1 Kings 11:7

At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.

Study Bible

At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific period in Solomon's reign, a time when his heart had turned away from the Lord due to his foreign wives. The Hebrew context suggests a pivotal moment, marking a decline from his earlier devotion. Historically, this period reflects Solomon's later years, where political alliances through marriages led to spiritual compromises.

on a hill east of Jerusalem
The geographical reference to a hill east of Jerusalem is significant. This location is traditionally associated with the Mount of Olives. The choice of this site for idol worship is particularly grievous, given its proximity to the Temple, the center of worship for Yahweh. Archaeologically, this area has been identified with ancient cultic practices, underscoring the historical reality of the text.

Solomon built a high place
The act of building a "high place" indicates the establishment of a site for pagan worship. In Hebrew, "high place" (bamah) often refers to elevated sites used for religious rites. Solomon's involvement in constructing such places marks a stark departure from his earlier dedication to building the Temple for the Lord, highlighting a tragic shift in his spiritual priorities.

for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab
Chemosh was the national deity of the Moabites, often associated with detestable practices, including child sacrifice. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: toebah) conveys something detestable or loathsome, especially in the eyes of God. This reflects the deep spiritual corruption that had infiltrated Israel under Solomon's reign, as he allowed foreign deities to be worshipped within the land.

and for Molech, the abomination of the Ammonites
Molech, like Chemosh, was associated with abhorrent practices, including child sacrifice. The Ammonites' worship of Molech was particularly offensive to God, as it directly contravened His commandments. The repetition of "abomination" emphasizes the severity of Solomon's actions in endorsing such worship, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. However, his later years were marked by disobedience to God, as he turned to idolatry influenced by his foreign wives.

2. Chemosh
The national deity of the Moabites, often associated with child sacrifice and considered an abomination by the Israelites.

3. Molech
The god of the Ammonites, also associated with detestable practices, including child sacrifice.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon built the Temple for the worship of Yahweh, but also where he erected high places for foreign gods.

5. High Place
A site of worship, often on elevated ground, where altars and idols were set up for pagan worship, contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Solomon's alliances through marriage led him to compromise his faith. Believers must guard against allowing relationships or cultural influences to lead them away from God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Solomon's actions had long-term consequences for Israel, leading to division and eventual exile. Disobedience to God's commands can have far-reaching effects.

The Importance of Faithful Leadership
As a leader, Solomon's actions influenced the entire nation. Christian leaders are called to set an example of faithfulness and obedience to God.

The Call to Destroy Idols
Just as Israel was commanded to destroy high places, believers are called to remove anything in their lives that takes the place of God.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite Solomon's failures, God's grace allows for repentance and restoration, as seen in the reforms of later kings like Josiah.

Bible Study Questions

1. What led Solomon to build high places for foreign gods, and how can we avoid similar compromises in our own lives?

2. How do the actions of Solomon in 1 Kings 11:7 contrast with God's commands in Deuteronomy 12:2-4 and Exodus 20:3-5?

3. In what ways can modern believers identify and remove "high places" or idols in their own lives?

4. How does the account of Solomon's idolatry serve as a warning for Christian leaders today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did you seek repentance and restoration, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
God commands the Israelites to destroy all high places and not to worship Him in the way the nations worship their gods. This highlights Solomon's disobedience in building high places for foreign gods.

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, which Solomon violated by building high places for Chemosh and Molech.

2 Kings 23:13
King Josiah later defiles the high places Solomon built, showing a return to faithfulness and a rejection of idolatry.