מלכים א, פרק י״א, פסוק ל״ו

God promises to preserve a remnant of the kingdom for David's dynasty in Jerusalem, ensuring that his royal line continues even after the greater kingdom is torn apart. However, the specific promise to leave Solomon's son with only one tribe raises a numerical question. If ten tribes are given to Jeroboam and only one is left for Rehoboam, the total falls short of the twelve tribes of Israel that existed from the time of David until the destruction of the Temple.

The core of this divine promise rests on a concept that ensures the survival of David's legacy. The primary approach among commentators is that this promise guarantees a continuous government, rule, and kingship, an interpretation supported by early Aramaic translations [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. When exploring the imagery behind this guaranteed kingship, two distinct themes emerge. One perspective compares the enduring dynasty to a lamp. Just as a lamp radiates light, a king influences and illuminates his surroundings, fulfilling the idea that God prepared a lasting light for His anointed [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective suggests the imagery represents a yoke, acting as a symbol of absolute authority and governmental control [רש״י].

Ultimately, the emphasis on David's status as God's servant guarantees that a ruling king will continually emerge from his descendants. This ensures that the chain of leadership remains unbroken in Jerusalem [מצודת דוד].