So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. So SolomonThe name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was known for his wisdom and wealth, and his reign was marked by peace and prosperity. However, this verse marks a turning point in his life, highlighting the contrast between his early years of faithfulness and his later years of spiritual decline. did evil
The phrase "did evil" in Hebrew is "עָשָׂה הָרַע" (asah hara), which implies actions that are morally wrong or sinful in the eyes of God. This phrase is often used in the Old Testament to describe the actions of the kings of Israel and Judah who turned away from God's commandments. Solomon's actions, influenced by his foreign wives, led him to idolatry, which was considered a grave sin. in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes God's omniscience and His ability to see all actions and intentions. It serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God, and He judges based on His perfect knowledge. This phrase underscores the seriousness of Solomon's actions, as they were not just offenses against human laws but against God's holy standards. and did not follow the LORD fully
The Hebrew word for "follow" is "מָלֵא" (male), which means to fill or to be full. To "follow the LORD fully" implies complete devotion and obedience to God's commandments. Solomon's heart was divided, as he allowed the influence of his foreign wives to lead him into idolatry, thus failing to maintain the wholehearted devotion that God required. as his father David had done
David, despite his own sins, is often portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His life was marked by repentance and a deep desire to follow God. This comparison highlights the standard of faithfulness that Solomon failed to meet. David's legacy was one of sincere devotion, whereas Solomon's later years were marred by compromise and disobedience. 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. However, his later years were marked by idolatry and disobedience to God. 2. DavidSolomon's father, the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God despite his own failings. David is often seen as a standard for righteousness in the Old Testament. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who desires complete devotion and obedience from His people. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon built the Temple and where he reigned as king. 5. IdolatryThe worship of idols or false gods, which Solomon fell into by marrying foreign women who led him astray from worshiping the one true God. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's heart was led astray by his foreign wives, showing how small compromises can lead to significant spiritual decline. The Importance of Complete DevotionUnlike David, who despite his sins always returned to God, Solomon's heart was not fully devoted, teaching us the importance of wholehearted commitment to God. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's actions had long-lasting effects on the kingdom of Israel, reminding us that our disobedience can have far-reaching consequences. Guarding Our HeartsWe must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against influences that can lead us away from God, as Solomon's account warns us. Learning from the PastSolomon had the example of his father David, yet he did not learn from it. We should learn from the examples of others in Scripture to avoid similar pitfalls. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific actions did Solomon take that were considered evil in the sight of the LORD, and how can we avoid similar actions in our own lives? 2. How does Solomon's failure to follow the LORD completely contrast with David's heart for God, and what can we learn from this contrast? 3. In what ways can small compromises in our faith lead to larger issues, as seen in Solomon's life? 4. How can we ensure that our hearts remain fully devoted to God, especially in a world full of distractions and temptations? 5. What lessons can we draw from Solomon's life about the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can we apply these lessons to our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:17This verse warns Israelite kings not to take many wives, lest their hearts be led astray, which directly connects to Solomon's downfall. 1 Kings 3:3Earlier in Solomon's reign, he loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, showing a contrast to his later actions. 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. Matthew 6:24Jesus teaches that no one can serve two masters, highlighting the divided heart Solomon had when he turned to other gods. 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 Completely, David, Didn't, Evil, Follow, Followed, Fully, Heart, Lord's, Sight, Solomon, Walking, WhollyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:6 5370 kingship, human 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 11:4-6 8764 forgetting God 1 Kings 11:4-8 6103 abomination 1 Kings 11:5-7 8799 polytheism 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 11:6 NIV1 Kings 11:6 NLT1 Kings 11:6 ESV1 Kings 11:6 NASB1 Kings 11:6 KJV
1 Kings 11:6 Commentaries
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