King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh--women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign womenThis phrase highlights a significant turning point in Solomon's reign. Despite his wisdom and the blessings bestowed upon him, Solomon's love for foreign women led him astray. This love was not merely romantic but also political, as marriages were often used to form alliances. However, these alliances came at a spiritual cost, as they introduced foreign influences and idolatry into Israel. This disobedience to God's command in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, which warned against intermarrying with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God, foreshadows the division and downfall of the kingdom. along with the daughter of Pharaoh
Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter was a strategic alliance, symbolizing peace and cooperation between Israel and Egypt. This union is significant as it represents the first recorded marriage between an Israelite king and an Egyptian princess, indicating Solomon's political acumen. However, it also marks the beginning of his spiritual decline, as it involved adopting foreign customs and religious practices, contrary to God's instructions in Exodus 34:16. women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon
These nations were historically hostile to Israel, and their inclusion here underscores the extent of Solomon's alliances. Moab and Ammon were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37-38), and their worship of Chemosh and Molech involved detestable practices. Edom, descended from Esau, had a long-standing enmity with Israel. Sidon, a Phoenician city, was known for its worship of Baal and Ashtoreth. Solomon's marriages to women from these nations introduced their idolatrous practices into Israel, directly violating God's covenant and leading to spiritual corruption. as well as Hittite women
The Hittites were a powerful group in the ancient Near East, known for their advanced culture and military prowess. By marrying Hittite women, Solomon further expanded his political network. However, this also meant embracing their religious practices, which were incompatible with the worship of Yahweh. This phrase emphasizes the breadth of Solomon's alliances and the resulting spiritual compromise, which ultimately led to the kingdom's division after his death, as prophesied in 1 Kings 11:11-13. Solomon's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising faith for political or personal gain. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. However, his reign is also marked by his marriages to foreign women, which led him away from God. 2. Foreign WomenThese women came from various nations surrounding Israel, including Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and the Hittites. Marriages to these women were politically motivated but spiritually detrimental. 3. Pharaoh's DaughterShe was Solomon's first foreign wife, symbolizing a political alliance with Egypt. This marriage set a precedent for Solomon's subsequent unions with other foreign women. 4. Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, HittitesThese are the nations from which Solomon's wives came. Each had its own deities and religious practices, which influenced Solomon and led to idolatry in Israel. 5. IdolatryThe worship of foreign gods introduced by Solomon's wives, which ultimately led to Solomon's spiritual decline and the division of the kingdom after his death. Teaching Points Guarding Against CompromiseSolomon's marriages illustrate the danger of compromising one's faith for political or personal gain. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their devotion to God. Influence of RelationshipsThe people we form close relationships with can significantly influence our spiritual walk. It's crucial to choose relationships that encourage and strengthen our faith. Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's disobedience to God's commands regarding marriage led to personal and national consequences. Obedience to God's Word is essential for a blessed life. The Subtlety of SinSolomon's gradual shift from wisdom to folly shows how sin can subtly infiltrate our lives. Vigilance and accountability are necessary to maintain spiritual integrity. The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipAs a leader, Solomon's actions had far-reaching effects on the nation. Spiritual leaders must model faithfulness to God to guide others effectively. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Solomon's decision to marry foreign women, and how can we apply this lesson to our own choices in relationships? 2. How do the warnings in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and Exodus 34:16 relate to Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 11:1? 3. In what ways can we guard against the subtle influences that may lead us away from our faith? 4. How does Solomon's account in 1 Kings 11:1 serve as a warning for spiritual leaders today? 5. Reflect on a time when a relationship influenced your spiritual walk. What steps can you take to ensure your relationships align with your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 7:3-4This passage warns the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God to serve other gods. Nehemiah 13:26Nehemiah references Solomon's marriages as a cautionary tale of how even a wise king was led into sin by foreign women. Exodus 34:16This verse warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which could lead to idolatry. 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 Along, Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites, Besides, Daughter, Edom, Edomite, E'domite, Edomites, Females, Foreign, Hittite, Hittites, However, Loved, Moab, Moabite, Moabites, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Sidonian, Sido'nian, Sidonians, Solomon, Strange, Women, Zidon, ZidoniansDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:1 5120 Solomon, character
5366 king
6249 temptation, universal 1 Kings 11:1-2 7530 foreigners 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
5732 polygamy 1 Kings 11:1-11 5811 compromise 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 11:1 NIV1 Kings 11:1 NLT1 Kings 11:1 ESV1 Kings 11:1 NASB1 Kings 11:1 KJV
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