and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. This is the accountThis phrase introduces a narrative that provides a detailed explanation of events. In Hebrew, the word for "account" is "דָּבָר" (davar), which can mean word, matter, or thing. It signifies the importance of the account that follows, emphasizing that it is not just a tale but a significant historical and spiritual event. This sets the stage for understanding the gravity of rebellion against God's anointed king. of how he rebelled
The Hebrew root for "rebelled" is "מָרַד" (marad), which means to revolt or rise up against authority. This rebellion is not merely political but also spiritual, as it represents a turning away from God's established order. In the context of Israel's history, rebellion against the king was seen as rebellion against God Himself, who had appointed the king. against the king
The king in question is Solomon, the son of David, who was chosen by God to lead Israel. Solomon's reign was marked by wisdom and prosperity, but also by a gradual turning away from God due to his foreign wives and idolatry. Rebelling against Solomon was significant because it was a challenge to the divinely ordained leadership and the Davidic covenant. Solomon had built
Solomon's building projects were extensive and renowned, including the construction of the Temple and his palace. The Hebrew word "בָּנָה" (banah) means to build or establish. Solomon's building efforts were a testament to his wisdom and the prosperity of Israel under his rule, but they also became a source of burden and discontent among the people due to the heavy labor and taxes required. the supporting terraces
The "supporting terraces" refer to the "Millo," a structure or series of terraces that fortified the city of Jerusalem. The Hebrew term "מִלּוֹא" (Millo) suggests a filling or embankment. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such structures, which were crucial for the defense and expansion of the city. This construction project, while impressive, also symbolizes the physical and spiritual fortification of the kingdom, which was being undermined by internal rebellion. and repaired the gap in the wall
Repairing the gap in the wall was a strategic move to strengthen the city's defenses. The Hebrew word for "repaired" is "סָגַר" (sagar), meaning to close or shut. This action reflects Solomon's efforts to maintain the integrity and security of Jerusalem, the city of David. However, it also metaphorically highlights the breaches in spiritual and moral integrity that were emerging within the kingdom. of the city of his father David
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound significance as the political and spiritual center of Israel. David, Solomon's father, established Jerusalem as the capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, making it the focal point of worship. The mention of David underscores the legacy and covenantal promises associated with his lineage. Solomon's actions, both in building and in failing to remain faithful, have direct implications for the city and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by prosperity but also by spiritual decline due to his idolatry and foreign alliances. 2. JeroboamAn official under King Solomon who later becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His rebellion against Solomon is a significant event leading to the division of the united monarchy. 3. Supporting Terraces (Millo)A structure or series of terraces built by Solomon in Jerusalem. The Hebrew term "Millo" suggests a filling or fortification, indicating its role in strengthening the city's defenses. 4. City of DavidRefers to Jerusalem, specifically the fortified area established by King David. It holds historical and spiritual significance as the political and religious center of Israel. 5. RebellionThe act of Jeroboam rising against Solomon, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the eventual split of the kingdom after Solomon's death. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's failure to remain faithful to God's commandments led to the division of his kingdom. Disobedience to God can have far-reaching consequences in our lives and the lives of others. The Role of LeadershipSolomon's leadership, while initially wise, faltered due to his compromises. Leaders are called to maintain integrity and faithfulness to God's principles. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human rebellion and failure, God's purposes prevail. The division of the kingdom was part of God's plan, demonstrating His control over history. The Danger of IdolatrySolomon's idolatry was a key factor in the kingdom's division. Believers must guard against allowing anything to take precedence over their relationship with God. The Importance of Spiritual FoundationsJust as Solomon built physical structures, we are called to build our lives on a firm spiritual foundation, rooted in obedience to God's Word. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Solomon's actions contribute to the rebellion of Jeroboam, and what can we learn about the impact of leadership decisions on a community? 2. In what ways does the account of Jeroboam's rebellion illustrate the consequences of turning away from God's commandments? 3. How does the division of the kingdom reflect God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about trusting God's plan in our own lives? 4. What parallels can be drawn between Solomon's building projects and our efforts to build our own lives? How can we ensure our foundations are spiritually sound? 5. How can we guard against idolatry in our own lives, ensuring that our devotion to God remains steadfast and uncompromised? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:11-13God's pronouncement of judgment on Solomon for his idolatry, leading to the division of the kingdom, which sets the stage for Jeroboam's rebellion. 1 Kings 12:15-20The fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom, where Jeroboam becomes king over the northern tribes of Israel. 2 Chronicles 10:15-19A parallel account of the division of the kingdom, emphasizing the role of divine providence in the events. Exodus 1:11The use of forced labor in building projects, drawing a parallel between Solomon's labor practices and those of Pharaoh in Egypt. 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 Breach, Breaches, Building, Built, Cause, Closed, Closing, Damaged, David, Filled, Gap, Lifted, Making, Millo, Raised, Reason, Rebelled, Repaired, Shut, Solomon, Supporting, Terraces, Town, WallDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:26-33 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 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 11:27 NIV1 Kings 11:27 NLT1 Kings 11:27 ESV1 Kings 11:27 NASB1 Kings 11:27 KJV
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