1 Kings 11:37 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord promises Jeroboam that he will reign over Israel according to his heart's desire.
What Does 1 Kings 11:37 Mean?
God's word to Jeroboam turns to promise. The Lord will take him and set him to reign over Israel, even according to all that his soul desires. The former servant is to become a king, lifted by the very hand of God to rule the ten tribes. The offer is generous and the calling clear.
God's gifts often exceed what we could ask, granting even the desires of the heart. Yet such promises are never bare permission to do as one pleases; they come, as the next verse shows, within the call to faithfulness. To reign according to one's soul's desire is a blessing only when the soul desires what is good. Jeroboam's tragedy will be that he received the gift but not the obedience that should have framed it, a warning to receive God's blessings with a heart surrendered to His ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 11:37
What does 1 Kings 11:37 mean?
The Lord promises Jeroboam that he will reign over Israel according to his heart's desire.