1 Kings Chapter 11

Solomon's Foreign Wives

1But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; 2Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 7Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

God's Anger against Solomon

9And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 10And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 11Wherefore 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. 12Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 13Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Hadad's Return

14And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom. 15For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom; 16(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:) 17That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child. 18And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land. 19And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh. 21And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. 22Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise.

Rezon's Hostility

23And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah: 24And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus. 25And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Jeroboam's Rebellion

26And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: 30And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces: 31And 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: 32(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) 33Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. 34Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes: 35But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes. 36And 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. 37And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. 38And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. 39And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever. 40Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

The Death of Solomon

(2 Chronicles 9:29-31)

41And 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? 42And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Solomon’s Foreign Wives

1 Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites; 2 of the nations concerning which Yahweh said to the children of Israel, “You shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon joined to these in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it happened, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh 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 Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and didn’t go fully after Yahweh, as did David his father. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the mountain that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 So he did for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods.

God’s Anger against Solomon

9 Yahweh was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from Yahweh, 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 didn’t keep that which Yahweh commanded. 11 Therefore Yahweh said to Solomon, “Because this is done by you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. 12 Notwithstanding I will not do it in your days, for David your father’s sake; 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 David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”

Hadad’s Return

14 Yahweh raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king’s seed in Edom. 15 For it happened, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the army was gone up to bury the slain, and had struck 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, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, to go into Egypt, Hadad being yet a little child. 18 They arose out of Midian, and came to Paran; and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house, and appointed him food, and gave him land. 19 Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him as wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20 The sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh’s house; and Genubath was in Pharaoh’s house among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain 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 seek to go to your own country?” He answered, “Nothing, however only let me depart.”

Rezon’s Hostility

23 God raised up an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 He gathered men to him, and became captain over a troop, when David killed them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and lived therein, and reigned in Damascus. 25 He was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, besides the mischief of Hadad: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Jeroboam’s Rebellion

26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand against the king. 27 This was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breach of the city of David his father. 28 The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon saw the young man that he was industrious, and he put him in charge of all the labor of the house of Joseph. 29 It happened at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; now Ahijah had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field. 30 Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it in twelve pieces. 31 He said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces; for thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to you 32 (but he shall have one tribe, for my servant David’s sake and for Jerusalem’s sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel); 33 because that they have forsaken me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon. They have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my ordinances, as David his father did. 34 “‘However I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand; but I will make him prince all the days of his life, for David my servant’s sake 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, even ten tribes. 36 To his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. 37 I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be king over Israel. 38 It shall be, if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do that which is right in my eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with you, and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you. 39 I will for this afflict the seed of David, 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.

The Death of Solomon
(2 Chronicles 9:29–31)

41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, aren’t they written in the book of the acts of Solomon? 42 The time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

Solomon’s Foreign Wives

1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. 2 These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.

4 For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. 5 Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom a the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely.

7 At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. 8 He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.

God’s Anger against Solomon

9 Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command.

11 Then the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. 12 Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

Hadad’s Return

14 Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom.

15 Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. 16 Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom. 17 But Hadad, still just a young boy, had fled to Egypt, along with some Edomites who were servants of his father.

18 Hadad and his men set out from Midian and went to Paran. They took men from Paran with them and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food.

19 There Hadad found such great favor in the sight of Pharaoh that he gave to him in marriage the sister of Queen Tahpenes, his own wife. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bore Hadad a son named Genubath. Tahpenes herself weaned him in Pharaoh’s palace, and Genubath lived there among the sons of Pharaoh.

21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, that I may return to my own country.”

22 But Pharaoh asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?”

“Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.”

Rezon’s Hostility

23 And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, 24 and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control.

25 Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel.

Jeroboam’s Rebellion

26 Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, 27 and this is the account of his rebellion against the king.

Solomon had built the supporting terraces b and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. 28 Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

29 During that time, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met Jeroboam on the road as he was going out of Jerusalem. Now Ahijah had wrapped himself in a new cloak, and the two of them were alone in the open field.

30 And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, 31 and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes. 32 But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.

33 For they have c forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did.

34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David My servant, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and statutes. 35 But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you. 36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. 37 But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel.

38 If you listen to all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight in order to keep My statutes and commandments as My servant David did, then I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 Because of this, I will humble David’s descendants—but not forever.’ ”

40 Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained until the death of Solomon.

The Death of Solomon
(2 Chronicles 9:29–31)

41 As for the rest of the acts of Solomon—all that he did, as well as his wisdom—are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? 42 Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.

