Then the LORD said to Solomon, "Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. Then the LORD said to SolomonThis phrase marks a direct communication from God to Solomon, emphasizing the personal nature of God's relationship with the king. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. This direct address underscores the gravity of the situation and the seriousness of Solomon's actions. Historically, God speaking directly to individuals was a significant event, often marking a pivotal moment in biblical narratives. Since you have done this
The phrase refers to Solomon's actions, specifically his turning away from God by worshiping other deities, influenced by his foreign wives. The Hebrew root for "done" (עָשָׂה, 'asah) implies deliberate action, indicating that Solomon's idolatry was a conscious choice. This highlights the theme of personal responsibility and the consequences of straying from God's commands. and have not kept My covenant and statutes
The covenant refers to the sacred agreement between God and Israel, with statutes being the specific laws given to guide the people. The Hebrew word for "kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard or observe, suggesting a failure to protect and uphold the divine laws. This breach of covenant is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often leading to divine judgment. which I commanded you
This phrase emphasizes the direct nature of God's instructions to Solomon. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah) conveys a sense of authoritative order. It reminds readers of the divine authority behind the laws and the expectation of obedience from those chosen by God. I will surely tear the kingdom away from you
The imagery of tearing (קָרַע, qara) is vivid and forceful, symbolizing a violent and irrevocable action. This reflects the severity of Solomon's disobedience and the consequential loss of the unified kingdom. Historically, this prophecy foreshadows the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms, a significant event in biblical history. and give it to your servant
This phrase indicates a transfer of power, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty in appointing leaders. The "servant" refers to Jeroboam, who would later become king of the northern tribes. This transfer serves as a reminder that God raises and deposes leaders according to His will, often using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. 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 disobedience to God’s commands. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who had established a special relationship with Solomon, granting him wisdom and prosperity, but also holding him accountable to His laws. 3. The Kingdom of IsraelThe united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, which was at its peak during Solomon's reign but was prophesied to be divided due to Solomon's disobedience. 4. The Covenant and StatutesThe laws and commandments given by God to the people of Israel, which Solomon was expected to uphold as king. His failure to do so led to the divine judgment pronounced in this verse. 5. Solomon’s ServantThis refers to Jeroboam, who would later become the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceSolomon’s downfall serves as a reminder that wisdom and blessings are not substitutes for obedience to God’s commands. Our relationship with God requires adherence to His Word. Consequences of DisobedienceEven the wisest and most blessed individuals are not immune to the consequences of turning away from God. Disobedience can lead to personal and communal repercussions. God’s Sovereignty and JusticeGod’s decision to divide the kingdom demonstrates His sovereignty and justice. He holds leaders accountable and ensures that His purposes are fulfilled, even through human failure. The Conditional Nature of God’s PromisesWhile God’s love and promises are steadfast, they often come with conditions that require our faithfulness and obedience. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon’s actions affected not only his life but the entire nation. Our choices can have far-reaching impacts on others, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon’s disobedience in 1 Kings 11:11 reflect the warnings given in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 about the behavior of kings? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our wisdom and blessings do not lead us away from obedience to God’s commands? 3. How does the division of the kingdom after Solomon’s reign illustrate the consequences of disobedience, and what can we learn from this for our own lives? 4. How does God’s response to Solomon’s disobedience demonstrate His justice and sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of God’s character? 5. Reflect on a time when your actions had a significant impact on others. How can Solomon’s account encourage you to make choices that honor God and positively influence those around you? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:14-20This passage outlines the laws for kings in Israel, emphasizing the importance of the king’s adherence to God’s commandments, which Solomon failed to do. 1 Kings 3:14God’s promise to Solomon that if he walked in obedience as David did, his reign would be prolonged. This highlights the conditional nature of God’s promises based on obedience. 1 Kings 12:15-16The fulfillment of God’s judgment as the kingdom is divided after Solomon’s death, with Jeroboam leading the northern tribes. 2 Samuel 7:12-16God’s covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, despite the immediate consequences of Solomon’s disobedience. 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 Agreement, Attitude, Certainly, Charged, Commanded, Covenant, Decrees, Forasmuch, Force, Hast, Kept, Kingdom, Laws, Mind, Rend, Servant, Solomon, Statutes, Subordinates, Surely, Tear, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:1-11 5811 compromise 1 Kings 11:9-13 5120 Solomon, character
7944 ministry, qualifications 1 Kings 11:10-11 8404 commands, in OT 1 Kings 11:11-13 1351 covenant, with David
5089 David, significance 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 11:11 NIV1 Kings 11:11 NLT1 Kings 11:11 ESV1 Kings 11:11 NASB1 Kings 11:11 KJV
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