1 Kings 11

Jehovah

Jehovah — the covenant name, 'I AM', the self-existent One

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9–10

The LORD God of Israel who appeared to Solomon twice is Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ. Solomon had seen Him and still turned away, which is why his fall is so serious.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alludes to 1 Kings 3:5 — The first appearance: the LORD appeared to Solomon in Gibeon in a dream.
• alludes to 1 Kings 9:2 — The second appearance, after the temple was dedicated.

Jehovah

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 1 Kings 11:11–13

Jehovah speaks as the God who made the covenant. He judges Solomon, but for David's sake He keeps the Davidic line alive.

• alludes to 2 Samuel 7:15-16 — Jehovah's promise that His mercy would not depart from David's house and that David's throne would be established for ever.

Jehovah

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: 1 Kings 11:31–35

The prophet Ahijah tears his garment into twelve pieces and speaks Jehovah's words in the first person. The God of Israel who divides the kingdom is the premortal Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• fulfilled by 1 Kings 12:15 — The division happens 'that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah'.

Lamp of David (the Davidic line kept for the Messiah)

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. 1 Kings 11:36

Jehovah keeps a 'light' (a lamp) burning for David, meaning a king of David's line in Jerusalem. That line is kept alive through judgment after judgment until Jesus Christ, the Son of David, is born into it.

• alludes to Psalm 132:17 — 'I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed' in the house of David.
• alluded to by 1 Kings 15:4 — For David's sake the LORD gave Abijam a lamp in Jerusalem.
• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — Jesus is given the throne of His father David and His kingdom has no end.

The seed of David restored

And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever. 1 Kings 11:39

The affliction of David's house has a limit. Later prophets say the divided kingdom will be healed under one King from David's line, whom Latter-day Saints understand to be Jesus Christ.

• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — The Lord God gives Jesus the throne of His father David, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.
• the same title in Ezekiel 37:22-24 — The divided kingdoms made one nation again under one king, "David my servant", one shepherd.