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Solomon’s Foreign Wives
1King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women.2These 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.3He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.
4For 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.5Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcoma the abomination of the Ammonites.6So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely.
7At 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.8He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.
God’s Anger against Solomon
9Now 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.10Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command.
11Then 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.12Nevertheless, 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.13Yet 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
14Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom.
15Earlier, 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.16Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom.17But Hadad, still just a young boy, had fled to Egypt, along with some Edomites who were servants of his father.
18Hadad 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.
19There 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.20And 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.
21When 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.”
22But 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
23And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah,24and 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.
25Rezon 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
26Now 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,27and this is the account of his rebellion against the king.
Solomon had built the supporting terracesb and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David.28Now 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.
29During 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.
30And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces,31and 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.32But 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.
33For they havec 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.
34Nevertheless, 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.35But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you.36I 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.37But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel.
38If 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.39Because of this, I will humble David’s descendants—but not forever.’”
40Solomon 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)
41As 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?42Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.
43And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.
Footnotes:5aMilcom is a variant of
Molech; also in verse 33; see verse 7 and
Leviticus 18:21.
27b Hebrew
the Millo33c Hebrew; LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate
he has; twice in this verse
1 Kings 11 Summary
Solomon's Foreign WivesVerses 1–3 – Solomon’s Many Foreign Wives
The king, ignoring God’s warning, “loved many foreign women” and amassed seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. He clung to them, and the seeds of trouble were sown.
Verses 4–8 – Idolatry Takes Root
When age crept in, the women “turned his heart after other gods.” Solomon built high places for Chemosh, Molech, and every deity his wives served, right across the valley from the temple he himself had built.
Verses 9–13 – Judgment Announced
The LORD, who had appeared to Solomon twice, became angry. Because Solomon broke the covenant, the kingdom would be torn away—but not in his lifetime, and one tribe would remain for David’s sake.
Verses 14–22 – Hadad the Edomite
God raised up Hadad, a royal survivor of David’s earlier wars, who returned from exile in Egypt to harass Israel’s southern flank.
Verses 23–25 – Rezon of Damascus
Another foe, Rezon son of Eliada, seized Damascus and plagued Israel from the north, compounding Solomon’s troubles.
Verses 26–32 – Jeroboam’s Rise and Prophecy
Jeroboam, an industrious Ephraimite overseeing forced labor, rebelled. The prophet Ahijah met him on the road, tore a new cloak into twelve pieces, and handed him ten—God’s sign that Jeroboam would rule most of Israel.
Verses 33–40 – Kingdom to Be Torn Away
The reason for the split is restated: “They have forsaken Me.” God promises Jeroboam a lasting house if he obeys, yet also vows not to wipe out David’s line. Solomon tries to kill Jeroboam, who flees to Egypt.
Verses 41–43 – Solomon’s Death
After forty years on the throne Solomon dies, is buried in the City of David, and Rehoboam succeeds him—amid gathering storm clouds.
1 Kings 11 presents the downfall of King Solomon, who, despite his wisdom, succumbs to the allure of foreign gods due to the influence of his wives. His disobedience provokes God's anger, leading to prophecies of Israel's division and the rise of adversaries against Solomon. The chapter ends with Solomon's death and the ascension of his son, Rehoboam.
Historical Setting of Solomon’s Decline
Solomon’s peak—international acclaim, massive building projects, and a peaceful empire—occurs around 970–930 BC. Chapter 11 turns the page from that golden era to an age of fragmentation. The change happens within Solomon’s lifetime, not generations later, underscoring how quickly compromise can ruin hard-won blessings (cf.Deuteronomy 8:11–14).
Foreign Wives and Treaty Politics
Royal marriages in the Ancient Near East were often political treaties. Solomon’s unions with Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites bought security on paper, yet violated clear commands:
• “You must not intermarry with them” (Deuteronomy 7:3–4).
• “He must not take many wives, lest his heart go astray” (Deuteronomy 17:17).
The contrast with David is deliberate. David sinned but always returned to the LORD; Solomon multiplied the very hazards God had flagged, and then stayed the course to idolatry.
“He Clung to These Women in Love” – The Heart Issue
The phrase pictures emotional attachment overriding spiritual loyalty.Proverbs 4:23—written by Solomon earlier—warns, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The king who penned that counsel ignored it himself. FirstJohn 2:15 adds, “Do not love the world”;James 4:4 calls such divided love “adultery.” The danger is slow drift, not sudden rebellion.
