall, this verse conveys the importance of obedience and faithfulness in receiving God's blessings and favor.

Theological Overview

This verse contains a powerful promise from God to Solomon, the son of King David. In this passage, God assures Solomon that if he follows His commandments, walks in His ways, and does what is right in His eyes—as his father David did—then God will be with him and establish a sure house for him, just as He did for David. The mention of David as God's servant in this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness. By obeying God's statutes and commandments like David, Solomon not only secures God's presence and protection but also inherits the blessings and promises that were bestowed upon his father. This verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and following His ways to receive His abundant blessings and favor. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the concept of God's faithfulness to His people when they remain obedient and loyal to Him, as exemplified through the life of King David.

1 Kings 11:38 in other translations

American Standard Version

And 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.

World English Bible

It shall be, if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do that which is right in my eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with you, and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you.

Douay-Rheims

If then thou wilt hearken to all that I shall command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do what is right before me, keeping my commandments and my precepts, as David, my servant, did: I will be with thee, and will build thee up a faithful house, as I built a house for David, and I will deliver Israel to thee:

Geneva Bible (1599)

And if thou hearken vnto all that I commande thee, and wilt walke in my wayes, and doe right in my sight, to keepe my statutes and my commandements, as Dauid my seruant did, then will I be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built vnto Dauid, and wil giue Israel vnto thee.