Nehemiah 13:26

Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel--yet foreign women drew him into sin.

Study Bible

Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this?
King Solomon, son of David, was renowned for his wisdom and wealth, yet he fell into sin by marrying foreign women who led him to idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-8). This serves as a warning against compromising faith for political alliances or personal desires. Solomon's actions are a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience to God's commands, specifically the prohibition against intermarrying with pagan nations (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).

There was not a king like him among many nations,
Solomon's reign was marked by unprecedented prosperity and peace, making him a unique figure among the kings of Israel and the surrounding nations. His wisdom and wealth were unparalleled, as seen in his building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 4:29-34). This phrase highlights the exceptional nature of Solomon's rule, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

and he was loved by his God,
God's love for Solomon is evident in the blessings bestowed upon him, including wisdom, wealth, and honor (1 Kings 3:10-14). This love was conditional upon Solomon's obedience, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Despite his later failings, God's initial favor towards Solomon underscores the potential for divine blessing when one walks in obedience.

who made him king over all Israel—
Solomon's kingship was divinely ordained, fulfilling God's promise to David that his son would succeed him and build the Temple (1 Chronicles 28:5-6). His rule over a united Israel represents a high point in the nation's history, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. This also prefigures the ultimate kingship of Christ, who reigns over a spiritual Israel (Luke 1:32-33).

yet foreign women drew him into sin.
Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as he built high places for their gods (1 Kings 11:4-8). This disobedience resulted in God's anger and the eventual division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:9-13). The influence of these women serves as a warning about the spiritual dangers of unequal yoking (2 Corinthians 6:14) and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The 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. Despite his wisdom, he fell into sin by marrying foreign women who led him to idolatry.

2. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and instituting religious reforms among the returned exiles.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, Jerusalem was the focal point of Nehemiah's efforts to restore the spiritual and physical integrity of the Jewish people.

4. Foreign Women
In the context of Nehemiah 13, these were women from surrounding nations who did not worship Yahweh. Marriages to them often led Israelites, including Solomon, into idolatry.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols or false gods, which was strictly forbidden in the Jewish faith. Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, which had severe consequences for Israel.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Solomon's downfall began with seemingly small compromises. Believers must be vigilant in maintaining their spiritual integrity and not allow worldly influences to lead them astray.

The Importance of Obedience
Despite Solomon's wisdom and favor with God, his disobedience had lasting consequences. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Guarding Against Idolatry
Idolatry can take many forms, not just the worship of physical idols. Believers must guard their hearts against anything that takes precedence over their relationship with God.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah's leadership highlights the importance of holding others accountable to God's standards. Leaders in the faith community must be willing to confront sin and guide others back to righteousness.

The Influence of Relationships
Relationships have a profound impact on our spiritual lives. Believers should seek relationships that encourage and strengthen their faith, rather than those that lead them away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Solomon's relationships with foreign women lead to his downfall, and what can we learn from this about the influence of relationships on our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can modern believers guard against the subtle forms of idolatry that may infiltrate their lives today?

3. How does Nehemiah's response to the issue of intermarriage in Israel reflect the importance of community accountability in the church?

4. What are some practical steps believers can take to ensure they are not compromising their faith in their daily lives?

5. How can the account of Solomon and Nehemiah's reforms inspire us to pursue obedience and faithfulness in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:1-13
This passage details Solomon's marriages to foreign women and how they led him to worship other gods, directly connecting to Nehemiah's warning.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
God commands the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign nations to prevent them from turning away from Him, which is the underlying issue Nehemiah addresses.

Ezra 9-10
Similar to Nehemiah, Ezra deals with the issue of intermarriage with foreign women and the resulting idolatry, showing a consistent concern for maintaining religious purity.