Chemosh, Molech, Ashtoreth: Gods of Israel’s Neighbors
Archaeology has unearthed:
• The Moabite Stone (9th cent. BC), celebrating Chemosh.
• Topheth cremation pits in the Hinnom Valley, linked to Molech worship involving child sacrifice (cf.Jeremiah 7:31).
• Numerous female figurines from Sidon, resembling Ashtoreth fertility symbols.
By building shrines “on the hill east of Jerusalem” (likely the southern ridge of the Mount of Olives), Solomon desecrated the landscape opposite the temple dedicated to the LORD’s exclusive worship (1 Kings 8).
High Places East of Jerusalem
Later kings such as Josiah had to defile these very sites to cleanse the land (2 Kings 23:13). Excavations on the Mount of Olives reveal ancient cultic installations, though definitive Solomonic layers are elusive. Still, the biblical geography is precise: a ridge that looked down on the temple courts—a daily reminder of divided allegiance.
Covenant Breach and the Davidic Promise
God’s word to Solomon in1 Kings 9:4–9 linked blessing to obedience. Chapter 11 confirms the covenant’s two-sided nature: God keeps His promise to David (“one tribe…for the sake of My servant David,” vv. 12–13), yet disciplines disobedience. The balance echoes2 Samuel 7:14—“I will discipline him with the rod of men.”
Adversaries Raised Up
1. Hadad the Edomite
• Edom had been subjugated by David (2 Samuel 8:13–14).
• Hadad’s return shows long memories of national humiliation. Sites like Busayra (biblical Bozrah) suggest fortified centers emerging in the 10th century, matching the timetable for Edom’s resurgence.
2. Rezon son of Eliada
• A former lieutenant of Hadadezer (cf.2 Samuel 8:3–8), he filled the power vacuum in Syria.
• The Aramean capital at Damascus grew into a persistent threat, indicated by 10th-century occupation layers and later inscriptions of Ben-Hadad.
God “raised up” these men (v. 14, 23). Opposition was not random; it was divine correction.
Jeroboam: From Labor Chief to Rival King
Forced labor (“the house of Joseph,” v. 28) especially burdened the northern tribes. Archaeological discoveries of stepped support structures (the Millo) and massive retaining walls in Jerusalem testify to Solomon’s building campaign—and the manpower it consumed. Social grievance became spiritual leverage when Ahijah offered Jeroboam the divine mandate to rule.
Ahijah’s Torn Cloak – Prophetic Symbolism
Ripping new cloth dramatizes an irreversible action (compare1 Samuel 15:27–28, where Samuel tore Saul’s garment). Ten pieces handed to Jeroboam communicate majority rule, yet two pieces remain—Judah plus Benjamin, often counted as “one” because Benjamin’s territory was enveloped by Judah and Jerusalem lay on the border (Joshua 18:28).
“A Lamp before Me in Jerusalem”
The promise of an enduring “lamp” (v. 36) reappears in1 Kings 15:4 and2 Kings 8:19. A lamp is a small but steady flame—symbolizing continuity rather than grandeur. Even in judgment, God preserves hope, a pattern culminating in the Messiah, the ultimate Son of David (Luke 1:32–33).
Egypt in the Narrative
Egypt both shelters and threatens. Solomon’s first foreign wife was Pharaoh’s daughter; Hadad found asylum in Pharaoh’s palace; Jeroboam fled to Shishak. Shishak’s Karnak relief (ca. 925 BC) lists conquered Judean and Israelite towns, corroborating the biblical account of his later raid (1 Kings 14:25–26). Egypt’s shifting alliances underline how political convenience cannot replace covenant loyalty.
Application for Believers Today
• Small compromises grow large: Solomon did not abandon the LORD in a day; habits seasoned for years finally swayed his heart.
• God’s discipline is purposeful; He raises circumstances to draw His people back.
• Divine promises stand even when individuals fail. The continuity of David’s line points to God’s larger redemption plan fulfilled in Christ.
• The heart, not merely externals, determines destiny. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Key Cross-References
•Deuteronomy 7:1–4, 17:14–17 – Warnings against many wives and foreign alliances.
•2 Samuel 7 – Davidic covenant’s enduring lamp.
•1 Kings 3:3–14 – Early promise and conditional blessing to Solomon.
•2 Kings 23:13 – Josiah defiles Solomon’s high places.
•James 1:14–15 – Desire conceives sin, which gives birth to death.
