1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women,
2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. And his wives turned away his heart.
4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done.
7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem.
8 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done.
9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice,
10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods, but he did not keep what the Lord commanded.
11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant.
12 Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son.
13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.
14 And the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. He was of the royal house in Edom.
15 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army went up to bury the slain, that he struck down every male in Edom.
16 (For Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom.)
17 that Hadad fled to Egypt, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, while Hadad was still a little child.
18 And they arose from Midian and came to Paran, and they took men with them from Paran and came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house and assigned him an allowance of food and gave him land.
19 And Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him in marriage the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.
20 And the sister of Tahath was his wife, and she bore him Genubath his son.
21 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.”
22 Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?” And he said to him, “Only let me depart.”
23 God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah.
24 And he gathered men around him and became leader of a marauding band, after David had killed them of Zobah.
25 And he was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon, doing harm as Hadad did. And he loathed Israel and reigned over Syria.
26 Then Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king.
27 This was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king.
28 And the man Jeroboam was very able, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious he gave him charge over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph.
29 And at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had dressed himself in a new garment, and the two of them were alone in the open country.
30 and Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces.
31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes.
32 (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel),
33 because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites, and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right in my sight and keeping my statutes and my rules, as David his father did.
34 However, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes.
35 but I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and will give it to you, ten tribes.
36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.
37 However, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your soul desires, and you shall be king over Israel.
38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.
39 And I will afflict the offspring of David because of this, but not forever.’”
40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon?
42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
43 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of 1 Kings 11
The Book of 1 Kings was written by an anonymous author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the united kingdom of Israel under the reigns of King David and his son, King Solomon. This chapter focuses on the later years of King Solomon’s reign, as he begins to stray from his devotion to the Lord and falls into sin. Solomon’s many foreign wives and concubines lead him astray as he begins to worship their pagan gods in this passage. This ultimately results in the division of the kingdom, as the Lord raises up adversaries against Solomon. We are reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of temptation and worldly allures. The Psalmist warns that “the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers” is blessed (Psalm 1:1).
The events described in this chapter serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of straying from God’s path. We are called to heed the lessons of Solomon’s downfall and to remain steadfast in our devotion to the Lord, lest we too fall prey to the seductions of the world. The Apostle Paul reminds us to take heed lest we fall if we think that we stand (1 Corinthians 10:12).
1 Kings 11:1-8
The passage in 1 Kings 11:1-8 primarily focuses on King Solomon and his descent into sin through his many wives. The section can be divided into a few key points for deeper analysis.
Firstly, in verse 1, we learn that King Solomon loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter, which was against God’s command for the Israelites not to intermarry with other nations. This act is significant as it shows Solomon’s defiance of God’s explicit instructions given in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, to maintain their loyalty to God and avoid being led into idolatry by foreign wives. Solomon opened the door to idolatry and spiritual downfall by disregarding this command.
Moving on to verse 2, we see that Solomon not only married these foreign women, but he also clung to them in love. This attachment to his foreign wives reveals a deeper issue of the heart, where Solomon’s affection for these women led him astray from his devotion to God. It serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of allowing worldly desires and relationships to take precedence over our relationship with God. We witness the consequences of Solomon’s actions as the passage progresses in verses 3-6. His foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord towards other gods. Solomon, who started as a king with great wisdom and favor from God, now found himself entangled in idolatry due to his disobedience. This downfall of Solomon teaches us the importance of guarding our hearts and staying faithful to God’s commands, as even the wisest and most favored can stumble when they stray from the path of righteousness.
Furthermore, in verses 7-8, we see the result of Solomon’s disobedience. God becomes angry with Solomon and declares that He will tear the kingdom from him and give it to his servant. This judgment highlights God’s holiness and justice, as He cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. Despite God’s previous promises to David regarding Solomon’s rule, His commitment to His own righteousness and the sanctity of His name ultimately lead to this severe judgment. 1 Kings 11:1-8 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of allowing worldly influences to lead us away from God. It underscores the importance of obedience, loyalty, and faithfulness in our relationship with God, reminding us that even the most esteemed individuals can fall when they neglect to prioritize their devotion to the Lord. The story of Solomon’s downfall stands as a poignant lesson for believers of all generations to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by the temptations of the world.
1 Kings 11:9-13
King Solomon, the son of David, known for his wisdom and wealth, experiences a pivotal moment in his life in 1 Kings 11:9-13. These verses focus on the consequences of Solomon’s disobedience to God’s commands regarding idolatry. The breakdown of this passage reveals a deeper meaning and important lessons for us to learn from. The Lord becomes angry with Solomon in the passage because Solomon’s heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. This showcases the personal and relational aspect of God’s interactions with His people. God had personally appeared to Solomon, providing wisdom and guidance, but now Solomon had let his heart stray after other gods due to the influence of his many foreign wives. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising our beliefs and values for the sake of relationships or earthly desires.
