Nehemiah 13:26

Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel--yet foreign women drew him into sin.

Study Bible

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin
The mention of Solomon here serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, was a king who had unparalleled favor from God. The Hebrew root for "sin" (חָטָא, chata) implies missing the mark or straying from the path. Despite his divine wisdom, Solomon's alliances through marriage to foreign women led him astray, illustrating that no one is immune to the temptations of sin, regardless of their status or wisdom.

because of these things?
The phrase "these things" refers to the foreign alliances and marriages that led Solomon into idolatry. Historically, these marriages were often political, intended to secure peace and alliances with neighboring nations. However, they brought with them the worship of foreign gods, which was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith for worldly gains or security.

There was not a king like him among many nations
This phrase highlights Solomon's unique position and the extraordinary gifts he received from God. Solomon's wisdom and wealth were renowned, setting him apart from other rulers of his time. The historical context underscores the magnitude of his fall; despite his unparalleled status, he succumbed to the same temptations that can ensnare any believer. It serves as a reminder that spiritual vigilance is necessary for all, regardless of one's achievements or blessings.

and he was beloved by his God
The Hebrew word for "beloved" (יָדִיד, yadid) conveys a deep, affectionate relationship. Solomon was chosen and cherished by God, which makes his disobedience all the more tragic. This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship God desires with His people and the pain that results when that relationship is compromised. It is a call to remain faithful to the love and favor God bestows upon His followers.

and God made him king over all Israel
This statement acknowledges God's sovereignty in establishing leaders. Solomon's kingship was not merely a result of human lineage or ambition but was ordained by God. The historical context of Israel's monarchy shows that God often used kings to fulfill His purposes, yet their success depended on their obedience to Him. This serves as a reminder that positions of authority are a divine trust, requiring adherence to God's will.

yet foreign women drew him into sin
The influence of "foreign women" is a direct reference to Solomon's many wives and concubines who worshipped other gods. The Hebrew word for "drew" (נָטָה, natah) suggests a gradual turning or inclination. This highlights the subtlety of sin and how it can slowly lead one away from God. The historical and scriptural context warns against forming close alliances with those who do not share the same faith, as it can lead to spiritual compromise and idolatry. Solomon's downfall serves as a sobering lesson on the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and the dangers of allowing external influences to lead one away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The 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, he fell into sin by marrying foreign women who led him to idolatry.

2. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and instituting religious reforms among the returned exiles.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, Jerusalem was the focal point of Nehemiah's efforts to restore the spiritual and physical integrity of the Jewish people.

4. Foreign Women
In the context of Nehemiah 13, these were women from surrounding nations who did not worship Yahweh. Marriages to them often led Israelites, including Solomon, into idolatry.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols or false gods, which was strictly forbidden in the Jewish faith. Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, which had severe consequences for Israel.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Solomon's downfall began with seemingly small compromises. Believers must be vigilant in maintaining their spiritual integrity and not allow worldly influences to lead them astray.

The Importance of Obedience
Despite Solomon's wisdom and favor with God, his disobedience had lasting consequences. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Guarding Against Idolatry
Idolatry can take many forms, not just the worship of physical idols. Believers must guard their hearts against anything that takes precedence over their relationship with God.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah's leadership highlights the importance of holding others accountable to God's standards. Leaders in the faith community must be willing to confront sin and guide others back to righteousness.

The Influence of Relationships
Relationships have a profound impact on our spiritual lives. Believers should seek relationships that encourage and strengthen their faith, rather than those that lead them away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Solomon's relationships with foreign women lead to his downfall, and what can we learn from this about the influence of relationships on our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can modern believers guard against the subtle forms of idolatry that may infiltrate their lives today?

3. How does Nehemiah's response to the issue of intermarriage in Israel reflect the importance of community accountability in the church?

4. What are some practical steps believers can take to ensure they are not compromising their faith in their daily lives?

5. How can the account of Solomon and Nehemiah's reforms inspire us to pursue obedience and faithfulness in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:1-13
This passage details Solomon's marriages to foreign women and how they led him to worship other gods, directly connecting to Nehemiah's warning.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
God commands the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign nations to prevent them from turning away from Him, which is the underlying issue Nehemiah addresses.

Ezra 9-10
Similar to Nehemiah, Ezra deals with the issue of intermarriage with foreign women and the resulting idolatry, showing a consistent concern for maintaining religious purity.