Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. Thus, the timeThe phrase "Thus, the time" serves as a summation of Solomon's reign, indicating a conclusion to a significant era in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "time" here is "yāmîm," which can mean "days" or "years," emphasizing the measured and finite nature of Solomon's rule. This phrase invites reflection on the passage of time and the importance of stewardship over the years God grants to leaders. that Solomon reigned
"Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew "Shlomo," meaning "peaceful." His reign is often seen as a golden age of peace and prosperity for Israel. The word "reigned" comes from the Hebrew "mālak," which implies not just ruling but also the responsibility and authority bestowed by God. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom, wealth, and the building of the Temple, yet it also serves as a cautionary tale of how even the wisest can fall into idolatry and disobedience. in Jerusalem
"Jerusalem," from the Hebrew "Yerushalayim," meaning "foundation of peace," is the political and spiritual center of Israel. It is the city chosen by God for His Temple, symbolizing His presence among His people. Solomon's reign in Jerusalem underscores the city's significance as the heart of Israelite worship and governance, a place where God's covenant with David is fulfilled. over all Israel
The phrase "over all Israel" highlights the unity of the twelve tribes under Solomon's rule. This unity is a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, and represents a high point in Israel's history. However, it also foreshadows the division that will occur after Solomon's death, reminding readers of the fragility of human leadership and the need for reliance on God's guidance. was forty years
The number "forty" in the Bible often signifies a period of testing, trial, or judgment. It is a time of completeness and fulfillment. Solomon's forty-year reign is a period of both blessing and warning, as his initial faithfulness gives way to idolatry and political alliances that lead Israel away from God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in faith and obedience throughout one's life. 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 First Temple in Jerusalem, Solomon's reign is marked by both prosperity and eventual decline due to his disobedience to God. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center during Solomon's reign. It housed the Temple, which Solomon built as a place for the Ark of the Covenant and worship of Yahweh. 3. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon, consisting of twelve tribes. Solomon's reign was the last before the kingdom divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. 4. Forty YearsA significant period in biblical terms, often symbolizing a generation or a time of testing and trial. Solomon's forty-year reign is a period of both great achievement and eventual spiritual decline. 5. ReignSolomon's rule is characterized by peace and prosperity, but also by his turning away from God due to foreign influences and idolatry, leading to the eventual division of the kingdom. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceSolomon's reign began with great promise due to his obedience and wisdom. However, his disobedience led to the kingdom's division. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for sustained blessing. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's alliances through marriage and his tolerance of idolatry led to spiritual decline. Compromise in our spiritual lives can lead to a gradual turning away from God. The Legacy of LeadershipSolomon's reign is a reminder that leadership carries the responsibility of setting a spiritual example. Our actions can have long-lasting effects on those we lead. The Temporal Nature of Earthly SuccessDespite Solomon's wealth and achievements, his reign ended in division. Earthly success is fleeting, and true fulfillment is found in faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Solomon's initial obedience to God contribute to the prosperity of his reign, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of starting well in our own spiritual journeys? 2. In what ways did Solomon's compromises lead to his downfall, and how can we guard against similar compromises in our lives today? 3. Reflect on the significance of the number forty in the Bible. How does Solomon's forty-year reign compare to other biblical events involving the number forty? 4. Considering Solomon's legacy, what qualities should we seek in leaders today, both in the church and in society? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Solomon's reign to ensure that our own lives reflect a commitment to God's commands and a focus on eternal rather than temporal success? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:12-14God grants Solomon wisdom and promises him a long life if he remains obedient. This connects to the eventual decline in Solomon's reign due to disobedience. Deuteronomy 17:16-17The law given to kings of Israel, warning against accumulating horses, wives, and wealth, which Solomon violated, leading to his downfall. Ecclesiastes 1:1-2Traditionally attributed to Solomon, this book reflects on the vanity of earthly pursuits, possibly written in reflection of his own life experiences. 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 Forty, Jerusalem, Reigned, Solomon, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:42 1654 numbers, 11-99 1 Kings 11:41-43 7240 Jerusalem, history 1 Kings 11:42-43 5119 Solomon, life of
5366 king 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 11:42 NIV1 Kings 11:42 NLT1 Kings 11:42 ESV1 Kings 11:42 NASB1 Kings 11:42 KJV
1 Kings 11:42 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