God specifically mentions the gods of the Ammonites, Moabites, and other nations to which Solomon turned his heart. This highlights the lure of earthly pleasures and the danger of allowing worldly influences to lead us away from God. The mention of these foreign gods also emphasizes the consequences of intermingling with those who do not worship the true God. It is a reminder to stay faithful and not be swayed by the beliefs and practices of those who do not follow God.
The consequences of Solomon’s actions are made clear when God informs him that He will tear away the kingdom from him and give it to his servant. This is a significant punishment, as the kingdom had been promised to David’s descendants. However, out of respect for David, God will not do this during Solomon’s lifetime but will wait until after his death. This demonstrates God’s mercy and faithfulness to His covenant with David, despite Solomon’s failings. The importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God are seen in these verses. Even though Solomon was blessed with wisdom and wealth, he faltered in his devotion to God, leading to severe repercussions. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to prioritize our faith above all else, to guard our hearts against the temptations of the world, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to God. It also underscores the enduring theme in the Bible that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences. The story of Solomon serves as a cautionary tale for all believers to stay true to God and His commands.
1 Kings 11:14-22
Opposition against King Solomon rises in 1 Kings 11:14-22. His leadership and decisions have now brought about tensions with the people of Israel. One key figure in this narrative is Jeroboam, who is mentioned for the first time in verse 26. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, a man of great ability and industriousness. His background is important because it sets the stage for a significant turn of events in the story.
Jeroboam’s encounter with the prophet Ahijah is crucial in understanding the division that will occur in the kingdom of Israel. Ahijah delivers a prophecy to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:29-39, tearing his robe into twelve pieces, symbolizing the division of the kingdom. This prophecy is a consequence of Solomon’s disobedience to God. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful leaders are subject to God’s will and consequences for their actions.
The division of the kingdom into two – Israel in the north and Judah in the south – is a significant moment in the history of Israel. This division stemmed from Solomon’s turning away from God due to his many foreign wives who led him astray. The consequences of Solomon’s actions were not limited to his own reign but had far-reaching effects that would impact the future of the nation. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one’s faith and values for the sake of political alliances or personal desires.
The mention of Hadad and Rezon in verses 14-22 also highlights the external threats that Israel faced due to Solomon’s actions. Hadad was an Edomite prince who escaped the massacre in his land and found refuge in Egypt. Rezon was a former servant of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, who became a thorn in Solomon’s side. These enemies arose due to the power vacuum created by Solomon’s decline in righteousness, showcasing how individual choices can have broader implications for an entire nation. The examination of 1 Kings 11:14-22 reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God in leadership. The downfall of Solomon serves as a stark warning about the consequences of straying from God’s commandments and compromising one’s beliefs. It also foreshadows the eventual division and decline of the once-united kingdom of Israel. The stories of Jeroboam, Hadad, and Rezon serve as reminders that God is always at work in human affairs, and disobedience will not go unpunished. It prompts us to reflect on our own lives and choices, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith and loyalty to God.
1 Kings 11:23-25
God orchestrated events through raising adversaries against Solomon for his disobedience, as seen in 1 Kings 11:23-25. The passage reads: “And God stirred up another adversary, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah. He gathered men around him and became the leader of a band of rebels when David destroyed the forces of Zobah; the men went to Damascus, where they settled and took control. Rezon was Israel’s adversary as long as Solomon lived, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled in Aram and was hostile towards Israel.”
Firstly, we encounter Rezon, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer, king of Zobah. Zobah was a kingdom located in the region of present-day Syria and was a constant threat to Israel’s security. Rezon seized the opportunity to form a band of rebels and established his power in Damascus, another key city in the region. Rezon’s rise to power in Aram posed a significant threat to Israel’s stability during Solomon’s reign. This narrative underscores the consequences of Solomon’s departure from wholehearted devotion to God, leading to the rise of adversaries against him and the nation of Israel.
This passage serves as a reminder of the principle of reaping what one sows. Earlier in 1 Kings 11, we see that due to Solomon’s many foreign wives leading him astray, God raised up adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite and now Rezon. Solomon’s actions had consequences not only for himself but for the entire nation of Israel. This emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. Proverbs 22:8 echoes this truth, stating, “Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail.”
Furthermore, the presence of Rezon as an adversary to Solomon’s reign serves as a poignant reminder of the repercussions of turning away from God. Throughout the Bible, we see a pattern where God allows adversaries to rise against His people when they stray from His ways. This reaffirms the theme of God’s sovereignty and justice in dealing with disobedience. God warns of the consequences of disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:25, stating, “The LORD will cause you to be defeated by your enemies.” You will attack your enemies from one direction, but you will scatter from them in seven directions.” Solomon’s experience with adversaries like Rezon underscores the timeless truth of God’s faithfulness to His word. The account of Rezon in 1 Kings 11:23-25 highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in obedience to God’s commands. Through the example of Solomon and the adversaries raised against him, we learn that God’s blessings are contingent upon our faithfulness and adherence to His will. The presence of adversaries like Rezon reminds us of the consequences of straying from God’s path and the need to maintain unwavering loyalty to Him.
