He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines--and his wives turned his heart away. He hadThis phrase indicates possession and responsibility. In the context of ancient Israel, kings often had multiple wives to secure political alliances and demonstrate wealth and power. The Hebrew root here, "hayah," implies existence and continuity, suggesting that Solomon's actions were not momentary lapses but a sustained lifestyle choice. seven hundred wives of royal birth
The number "seven hundred" is significant, symbolizing completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. However, in this context, it underscores excess and deviation from God's design for marriage. The phrase "of royal birth" indicates that these marriages were likely political alliances, which was common in the ancient Near East. This practice, while politically expedient, often led to spiritual compromise, as foreign wives brought their gods and practices into Israel. and three hundred concubines
Concubines were women who had a recognized relationship with a man but without the full status of a wife. The Hebrew term "pilegesh" reflects a secondary status, often used for political or social purposes. The sheer number of concubines further illustrates Solomon's departure from God's ideal of monogamous marriage, as outlined in Genesis 2:24. and his wives turned his heart away
This phrase is pivotal, highlighting the spiritual consequences of Solomon's marriages. The Hebrew word for "heart," "leb," encompasses the mind, will, and emotions. The turning away of Solomon's heart signifies a shift in his devotion and priorities. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was led astray by his foreign wives, who influenced him to worship other gods, contrary to the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). This turning away is a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith for worldly alliances and pleasures. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was led astray by his many wives. 2. Wives and ConcubinesSolomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. These relationships were often political alliances, but they ultimately led him away from God. 3. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon's rule, which experienced peace and prosperity but also spiritual decline due to Solomon's disobedience. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon built the Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. 5. Foreign NationsMany of Solomon's wives were from surrounding nations, which God had warned Israel not to intermarry with, as they would lead them to worship other gods. Teaching Points Guard Your HeartSolomon's heart was turned away from God by his wives. We must guard our hearts against influences that lead us away from God. Obedience to God's CommandsSolomon's downfall began with disobedience to God's clear commands. Obedience is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's political marriages were compromises that led to spiritual decline. Compromise in our spiritual lives can have devastating consequences. The Influence of RelationshipsThe people we surround ourselves with can influence our spiritual walk. Choose relationships that encourage and strengthen your faith. The Consequences of SinSolomon's sin had lasting consequences for him and the nation of Israel. Our sins can have far-reaching effects beyond our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Solomon's marriages lead him away from God, and what can we learn from this about the influence of relationships in our own lives? 2. In what ways do we see the principle of "guarding your heart" reflected in other parts of Scripture, and how can we apply this to our daily lives? 3. How does Solomon's disobedience to God's commands serve as a warning for us today, and what specific commands do we need to be mindful of? 4. What are some modern-day "compromises" that can lead us away from God, and how can we avoid them? 5. Reflect on a time when a relationship influenced your spiritual walk, either positively or negatively. How can you use this experience to make wise choices in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:17This verse warns Israelite kings not to take many wives, lest their hearts be led astray. Solomon's actions directly contradict this command. Exodus 34:16God warns against intermarrying with foreign nations, as it would lead the Israelites to idolatry, which is exactly what happened with Solomon. Nehemiah 13:26Nehemiah references Solomon's sin as a warning to the Israelites about the dangers of intermarriage with foreign women. James 1:14-15This passage describes how desire leads to sin, which leads to death, paralleling Solomon's spiritual decline due to his desires. 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 Aside, Astray, Birth, Concubines, Daughters, Heart, Hundred, Kings, Led, Princesses, Royal, Seven, Turn, Wives, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:3 5672 concubines
6022 sin, causes of
8126 guidance, need for 1 Kings 11:1-3 5940 searching 1 Kings 11:1-5 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 11:1-6 5345 influence
5541 society, negative
6241 seduction
8780 materialism, and sin 1 Kings 11:1-8 5711 marriage, restrictions 1 Kings 11:1-11 5811 compromise 1 Kings 11:3-4 5716 middle age
5744 wife 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 11:3 NIV1 Kings 11:3 NLT1 Kings 11:3 ESV1 Kings 11:3 NASB1 Kings 11:3 KJV
1 Kings 11:3 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
