Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Now the LORDThe term "LORD" in this context is translated from the Hebrew "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His personal relationship with Israel. This name is significant as it underscores the seriousness of Solomon's actions against a God who is not distant but intimately involved with His people. grew angry
The Hebrew word used here is "anaph," which conveys a deep, righteous indignation. This is not a capricious anger but a just response to Solomon's disobedience. God's anger is always rooted in His holiness and justice, reflecting His intolerance for sin and idolatry, especially from those who have been given much. with Solomon
Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to lead Israel and was endowed with wisdom and wealth. His name means "peace," yet his actions led to turmoil. This highlights the tragic irony of a king who, despite his wisdom, failed to maintain peace with God. because his heart had turned away
The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Solomon's heart turning away signifies a complete departure from devotion to God. This phrase indicates a gradual process of spiritual decline, warning believers of the dangers of divided loyalties. from the LORD, the God of Israel
This phrase reiterates the personal and national relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It emphasizes the covenantal breach, as Solomon's actions were not just personal failings but had national implications, affecting the entire people of God. who had appeared to him twice
The divine appearances to Solomon are recorded in 1 Kings 3:5 and 1 Kings 9:2. These encounters were profound, direct communications from God, underscoring the gravity of Solomon's apostasy. Despite these personal revelations, Solomon's heart strayed, illustrating that spiritual experiences alone do not guarantee faithfulness without continual obedience and devotion. 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. Despite his early devotion, Solomon's heart turned away from God due to his marriages to foreign women who led him to idolatry. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who had a personal relationship with Solomon, appearing to him twice and granting him wisdom and wealth. Yahweh's anger is a response to Solomon's disobedience and idolatry. 3. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon's rule, which experienced peace and prosperity during his reign. However, Solomon's apostasy set the stage for the kingdom's eventual division. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the location of the Temple, which Solomon built as a place for God's presence among His people. 5. IdolatryThe worship of idols or false gods, which Solomon fell into by building high places for the gods of his foreign wives, leading to God's anger. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's marriages to foreign women led him to compromise his faith. Believers must guard against small compromises that can lead to significant spiritual decline. The Importance of ObedienceDespite his wisdom, Solomon's disobedience brought God's anger. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. God's Faithfulness and JusticeGod appeared to Solomon twice, showing His faithfulness. However, God's justice required addressing Solomon's sin, reminding us of the balance between God's love and holiness. Guarding the HeartSolomon's heart turned away from God, emphasizing the need for believers to guard their hearts and remain steadfast in their devotion to God. Consequences of SinSolomon's idolatry had lasting consequences for Israel, illustrating how personal sin can impact others and future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific actions led to Solomon's heart turning away from God, and how can we apply this lesson to avoid similar pitfalls in our lives? 2. How does Solomon's account illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, and what areas of our lives require greater obedience? 3. In what ways does God's response to Solomon's sin demonstrate His character, and how should this influence our understanding of God's nature? 4. How can we guard our hearts against turning away from God, especially in a culture that often promotes values contrary to biblical teachings? 5. What are the potential consequences of personal sin on our families and communities, and how can we seek to prevent these outcomes through faithful living? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:16-17This passage warns Israelite kings against accumulating excessive wealth, horses, and wives, which could lead their hearts away from God. Solomon's actions directly violated these commands, illustrating the consequences of disobedience. 1 Kings 3:5-14God appeared to Solomon in a dream, granting him wisdom and promising blessings for obedience. This highlights the contrast between Solomon's initial faithfulness and his later apostasy. Exodus 20:3-5The first and second commandments prohibit idolatry, underscoring the seriousness of Solomon's sin in turning to other gods. James 1:14-15This New Testament passage describes how desire leads to sin and death, paralleling Solomon's journey from wisdom to idolatry. 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 Angry, Appeared, Aside, Heart, Sheweth, Solomon, Twice, VisionDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:9 5017 heart, renewal
5790 anger, divine
6628 conversion, God's demand 1 Kings 11:1-11 5811 compromise 1 Kings 11:9-13 5120 Solomon, character
7944 ministry, qualifications 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 11:9 NIV1 Kings 11:9 NLT1 Kings 11:9 ESV1 Kings 11:9 NASB1 Kings 11:9 KJV
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