1 Kings 11:26-40
The passage in 1 Kings 11:26-40 narrates the story of Jeroboam, who would eventually become the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom split following Solomon’s reign. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: “Let’s break down this passage into key sections and delve deep into its meaning and significance.”
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Rebellion of Jeroboam: The passage begins by introducing Jeroboam, an able young man from the tribe of Ephraim, whom Solomon puts in charge of the forced labor from the house of Joseph. We see Jeroboam’s capabilities and rising prominence in Solomon’s administration. However, Jeroboam rebels against Solomon when the prophet Ahijah predicts that God will give him ten tribes, tearing them away from Solomon’s descendants and establishing a new kingdom under Jeroboam’s rule. This rebellion signifies God’s judgment on Solomon for his idolatry and disobedience.
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Promise to Jeroboam: Through the prophet Ahijah, God promises Jeroboam a kingdom and makes a covenant with him, conditional upon his obedience to God’s commandments. The division of the kingdom fulfills the prophecy given to Solomon earlier, as a consequence of his turning away from the Lord and worshiping other gods. Here we see God’s faithfulness to His word and the unfolding of His divine plan, even through the disobedience of Solomon.
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Solomon’s Reaction: When Solomon hears about the prophecy concerning Jeroboam, he seeks to kill him, forcing Jeroboam to flee to Egypt until Solomon’s death. Solomon’s reaction reflects his fear of losing his kingdom and the consequences of his actions coming to fruition. It also serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of turning away from God’s commands and the severe judgment that follows.
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Historical Context: The division of the kingdom into Israel (northern kingdom) under Jeroboam and Judah (southern kingdom) under Rehoboam not only fulfills the prophecy given to Jeroboam but also sets the stage for the ensuing history of Israel. This division marks a significant turning point and illustrates the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. The subsequent kings of Israel and Judah, their actions, and the eventual downfall of both kingdoms all trace back to this pivotal moment of division. This passage serves as a poignant illustration of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness to His promises, and the consequences of disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands, the inevitability of His judgment on sin, and the unfolding of His divine plan even amidst human failings. The story of Jeroboam and the division of the kingdom highlight the overarching themes of faith, repentance, and the enduring consequences of our choices. This passage not only has historical significance but also provides timeless lessons and warnings for readers to heed throughout the Bible.
1 Kings 11:41-43
The book of the acts of Solomon does not contain all that Solomon did, his wisdom, and the rest of his acts. And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.”
King Solomon, known for his unmatched wisdom, wealth, and the grandeur of his reign, is now being summarized at the end of his rule. These verses serve as a conclusion to the account of Solomon’s life and reign as recorded in 1 Kings. The mention of the “book of the acts of Solomon” indicates that there were more stories and details about Solomon’s life that are not included in the Bible. This also emphasizes the importance of keeping records and preserving history, which was a vital aspect in the biblical times to pass down knowledge and lessons from one generation to the next.
Solomon’s reign lasted for forty years, which is significant because forty is a number often associated with testing, probation, and transition in the Bible. This period of time reflects the completeness of Solomon’s reign and the fulfillment of his time as king. However, despite his wisdom and initial devotion to God, Solomon’s later years were marked by his turn towards idolatry due to his many foreign wives who led him astray.
The mention of Solomon being buried in the city of David his father is a reminder of the lineage of kings in Israel. David, Solomon’s father, was considered one of the greatest kings of Israel, and Solomon had big shoes to fill. The passing of the torch from father to son, from Solomon to Rehoboam, signifies a new chapter in Israel’s history. This transition also serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from God’s ways, as seen in the division of the kingdom that would occur after Rehoboam’s reign. The story of Solomon’s rise and fall in 1 Kings mirrors the overall theme of obedience and disobedience to God found throughout the Bible when looking at the broader context. The account of Solomon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing worldly desires and influences to lead us away from God. It highlights the importance of staying faithful to God’s commandments and seeking wisdom from Him above all else, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
After 1 Kings 11
The chapter concluded with the Lord’s anger towards Solomon for his disobedience. He had turned his heart after other gods, and the kingdom would be torn from his son’s hand. Yet, for the sake of David, the Lord would not do this in Solomon’s lifetime. Solomon’s actions will unfold the consequences as we move into the next chapter. The division of the kingdom was imminent, and the stage was set for a new era in Israel’s history. The choices we make today can have lasting impacts, both on ourselves and those around us. Let us take heed of Solomon’s story and strive to remain faithful to the Lord, no matter the cost.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.