43 And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

Footnotes:

5 a Milcom  is a variant of Molech ; also in verse 33; see verse 7 and Leviticus 18:21.
27 b Hebrew the Millo
33 c Hebrew; LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate he has ; twice in this verse

Solomon's Foreign Wives

1And king Solomon hath loved many strange women, and the daughter of Pharaoh, females of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zidon, and of the Hittites, 2of the nations of which Jehovah said unto the sons of Israel, 'Ye do not go in to them, and they do not go in to you; surely they turn aside your heart after their gods;' to them hath Solomon cleaved for love. 3And he hath women, princesses, seven hundred, and concubines three hundred; and his wives turn aside his heart. 4And it cometh to pass, at the time of the old age of Solomon, his wives have turned aside his heart after other gods, and his heart hath not been perfect with Jehovah his God, like the heart of David his father. 5And Solomon goeth after Ashtoreth goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites; 6and Solomon doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, and hath not been fully after Jehovah, like David his father. 7Then doth Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is on the front of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the sons of Ammon; 8and so he hath done for all his strange women, who are perfuming and sacrificing to their gods.

God's Anger against Solomon

9And Jehovah sheweth Himself angry with Solomon, for his heart hath turned aside from Jehovah, God of Israel, who had appeared unto him twice, 10and given a charge unto him concerning this thing, not to go after other gods; and he hath not kept that which Jehovah commanded, 11and Jehovah saith to Solomon, 'Because that this hath been with thee, and thou hast not kept My covenant and My statutes that I charged upon thee, I surely rend the kingdom from thee, and have given it to thy servant. 12'Only, in thy days I do it not, for the sake of David thy father; out of the hand of thy son I rend it; 13only all the kingdom I do not rend away; one tribe I give to thy son, for the sake of David My servant, and for the sake of Jerusalem, that I have chosen.'

Hadad's Return

14And Jehovah raiseth up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; of the seed of the king is he in Edom; 15and it cometh to pass, in David's being with Edom, in the going up of Joab head of the host to bury the slain, that he smiteth every male in Edom -- 16for six months did Joab abide there, and all Israel, till the cutting off of every male in Edom -- 17and Hadad fleeth, he and certain Edomites, of the servants of his father, with him, to go in to Egypt, and Hadad is a little youth, 18and they rise out of Midian, and come into Paran, and take men with them out of Paran, and come in to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he giveth to him a house, and bread hath commanded for him, and land hath given to him. 19And Hadad findeth grace in the eyes of Pharaoh exceedingly, and he giveth to him a wife, the sister of his own wife, sister of Tahpenes the mistress; 20and the sister of Tahpenes beareth to him Genubath his son, and Tahpenes weaneth him within the house of Pharaoh, and Genubath is in the house of Pharaoh in the midst of the sons of Pharaoh. 21And Hadad hath heard in Egypt that David hath lain with his fathers, and that Joab head of the host is dead, and Hadad saith unto Pharaoh, 'Send me away, and I go unto my land.' 22And Pharaoh saith to him, 'But, what art thou lacking with me, that lo, thou art seeking to go unto thine own land?' and he saith, 'Nay, but thou dost certainly send me away.'

Rezon's Hostility

23And God raiseth to him an adversary, Rezon son of Eliadah, who hath fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah, his lord, 24and gathereth unto himself men, and is head of a troop in David's slaying them, and they go to Damascus, and dwell in it, and reign in Damascus; 25and he is an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, (besides the evil that Hadad did), and he cutteth off in Israel, and reigneth over Aram.

Jeroboam's Rebellion

26And Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda -- the name of whose mother is Zeruah, a widow woman -- servant to Solomon, he also lifteth up a hand against the king; 27and this is the thing for which he lifted up a hand against the king: Solomon built Millo -- he shut up the breach of the city of David his father, 28and the man Jeroboam is mighty in valour, and Solomon seeth the young man that he is doing business, and appointeth him over all the burden of the house of Joseph. 29And it cometh to pass, at that time, that Jeroboam hath gone out from Jerusalem, and Ahijah the Shilonite, the prophet, findeth him in the way, and he is covering himself with a new garment; and both of them are by themselves in a field, 30and Ahijah layeth hold on the new garment that is on him, and rendeth it -- twelve pieces, 31and saith to Jeroboam, 'Take to thee ten pieces, for thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, lo, I am rending the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and have given to thee the ten tribes, 32and the one tribe he hath for My servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have fixed on, out of all the tribes of Israel. 33Because they have forsaken Me, and bow themselves to Ashtoreth, goddess of the Zidonians, to Chemosh god of Moab, and to Milcom god of the sons of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways, to do that which is right in Mine eyes, and My statutes and My judgments, like David his father. 34'And I do not take the whole of the kingdom out of his hand, for prince I make him all days of his life, for the sake of David My servant whom I chose, who kept My commands and My statutes; 35and I have taken the kingdom out of the hand of his son, and given it to thee -- the ten tribes; 36and to his son I give one tribe, for there being a lamp to David My servant all the days before Me in Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen to Myself to put My name there. 37'And thee I take, and thou hast reigned over all that thy soul desireth, and thou hast been king over Israel; 38and it hath been, if thou dost hear all that I command thee, and hast walked in My ways, and done that which is right in Mine eyes, to keep My statutes and My commands, as did David My servant, that I have been with thee, and have built for thee a stedfast house, as I built for David, and have given to thee Israel, 39and I humble the seed of David for this; only, not all the days.' 40And Solomon seeketh to put Jeroboam to death, and Jeroboam riseth and fleeth to Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and he is in Egypt till the death of Solomon.

