Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. Although He had warnedThe phrase "Although He had warned" indicates a direct and personal communication from God to Solomon. The Hebrew root for "warned" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which means to command or charge. This highlights the seriousness and authority of God's instructions. Historically, God’s warnings were often delivered through prophets or direct revelation, emphasizing His desire for His people to remain faithful. This warning is a testament to God's patience and His desire for Solomon to adhere to the covenant. Solomon specifically
The mention of "Solomon specifically" underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with Solomon. Solomon, as the king of Israel, had a unique role and responsibility. The Hebrew name "שְׁלֹמֹה" (Shlomo) means "peaceful," reflecting the peace and prosperity of his reign. However, this peace was contingent upon his obedience to God. The specificity of the warning to Solomon highlights the king's accountability and the personal nature of divine guidance. not to follow other gods
The phrase "not to follow other gods" is a direct reference to the first commandment, which prohibits idolatry. The Hebrew word for "gods" is "אֱלֹהִים" (elohim), which can refer to the one true God or, in this context, false deities. Historically, the surrounding nations worshiped a pantheon of gods, and Israel was called to be distinct. This command was crucial for maintaining the purity of worship and the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Solomon did not keep
"Solomon did not keep" indicates a failure to adhere to God's command. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַר" (shamar) means to guard, keep, or observe. This failure is not just a passive neglect but an active choice to disregard God's instructions. Solomon's disobedience is a pivotal moment, leading to the eventual division of the kingdom. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's path. the LORD’s command
The "LORD’s command" refers to the divine instructions given by Yahweh, the covenant name of God. The use of "LORD" in all caps in English translations signifies the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the personal name of God revealed to Moses. This command is not merely a suggestion but a binding directive from the Creator. The historical context of Israel's covenant with God required strict adherence to His laws to ensure His continued blessing and presence among them. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart turned away from God due to his marriages to foreign women who led him to worship other gods. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who had appeared to Solomon twice, warning him to remain faithful and not to follow other gods. Yahweh's commands were clear, emphasizing exclusive worship and obedience. 3. Other godsRefers to the deities worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel. Solomon's alliances through marriage led him to build high places for these gods, directly disobeying God's command. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon built the Temple. It was meant to be the center of worship for Yahweh, but Solomon's actions introduced idolatry into the city. 5. The CommandGod's specific instruction to Solomon to remain faithful and not to follow other gods, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's word. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's downfall began with small compromises that led to significant disobedience. Believers must guard against seemingly minor decisions that can lead them away from God. The Importance of ObedienceGod's commands are given for our protection and blessing. Obedience to His word is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. The Influence of RelationshipsSolomon's foreign wives influenced him to worship other gods. Believers should be mindful of the relationships they form and ensure they encourage faithfulness to God. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's disobedience had lasting consequences for the kingdom of Israel. Our actions can have far-reaching effects on ourselves and others. The Need for Continual FaithfulnessSolomon's account reminds us that past faithfulness does not guarantee future obedience. We must continually seek to follow God wholeheartedly. Bible Study Questions 1. What small compromises in your life could potentially lead you away from God, and how can you address them? 2. How does Solomon's account illustrate the importance of obeying God's commands, and what steps can you take to ensure obedience in your own life? 3. In what ways can relationships influence your spiritual walk, and how can you cultivate relationships that encourage faithfulness to God? 4. Reflect on a time when disobedience had consequences in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future decisions? 5. How can you ensure that your past faithfulness to God continues into the future, and what practices can help maintain your spiritual commitment? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:16-17This passage outlines the laws for kings, warning against acquiring many wives and wealth, which could lead their hearts astray. Solomon's actions directly violated these commands. Exodus 20:3The first of the Ten Commandments, which states that Israel should have no other gods before Yahweh. Solomon's idolatry was a direct violation of this foundational command. 1 Kings 3:5-14God's initial appearance to Solomon, where He grants Solomon wisdom and promises blessings for obedience. This sets the stage for understanding the gravity of Solomon's later disobedience. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Charge, Command, Commanded, Didn't, Follow, Forbidden, Gods, Kept, Lord's, Observe, Orders, SolomonDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:10 8769 idolatry, in OT 1 Kings 11:1-11 5811 compromise 1 Kings 11:9-13 5120 Solomon, character
7944 ministry, qualifications 1 Kings 11:10-11 8404 commands, in OT Library The New Garment Bent
'And 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. 27. And 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. 28. And 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. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For 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. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:10 NIV1 Kings 11:10 NLT1 Kings 11:10 ESV1 Kings 11:10 NASB1 Kings 11:10 KJV
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