For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. For when Solomon grew oldThe phrase "For when Solomon grew old" indicates a period in Solomon's life when he was advanced in years. The Hebrew word for "old" is "zāqēn," which often implies not just age but also the accumulation of experiences and wisdom. However, in Solomon's case, it also suggests a time of vulnerability. Despite his wisdom, age brought challenges that tested his spiritual fidelity. This serves as a reminder that spiritual vigilance is necessary throughout one's life, regardless of past achievements or wisdom. his wives turned his heart
The phrase "his wives turned his heart" highlights the influence of Solomon's foreign wives. The Hebrew verb "nāṭâ" means "to turn" or "to incline," suggesting a gradual process of deviation from his original devotion. This turning of the heart signifies a shift in loyalty and affection, illustrating the profound impact that close relationships can have on one's spiritual direction. It underscores the biblical principle of being unequally yoked with those who do not share the same faith, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14. after other gods
"After other gods" refers to the idolatry that Solomon's wives led him into. The Hebrew word "ʾăḥărê" means "after" or "behind," indicating a pursuit or following. This pursuit of other deities was a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and a betrayal of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Historically, the worship of other gods was prevalent among the surrounding nations, and Solomon's alliances through marriage introduced these practices into Israel, leading to spiritual compromise. and he was not wholeheartedly devoted
The phrase "and he was not wholeheartedly devoted" reveals a divided allegiance. The Hebrew word "šālēm" means "complete" or "whole," and its negation here indicates a lack of full commitment. Solomon's heart was no longer fully aligned with God's will, reflecting a spiritual decline. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a divided heart and the importance of maintaining a singular focus on God, as emphasized in Matthew 6:24. to the LORD his God
"To the LORD his God" emphasizes the personal relationship Solomon had with Yahweh. The use of "his God" indicates a covenantal bond, which Solomon failed to honor fully. The name "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, reminding readers of the special relationship and responsibilities that come with being God's chosen people. This phrase calls believers to reflect on their own relationship with God and the importance of faithfulness. as his father David had been
The comparison "as his father David had been" sets a standard of devotion. David, despite his own failings, is remembered for his wholehearted devotion to God. The Hebrew word "ʾāḇ" for "father" not only denotes a biological relationship but also a spiritual legacy. David's life serves as a benchmark for faithfulness, illustrating that while perfection is unattainable, a heart fully committed to God is the ideal. This comparison challenges believers to strive for a legacy of faithfulness in their own lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe 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. 2. Wives of SolomonSolomon had many foreign wives who influenced him to turn away from God and worship other deities, leading to his spiritual decline. 3. DavidSolomon's father, King David, is often remembered for his wholehearted devotion to God, despite his own failings. 4. Other godsThe foreign deities that Solomon's wives worshipped, which led him away from exclusive worship of Yahweh. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who desires exclusive devotion from His people. Teaching Points Guard Your HeartJust as Solomon's heart was turned by his wives, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against influences that lead us away from God. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's alliances through marriage led to spiritual compromise. We must be cautious of compromising our faith for worldly gains or relationships. The Importance of Finishing WellSolomon started his reign with wisdom and devotion but did not finish well. Our spiritual journey requires perseverance and faithfulness to the end. Learn from the PastSolomon had the example of his father David, yet he did not fully follow it. We should learn from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us. Exclusive Devotion to GodGod desires our full devotion, as seen in the contrast between Solomon and David. We should strive to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific influences in your life might be turning your heart away from full devotion to God, similar to Solomon's experience? 2. How can the warnings in Deuteronomy 17:17 and the example of Solomon help you make wise decisions in your relationships and alliances? 3. In what ways can you ensure that you finish your spiritual journey well, maintaining faithfulness to God throughout your life? 4. How can the example of David's wholehearted devotion to God inspire you to deepen your own relationship with Him? 5. Reflect on a time when you compromised your faith. What steps can you take to prevent similar situations in the future, drawing from the lessons in Solomon's life? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:17This verse warns Israelite kings not to take many wives, lest their hearts be led astray, directly connecting to Solomon's situation. Exodus 20:3The first commandment, which instructs the Israelites to have no other gods before Yahweh, highlighting Solomon's failure to adhere to this foundational law. 1 Kings 3:3Earlier in Solomon's life, he loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of David, his father, showing a contrast to his later years. James 1:14-15This passage describes how desire leads to sin, which can be seen in Solomon's life as his desires led him away from God. 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 TRUE, Aside, David, Devoted, Fully, Gods, Grew, Heart, Longer, Pass, Perfect, Solomon, Wholly, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:4 4696 yoke
5017 heart, renewal
5120 Solomon, character
5366 king
5838 disrespect
6249 temptation, universal
8032 trust, lack of
8330 receptiveness
8462 priority, of God
8739 evil, examples of 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 1 Kings 11:4-5 8747 false gods
8840 unfaithfulness, to God 1 Kings 11:4-6 8764 forgetting God 1 Kings 11:4-8 6103 abomination 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 11:4 NIV1 Kings 11:4 NLT1 Kings 11:4 ESV1 Kings 11:4 NASB1 Kings 11:4 KJV
1 Kings 11:4 Commentaries
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