The Death of Solomon

(2 Chronicles 9:29-31)

41And the rest of the matters of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written on the book of the matters of Solomon? 42And the days that Solomon hath reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel are forty years, 43and Solomon lieth with his fathers, and is buried in the city of David his father, and reign doth Rehoboam his son in his stead.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11?

1.1Introduction to 1 Kings 11

1.2Context of 1 Kings 11

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Kings 11 Unique Insights

1.61 Kings 11 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Kings 11 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Kings 11 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11?

Introduction to 1 Kings 11

1 Kings 11 marks a pivotal turning point in Israel’s history, chronicling the tragic decline of King Solomon from his position of unparalleled wisdom and glory to a state of spiritual compromise and eventual judgment. This chapter serves as a sobering reminder of how even the wisest can fall when they gradually drift from wholehearted devotion to God. The narrative presents a stark contrast between Solomon’s earlier years of faithful service and his later years of spiritual decline, demonstrating how seemingly small compromises can lead to devastating consequences.

Context of 1 Kings 11

Within the immediate context of 1 Kings, this chapter serves as the conclusion to Solomon’s reign, marking the end of Israel’s golden age. The previous chapters detailed Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom, extensive building projects (including the Temple), and unprecedented prosperity. Chapter 11 reveals how these very blessings, combined with Solomon’s foreign marriages, ultimately contributed to his downfall.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter functions as a crucial turning point in Israel’s national story. It bridges the united monarchy period with the coming division of the kingdom, setting the stage for centuries of spiritual and political decline. The chapter also demonstrates the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 17:14-20, which warned future kings against multiplying wives and turning their hearts away from יהוה. This episode serves as a cautionary tale referenced throughout Scripture about the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining undivided loyalty to God.

Ancient Key Word Study

“Turned Away” (וַיִּטּ֥וּ/vayattu): This Hebrew verb carries the sense of gradual deviation or being drawn aside. Its usage here suggests not a sudden rebellion but a gradual process of heart-turning, emphasizing the subtle nature of spiritual decline.
“Foreign Women” (נָשִׁ֣ים נָכְרִיּ֔וֹת/nashim nokhriyot): This phrase goes beyond mere ethnic distinction, carrying connotations of spiritual foreignness. The term נָכְרִי (nokhri) specifically refers to those outside the covenant community, highlighting the spiritual danger these marriages represented.
“Clung” (דָּבַק/davak): The same word used in Genesis 2:24 for marriage, suggesting Solomon’s emotional and spiritual attachment to his wives superseded his attachment to יהוה.
“Perfect” (שָׁלֵם/shalem): Used to describe David’s heart, this term implies completeness or wholeness in devotion, contrasting sharply with Solomon’s divided heart.
“Anger” (אַף/af): Literally meaning “nose” or “face,” this word picture describes God’s righteous indignation through anthropomorphic language, suggesting visible displeasure.
“Covenant” (בְּרִית/brit): Referenced in God’s response to Solomon, emphasizing the conditional nature of the kingdom’s continuance based on covenant faithfulness.
“Tear” (קָרַע/qara): A dramatic term often used for rending garments in mourning, here applied to the kingdom itself, emphasizing the severity of judgment.
“Heart” (לֵבָב/levav): Appears multiple times, emphasizing the internal nature of Solomon’s failure. In Hebrew thought, the heart represents the center of will, intellect, and emotions.
“High Places” (בָּמָה/bamah): Cultural-religious sites for worship, representing compromise with pagan practices and violation of Torah commands for centralized worship.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s emphasis on “many foreign women” (נָשִׁ֣ים נָכְרִיּ֔וֹת רַבּ֑וֹת) deliberately echoes the warning in Deuteronomy 17:17. The word choice רַבּ֑וֹת (rabbot) emphasizes excessive multiplication rather than mere plurality.
Verse 4’s contrast between Solomon’s aged condition and his wives’ influence uses the phrase “when Solomon was old” (לְעֵת זִקְנַת שְׁלֹמֹה) rather than the more common זָקֵן (zaken), suggesting not just chronological age but a period of vulnerability.
The description of Solomon’s heart in verse 4 as “not perfect” (לֹא-הָיָה לְבָבוֹ שָׁלֵם) deliberately contrasts with David’s heart description using the same term שָׁלֵם (shalem), emphasizing the completeness lacking in Solomon’s devotion.
Verse 9’s use of the double appearance of יהוה emphasizes divine personal involvement, contrasting with Solomon’s divided loyalty.
The prophecy of tearing the kingdom in verse 11 uses קָרַע (qara) rather than other Hebrew words for division, connecting to the symbolic act in chapter 11:30, creating narrative unity.
Solomon’s building of high places (verse 7) uses the term וַיִּבֶן (vayiven), the same word used for building the Temple, creating an ironic parallel between his sacred and profane construction projects.