Archaeological Snapshot
• Mount of Olives cultic remains: standing stones, ceramic offering vessels.
• Hinnom Valley Topheth: layers of charred infant bones, indicting Molech worship.
• Karnak inscription of Shoshenq I (Shishak): list of Canaanite cities, many in the northern kingdom Jeroboam would soon rule.
• Stepped Stone Structure (City of David): possible portion of the Millo, tying Jeroboam to large-scale construction projects.
Closing Thought
Solomon’s wisdom dazzled the world, but wisdom without wholehearted obedience proved hollow. Chapter 11 rings with warning, yet it also hums with promise: God’s plan moves forward, preserving a lamp until the Light of the World appears.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Deuteronomy 17:17He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.
Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
James 1:14-15But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Teaching Points
Solomon's DisobedienceDespite God's clear instructions, Solomon took many foreign wives who led him to worship other gods. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.' (
1 Kings 11:1-2)
The Consequence of IdolatrySolomon's heart turned away from the LORD, leading to the worship of false gods. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. (
1 Kings 11:6)
God's JudgmentAs a result of Solomon's unfaithfulness, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from him. Since you have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. (
1 Kings 11:11)
The Rise of AdversariesGod raised up adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his disobedience. Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. (
1 Kings 11:14)
Practical Applications
Guard Your HeartBe vigilant in guarding your heart against influences that can lead you away from God. Regularly evaluate your relationships and commitments to ensure they align with God's will.
Obedience to God's WordPrioritize obedience to God's commands, understanding that His instructions are for our protection and blessing.
Repentance and RestorationIf you find yourself straying, remember that God is merciful and ready to forgive. Turn back to Him with a repentant heart.
The Importance of Godly InfluenceSurround yourself with people who encourage your faith and help you stay committed to God.
People
1.
SolomonSolomon is the central figure in
1 Kings 11, described as the king of Israel who turned away from God in his old age. He is noted for having many foreign wives who led him to worship other gods. The text highlights his wisdom and wealth but also his spiritual decline.
2.
Pharaoh's DaughterShe is one of Solomon's wives, mentioned as part of his alliances with foreign nations. Her marriage to Solomon is indicative of his political strategies and alliances.
3.
Moabite WomenThese women are among Solomon's foreign wives. The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot, and their presence in Solomon's life is seen as a negative influence leading him to idolatry.
4.
Ammonite WomenSolomon also married women from Ammon, another neighboring nation. The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, Lot's son, and their gods were among those Solomon worshiped.
5.
Edomite WomenWomen from Edom, descendants of Esau, were also among Solomon's wives. Their influence contributed to Solomon's religious apostasy.
6.
Sidonian WomenThese women were from Sidon, a Phoenician city. The Sidonians worshiped gods like Ashtoreth, whom Solomon also worshiped, as noted in the text.
7.
Hittite WomenSolomon's marriages included women from the Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people. Their gods were part of the pantheon Solomon turned to.
8.
RehoboamSolomon's son, who is mentioned as his successor. Rehoboam's reign is marked by the division of the kingdom, which is a consequence of Solomon's actions.
9.
JeroboamAn official under Solomon who is prophesied to become king over ten tribes of Israel. His rise is part of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry.
10.
Hadad the EdomiteAn adversary raised by God against Solomon. He fled to Egypt during David's reign and returned to Edom to oppose Solomon.
11.
Rezon son of EliadaAnother adversary of Solomon, who became king of Aram and harassed Israel. His opposition is part of the divine judgment on Solomon.
12.
Ahijah the ShiloniteA prophet who foretold the division of the kingdom, symbolized by tearing a new garment into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam.
13.
AshtorethAlthough not a person, Ashtoreth is mentioned as a deity worshiped by Solomon. She was a goddess of the Sidonians, and her worship is indicative of Solomon's apostasy.
14.
ChemoshAnother deity, the god of the Moabites, whom Solomon worshiped. His inclusion in the text underscores the extent of Solomon's idolatry.
15.
MolechThe god of the Ammonites, also worshiped by Solomon. Molech worship often involved detestable practices, highlighting the severity of Solomon's spiritual decline.
Places
1.
JerusalemJerusalem is the central city where King Solomon reigned. It is the political and spiritual heart of Israel. In Hebrew, it is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), often associated with peace and completeness.
2.
EgyptEgypt is mentioned as the place from which Solomon's wife, Pharaoh's daughter, came. Egypt, in Hebrew "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), is historically a place of both refuge and bondage for the Israelites.
