And the sister of Tahpenes bore Hadad a son named Genubath. Tahpenes herself weaned him in Pharaoh's palace, and Genubath lived there among the sons of Pharaoh. The sister of TahpenesThis phrase introduces us to a woman of significant standing, as she is related to Tahpenes, the queen or a high-ranking consort in the Egyptian court. The name "Tahpenes" is of Egyptian origin, suggesting a connection between Israel and Egypt during Solomon's reign. This relationship highlights the political alliances Solomon formed, which were common in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy. The mention of Tahpenes' sister indicates the integration of foreign influences into Israel's royal family, a practice that would later contribute to Solomon's spiritual decline. bore him Genubath
The act of bearing a child in the context of ancient Israel was significant, as it ensured the continuation of lineage and legacy. The name "Genubath" is of uncertain origin, but it may reflect a cultural blend, given the Egyptian context. This birth signifies the intertwining of Israelite and Egyptian bloodlines, which could symbolize both the strength and potential pitfalls of such alliances. The presence of Genubath in the narrative underscores the complexities of Solomon's reign, where political marriages brought both prosperity and spiritual challenges. whom Tahpenes weaned
Weaning in ancient cultures was a significant milestone, marking the transition from infancy to early childhood. It was often celebrated with a feast, indicating the child's survival past the vulnerable early years. Tahpenes' involvement in weaning Genubath suggests her influential role in the child's upbringing, further emphasizing the close ties between the Egyptian and Israelite royal families. This nurturing act by an Egyptian royal figure highlights the deep integration and acceptance of Solomon's offspring within the Egyptian court. in Pharaoh’s palace
The mention of Pharaoh's palace situates the narrative within the grandeur and power of ancient Egypt. The palace was not just a residence but a symbol of authority and influence. Genubath's upbringing in such an environment suggests that he was afforded the privileges and education of Egyptian royalty. This setting reflects the political strategy of Solomon, who sought to secure peace and prosperity through alliances with powerful neighbors. However, it also foreshadows the potential for foreign influences to lead Israel away from its covenantal obligations to Yahweh. and Genubath lived there
The phrase indicates a prolonged stay, suggesting that Genubath was raised as an Egyptian, fully immersed in their culture and customs. This residency would have provided him with unique insights and experiences, potentially positioning him as a figure of influence between the two nations. However, it also raises questions about his identity and loyalty, as living in a foreign land could lead to a dilution of his Israelite heritage and faith. with the sons of Pharaoh
This final phrase underscores the close relationship between Genubath and the Egyptian royal family. Being raised alongside Pharaoh's sons would have granted him status and connections, possibly preparing him for a role in diplomatic relations. However, it also serves as a cautionary note about the dangers of such alliances, as the influence of foreign gods and practices could easily infiltrate the Israelite faith. This narrative element serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity amidst political and cultural exchanges. Persons / Places / Events 1. TahpenesAn Egyptian queen, wife of Pharaoh, who played a role in the upbringing of Genubath. Her involvement signifies the political alliances Solomon had with Egypt. 2. GenubathThe son of Hadad and the sister of Tahpenes. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, his life represents the intertwining of Israelite and Egyptian relations during Solomon's reign. 3. Pharaoh's PalaceThe royal residence in Egypt where Genubath was raised. This setting highlights the influence and reach of Egyptian culture and politics. 4. HadadAn Edomite adversary of Solomon who fled to Egypt. His presence in Egypt and the birth of his son there underscore the political tensions and alliances of the time. 5. SolomonThe King of Israel during this period, whose alliances and marriages with foreign nations, including Egypt, led to both political strength and spiritual compromise. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's alliances, including those with Egypt, led to spiritual compromise. Believers must guard against allowing worldly influences to lead them away from God. The Influence of UpbringingGenubath's upbringing in Pharaoh's palace shows the impact of environment on one's beliefs and values. Christians should be mindful of the environments they cultivate for themselves and their families. God's Sovereignty in Political AffairsDespite human alliances and political maneuvers, God's purposes prevail. Trust in God's sovereignty should guide our responses to political and social changes. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's disobedience to God's commands regarding foreign alliances had long-term consequences for Israel. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for personal and communal well-being. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the upbringing of Genubath in Pharaoh's palace reflect the political alliances of Solomon's reign, and what can we learn about the influence of our environments? 2. In what ways did Solomon's alliances with foreign nations, including Egypt, lead to his spiritual downfall, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives? 3. How does the account of Hadad and his family in Egypt illustrate the broader theme of God's sovereignty over political affairs? 4. What are some modern-day examples of compromise that Christians might face, and how can we remain faithful to God's commands in such situations? 5. How do the consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God's commands in Deuteronomy 17:16-17 serve as a warning for us today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:1-8These verses describe Solomon's marriages to foreign women, including an Egyptian princess, which led him to idolatry. This context helps us understand the political and spiritual climate of Solomon's reign. Exodus 1:8-10The historical enmity between Egypt and Israel is highlighted here, contrasting with the alliances seen in Solomon's time. Deuteronomy 17:16-17God's command to Israelite kings not to multiply horses, wives, or wealth, which Solomon violated, leading to his downfall. 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 Bare, Beareth, Bore, Care, Genubath, Genu'bath, Household, Midst, Named, Palace, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Royal, Sister, Sons, Tahpenes, Tah'penes, Weaned, Weaneth, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:14-26 7236 Israel, united 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 11:20 NIV1 Kings 11:20 NLT1 Kings 11:20 ESV1 Kings 11:20 NASB1 Kings 11:20 KJV
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