1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it.

Solomon’s sin

I. The action related to us. To appreciate it, we must consider

(1) the greatness of the offence. Here was authority itself doing that which it ought to have prevented and punished; David’s son departing from David’s God; wisdom guilty of indescribable folly; a man conspicuously favoured (1 Kings 11:9), conspicuously disobedient; the appointed builder of Jehovah’s temple building rival temples close by. Yet observe, in comparison with it

(2) the lightness of the correction. The offender loses nothing of his power or renown. He has enemies (1 Kings 11:14, etc.), but they dare not attack him. There is not a loose stone in his throne till he dies. Only he is warned of the consequences to happen after his death; those consequences themselves, moreover, not being carried out to the full extent even then. Compare the case of pious Hezekiah, who acknowledged the “goodness” of God, when, for a less offence, he received a heavier stroke (2 Kings 20:17). Just so it is God’s “goodness” that is here revealed to us most (Romans 11:22).

II. The motive revealed to us. Why this mercy shown in this instance? Only two reasons are mentioned. One had to do with Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:13), the place of Solomon’s throne. God had chosen it for His dwelling-placer with great objects in view. The other motive (twice mentioned) has to do with Solomon’s father. “For David’s sake” the threatened evil was postponed till after his son’s death; and even then, for the same “David’s sake,” it was not to be complete. See, finally, how all this encourages us in the hope of salvation through Christ. See how completely it is part of God’s character to spare one man for another’s sake; especially where they are so connected that they may be considered as one. Also, if He does thus for a sinner and a servant (as here), how much more for His Holy One (Acts 2:27), His own Son, the Christ of God! (W. S. Lewis, M. A.)

Children honoured for their fathers’ sake

Many peerages have been created in this realm which descend from generation to generation, with large estates, the gift of a generous nation, and why? Because this nation has received some signal benefits from one man and has been content to ennoble his heirs for ever for his sake. I do not think there was any error committed when Marlborough or Wellington were lifted to the peerage; having saved their country in war, it was right that they should be honoured in peace; and when for the sake of the parents perpetual estates were entailed upon their descendants, and honours in perpetuity conferred upon their sons, it was only acting according to the laws of gratitude. (C. H. Spurgeon.)