3.
MoabMoab is referenced as one of the nations whose women Solomon loved. Moab, in Hebrew "מוֹאָב" (Mo'av), was located east of the Dead Sea and often in conflict with Israel.
4.
AmmonAmmon is another nation whose women Solomon took as wives. The Ammonites, in Hebrew "עַמּוֹן" (Ammon), were descendants of Lot and frequently at odds with Israel.
5.
EdomEdom is mentioned in the context of Hadad the Edomite, who was an adversary to Solomon. Edom, in Hebrew "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), is located south of the Dead Sea and is associated with Esau, Jacob's brother.
6.
SidonSidon is noted as the origin of some of the foreign women Solomon married. Sidon, in Hebrew "צִידוֹן" (Tzidon), was a prominent Phoenician city known for its commerce and idolatry.
7.
Mount of OlivesThe Mount of Olives is where Solomon built high places for foreign gods. In Hebrew, it is "הַר הַזֵּיתִים" (Har HaZeitim), a significant location east of Jerusalem.
8.
DamascusDamascus is mentioned in relation to Rezon, who became an adversary to Solomon. Damascus, in Hebrew "דַּמֶּשֶׂק" (Dammeseq), is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and was a major Aramean city.
Events
1.
Solomon's Foreign WivesSolomon had many foreign wives, which led him astray. The text states, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from the Hittites" (
1 Kings 11:1). The Hebrew word for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) indicates a deep affection, which ultimately influenced his spiritual fidelity.
2.
Turning Away from GodSolomon's heart turned away from the LORD due to his wives. "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been" (
1 Kings 11:4). The Hebrew term for "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies the center of one's inner life and decision-making.
3.
Idolatry and False GodsSolomon engaged in idolatry, worshiping false gods. "Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites" (
1 Kings 11:5). The term "abomination" (שִׁקּוּץ, shiqquts) in Hebrew refers to something detestable, especially in the context of idolatry.
4.
God's Anger with SolomonThe LORD became angry with Solomon for his disobedience. "The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice" (
1 Kings 11:9). The Hebrew word for "angry" (אָנַף, anaph) conveys a sense of intense displeasure.
5.
Prophecy of the Kingdom's DivisionGod declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon. "I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant" (
1 Kings 11:11). The Hebrew verb "tear" (קָרַע, qara) implies a forceful and decisive action.
6.
Preservation of a Tribe for David's SakeDespite the impending division, God promised to preserve one tribe for David's sake. "Yet 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" (
1 Kings 11:12). The preservation of a tribe reflects God's covenantal faithfulness to David.
7.
Adversaries Raised Against SolomonGod raised up adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom" (
1 Kings 11:14). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) denotes an opponent or enemy.
8.
Jeroboam's RebellionJeroboam, one of Solomon's officials, rebelled against the king. "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, one of Solomon’s servants, rebelled against the king" (
1 Kings 11:26). The Hebrew root for "rebelled" (מָרַד, marad) indicates a revolt or uprising.
9.
Ahijah's Prophecy to JeroboamThe prophet Ahijah foretold Jeroboam's rule over ten tribes. "Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes'" (
1 Kings 11:30-31).
10.
Solomon's DeathSolomon reigned for forty years and then died. "Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place" (
1 Kings 11:43). The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a Hebrew idiom for death, indicating a joining with one's ancestors.
Topics
1.
Solomon's Foreign Wives and IdolatrySolomon's marriages to foreign women led him astray from God. The text highlights that Solomon "loved many foreign women" (
1 Kings 11:1), which was against God's command. The Hebrew word for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) indicates a deep affection that ultimately influenced Solomon's heart away from God.
2.
God's Anger and JudgmentDue to Solomon's idolatry, God became angry and decided to tear the kingdom away from him. The scripture states, "The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD" (
1 Kings 11:9). The Hebrew word for "angry" (אָנַף, 'anaph) conveys a sense of intense displeasure.
3.
The Rise of AdversariesGod raised up adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his disobedience. Hadad the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada are mentioned as adversaries (
1 Kings 11:14, 23). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) is used, which can mean an opponent or one who opposes.
4.
Prophecy of the Kingdom's DivisionThe prophet Ahijah foretold the division of the kingdom, giving ten tribes to Jeroboam. Ahijah's symbolic act of tearing a new cloak into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam is described (
1 Kings 11:30-31). The Hebrew root for "tear" (קָרַע, qara) signifies a decisive and forceful action.
5.