1 Kings 11 Unique Insights

The rabbinical tradition provides fascinating insights into Solomon’s spiritual decline. The Talmud (Shabbat 56b) suggests that Solomon’s marriages to foreign princesses were initially motivated by diplomatic strategy and a desire to spread knowledge of יהוה among the nations. This aligns with the messianic hope of all nations coming to know the God of Israel, but Solomon’s method violated Torah principles. This perspective helps us understand how seemingly good intentions can lead to compromise when not aligned with God’s revealed will.

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The chapter presents a profound theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The text indicates that יהוה “raised up adversaries” against Solomon (verses 14, 23), yet these political troubles arose naturally from Solomon’s own choices. This demonstrates the Hebrew concept of God’s sovereign work through natural circumstances, a pattern that would later be fully revealed in Messiah’s work through seemingly natural events to accomplish divine purposes.

Early Jewish-Christian writings note the parallel between Solomon’s 700 wives and 300 concubines and the 666 talents of gold he received annually (1 Kings 10:14), suggesting these numbers represent human excess and glory in contrast to divine perfection. This numerical symbolism points to the human tendency to substitute divine glory with human achievement, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

1 Kings 11 Connections to Yeshua

The failure of Solomon, despite his wisdom and privilege, powerfully points to the need for a greater Son of David. While Solomon’s heart turned away from יהוה, Yeshua maintained perfect faithfulness even under severe testing (Hebrews 4:15). This contrast highlights the superiority of Messiah’s kingship and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Him.

Solomon’s construction of pagan altars for his wives stands in stark contrast to Yeshua’s declaration about true worship being in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The Messiah established a kingdom not built with hands, fulfilling and transcending Solomon’s failed attempt to unite the nations through political alliances.

1 Kings 11 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and passages. The warning about foreign marriages echoes the concerns expressed in Exodus 34:16 and later repeated in Ezra 9 and Nehemiah 13. Solomon’s decline serves as a cautionary example referenced in Nehemiah 13:26.

The theme of divided loyalty appears throughout Scripture, from Joshua 24:15 to Yeshua’s teaching that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). The consequences of Solomon’s actions echo through Israel’s history, influencing the prophetic messages of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others who constantly called Israel back from idolatry.

1 Kings 11 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts for areas of compromise. Solomon’s gradual drift from wholehearted devotion serves as a warning that spiritual decline often begins with small compromises. We must ask ourselves: What “foreign influences” are we allowing to shape our values and priorities?

The chapter also reminds us that God’s love often expresses itself through discipline. Just as יהוה raised up adversaries against Solomon for his ultimate good, He may allow challenges in our lives to draw us back to Himself. This truth calls us to view difficulties not just as problems to be solved, but as opportunities for spiritual renewal.

Did You Know

The foreign women mentioned in this chapter represented political alliances with seven different nations, each bringing their own distinct religious practices and cultural influences into Israel.
Archaeological evidence from Solomon’s time reveals numerous small shrines and high places around Jerusalem, confirming the biblical account of religious syncretism during his reign.
The name Ashtoreth (verse 5) is linguistically related to the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar, showing the widespread nature of this fertility cult in the ancient Near East.
The “high places” Solomon built remained in use for over 300 years until Josiah’s reforms, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of his compromises.
The Moabite god Chemosh (verse 7) is mentioned on the Moabite Stone, an important archaeological artifact that corroborates the biblical account of Moabite religion.
Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter, mentioned earlier but relevant to this chapter, was unprecedented in Egyptian history, as Pharaohs generally did not give their daughters in marriage to foreign kings.
The location of the high places Solomon built “on the hill east of Jerusalem” (verse 7) is traditionally identified as the Mount of Olives, creating a tragic irony as this same mount would later be associated with key events in Messiah’s ministry.
The term used for Solomon’s “foreign wives” (נָכְרִיּוֹת) appears only 11 times in the entire Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the exceptional nature of this violation.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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