Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 11:13. It’s a really important and complex passage in the Bible that deals with God's relationship to his people and the future of Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for the future of Israel, specifically concerning David’s descendants. It’s saying God won’t completely take over the kingdom of Israel, but he will give one tribe – the descendants of David – a special role and inheritance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom…” This is a tricky phrase. "Howbeit" means “but” or “yet.” It’s a softening of a statement that’s already significant. The idea is that God isn't going to completely lose control over Israel. He’s not saying he’ll disappear entirely. “…[but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake…” This is the key part! God is giving a single tribe – specifically, the descendants of David (the king who led the Israelites after Moses) – a special inheritance. “David my servant’s sake” is a way of referring to David's lineage and the importance of his role as a leader. “…and for Jerusalem’s sake…” This emphasizes that this gift isn't just about David; it's also about the future of Israel, specifically its prosperity and well-being. "Jerusalem” refers to the capital city – the center of their religious life and power. So, what does it really mean? It’s a covenant (a binding agreement) between God and his people. God is choosing one tribe – David's descendants – as an intermediary for the future of Israel. This means they will have a position of influence and responsibility within the kingdom, and they will be responsible for maintaining its well-being and prosperity. It’s a promise of blessing and security for those descendants. Important Context (A Little Background) This verse is part of a larger story about David's reign and God’s plan to establish a dynasty that would rule over Israel. It sets the stage for later events in the Old Testament, including the division of the kingdom into tribes. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Do you want a more detailed explanation of the covenant part? Are you wondering why this specific tribe was chosen?)