Jeroboam's RebellionJeroboam's rise and eventual rebellion against Solomon are detailed. The text notes that Jeroboam was "a man of standing" (
1 Kings 11:28), indicating his capability and leadership qualities. The Hebrew word for "standing" (חַיִל, chayil) can also mean strength or valor.
6.
Solomon's DeathThe chapter concludes with the death of Solomon and the succession of his son Rehoboam. It states, "Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David" (
1 Kings 11:43). The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a common Hebrew idiom for death, indicating a joining with ancestors.
Themes
1.
Idolatry and ApostasyIn
1 Kings 11, Solomon's heart turns away from the LORD as he engages in idolatry, influenced by his foreign wives. The text states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God" (
1 Kings 11:4). The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies the inner being or will, indicating a deep-seated departure from God.
2.
Divine Judgment and ConsequencesGod's response to Solomon's idolatry is one of judgment. The LORD declares, "I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant" (
1 Kings 11:11). The Hebrew verb "tear" (קָרַע, qara) conveys a forceful removal, emphasizing the severity of the consequence for disobedience.
3.
Covenant FaithfulnessDespite Solomon's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with David. The LORD says, "Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime" (
1 Kings 11:12). This reflects the Hebrew concept of "chesed" (חֶסֶד), often translated as "steadfast love" or "covenant loyalty."
4.
Political Turmoil and DivisionThe chapter foreshadows the division of the kingdom, as adversaries rise against Solomon. The text mentions, "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite" (
1 Kings 11:14). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) indicates opposition and conflict, setting the stage for future political instability.
5.
Prophetic FulfillmentThe prophecy given to Jeroboam by Ahijah the prophet signifies the fulfillment of God's word. Ahijah tells Jeroboam, "I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and give you ten tribes" (
1 Kings 11:35). This highlights the theme of prophetic fulfillment, as God's words through His prophets come to pass.
6.
Human Weakness and FailureSolomon's downfall illustrates the theme of human weakness and the failure to adhere to God's commands. Despite his wisdom, Solomon succumbs to the temptations of wealth, power, and foreign alliances, demonstrating the frailty of human nature when disconnected from divine guidance.
7.
Divine SovereigntyThroughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident as He orchestrates events according to His divine plan. The LORD's control over the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms underscores His ultimate authority over human history, as seen in His dealings with Solomon and the future of Israel.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
1 Kings 11:3 – How is it physically and historically plausible for Solomon to have 700 wives and 300 concubines?2.1 Kings 11:4 – Why would a wise ruler be so easily swayed by foreign religions despite his renowned wisdom?
3.1 Kings 11:7 – Is there any archaeological evidence of the pagan altars and high places that Solomon supposedly built?
4.1 Kings 11:9–10 – Why does God punish Solomon for foreign marriages here when other biblical figures also intermarried without similar consequences?
5.1 Kings 11:40 – Is there any historical record or secular source confirming Solomon’s conflicts with Egypt beyond the biblical account?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think a wise man like Solomon was led astray by his foreign wives?
2. How does Solomon's disobedience contrast with the fidelity of his father, David?
3. What does this chapter teach about the consequences of idolatry?
4. How does God's response to Solomon's idolatry reflect His justice and mercy?
5. What do Hadad and Rezon symbolize in Solomon's story?
6. Discuss the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite. What does it reveal about God's sovereignty?
7. How does Jeroboam's reaction to the prophecy reflect on his character?
8. How does Solomon's life and reign impact your understanding of wisdom and obedience?
9. In what ways can you apply the lessons from Solomon's downfall in your personal life?
10. How can one guard their heart against the influences that led Solomon astray?
11. In what ways can we be led into idolatry in our modern lives, and how can we combat this?
12. Why is it significant that God chose not to divide the kingdom during Solomon's lifetime?
13. What does this chapter teach about God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
14. Can you think of a modern situation where a leader's personal failings led to wider societal or organizational consequences?
15. How might we respond to a prophecy like the one given to Jeroboam?
16. Discuss the concept of divine justice as displayed in this chapter.
17. How can we remain faithful to God when faced with temptations and influences like Solomon?
18. Reflect on the difference between Solomon's wisdom and his actions. How can one ensure their wisdom aligns with their behavior?
19. What aspects of Solomon's story resonate with your life and experiences?
20. How can we seek and maintain a heart wholly devoted to God in today's world?
Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions
