Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 11:36
And unto his son will I give one tribe, 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.
36. one tribe ] Here again, as in 32, the LXX. has ‘two tribes.’
a light ] Literally ‘a lamp.’ The idea is quite an Oriental one. In the tent was hung the lamp, for constant lighting, and the permanency of the home is implied in the lamp which is not extinguished. Cf. Psa 132:17. David’s line was to last, though most of the kingdom was taken from his descendants. The LXX. paraphrases by , i.e. a status, position.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 36. That David my servant may have a light alway] That his posterity may never fail, and the regal line never become extinct. This, as we have already seen, was in reference to the Messiah. He was not only David’s light, but he was a light to enlighten the Gentiles.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
A light, i.e. a son and successor, to preserve his name and memory, and to give light to the people in his stead. Kings are oft called
lights, partly from their great splendour, and partly for the counsel and comfort which their people have or should have from them. Compare 2Sa 21:17; 1Ki 15:4; Psa 132:17.
Alway before me; in my presence, which is in Jerusalem, and under my favour and protection.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And unto his son will I give one tribe,…. Judah and Benjamin reckoned as one; [See comments on 1Ki 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 2Sa 21:17.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
36. A light alway before me That is, a son to sit on the throne, and like a lamp or candle shine through the future ages, an evidence of the sure mercies of David, and a typical Messianic prophecy. Compare 2Sa 7:16.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Ki 11:36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
Ver. 36. May have a light alway. ] This was most properly fulfilled in Christ, who was “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of his people Israel.” Luk 2:32
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
light = lamp. Compare the “furnace” of 1Ki 8:51, and see note on Gen 15:17. Compare 2Ki 8:19. Psa 18:28. Jer 25:10, implying the continued existence of the Divine purpose.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
David: 1Ki 15:4, 2Sa 7:16, 2Sa 7:29, 2Sa 21:17, 2Ki 8:19, 2Ch 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: 1Ki 11:13, 1Ki 9:3, Gal 4:25, Gal 4:26, Heb 12:22, Rev 21:10
Reciprocal: Deu 17:20 – right hand 1Ki 4:1 – over all Israel 1Ki 8:16 – my name 1Ki 8:29 – My name 1Ki 11:39 – not for ever 1Ki 12:16 – now see 1Ki 12:17 – the children 1Ki 14:21 – the city 2Ki 16:5 – but could not 2Ki 17:18 – the tribe 1Ch 17:13 – I will not 2Ch 10:17 – But as for Psa 18:28 – candle Psa 89:33 – Nevertheless Pro 10:7 – memory Pro 13:9 – light Isa 37:35 – and for Isa 42:9 – the former
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
11:36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a {q} light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
(q) He refers to the Messiah, who would be the bright star that would shine through all the world.