◄ 1 Kings 11 ►
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Summary Solomon’s Foreign Wives The downfall of Solomon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of obedience to God's commands. Despite his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's heart was led astray, leading to the eventual division of his kingdom. As believers, this chapter encourages us to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to God's Word, for our actions have far-reaching implications beyond our own lives. Solomon's Idolatry (1-8) Solomon, though known for his wisdom, was led astray by his foreign wives into idolatry. He built high places for the detestable gods of his wives, turning his heart away from the Lord, his God. God's Anger and Prophecy (9-13) The Lord, angered by Solomon's disobedience, prophesied that the kingdom would be torn away from Solomon's hand. However, for the sake of David, his father, it would not happen during Solomon's lifetime but in his son's. Rise of Hadad and Rezon (14-25) Hadad the Edomite and Rezon, son of Eliada, became adversaries to Solomon. Hadad, a royal survivor from Edom, was raised in Egypt before returning to stir trouble against Solomon. Rezon, who had fled from his master, ruled Damascus and was a continual affliction to Israel. Jeroboam's Prophecy and Rebellion (26-40) Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, also rebelled against the king. Ahijah the Shilonite prophesied that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel due to Solomon's idolatry. Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam, who fled to Egypt until Solomon's death. Solomon's Death (41-43) The chapter concludes with the death of Solomon after a 40-year reign, and his son Rehoboam succeeded him. 1 Kings 11 presents the downfall of King Solomon, who, despite his wisdom, succumbs to the allure of foreign gods due to the influence of his wives. His disobedience provokes God's anger, leading to prophecies of Israel's division and the rise of adversaries against Solomon. The chapter ends with Solomon's death and the ascension of his son, Rehoboam. Teaching Points Solomon's Disobedience Despite God's clear instructions, Solomon took many foreign wives who led him to worship other gods. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.' (1 Kings 11:1-2) The Consequence of Idolatry Solomon's heart turned away from the LORD, leading to the worship of false gods. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. (1 Kings 11:6) God's Judgment As a result of Solomon's unfaithfulness, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from him. Since you have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. (1 Kings 11:11) The Rise of Adversaries God raised up adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his disobedience. Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. (1 Kings 11:14) Practical Applications Guard Your Heart Be vigilant in guarding your heart against influences that can lead you away from God. Regularly evaluate your relationships and commitments to ensure they align with God's will. Obedience to God's Word Prioritize obedience to God's commands, understanding that His instructions are for our protection and blessing. Repentance and Restoration If you find yourself straying, remember that God is merciful and ready to forgive. Turn back to Him with a repentant heart. The Importance of Godly Influence Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith and help you stay committed to God. People 1. Solomon Solomon is the central figure in 1 Kings 11, described as the king of Israel who turned away from God in his old age. He is noted for having many foreign wives who led him to worship other gods. The text highlights his wisdom and wealth but also his spiritual decline. 2. Pharaoh's Daughter She is one of Solomon's wives, mentioned as part of his alliances with foreign nations. Her marriage to Solomon is indicative of his political strategies and alliances. 3. Moabite Women These women are among Solomon's foreign wives. The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot, and their presence in Solomon's life is seen as a negative influence leading him to idolatry. 4. Ammonite Women Solomon also married women from Ammon, another neighboring nation. The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, Lot's son, and their gods were among those Solomon worshiped. 5. Edomite Women Women from Edom, descendants of Esau, were also among Solomon's wives. Their influence contributed to Solomon's religious apostasy. 6. Sidonian Women These women were from Sidon, a Phoenician city. The Sidonians worshiped gods like Ashtoreth, whom Solomon also worshiped, as noted in the text. 7. Hittite Women Solomon's marriages included women from the Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people. Their gods were part of the pantheon Solomon turned to. 8. Rehoboam Solomon's son, who is mentioned as his successor. Rehoboam's reign is marked by the division of the kingdom, which is a consequence of Solomon's actions. 9. Jeroboam An official under Solomon who is prophesied to become king over ten tribes of Israel. His rise is part of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry. 10. Hadad the Edomite An adversary raised by God against Solomon. He fled to Egypt during David's reign and returned to Edom to oppose Solomon. 11. Rezon son of Eliada Another adversary of Solomon, who became king of Aram and harassed Israel. His opposition is part of the divine judgment on Solomon. 12. Ahijah the Shilonite A prophet who foretold the division of the kingdom, symbolized by tearing a new garment into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam. 13. Ashtoreth Although not a person, Ashtoreth is mentioned as a deity worshiped by Solomon. She was a goddess of the Sidonians, and her worship is indicative of Solomon's apostasy. 14. Chemosh Another deity, the god of the Moabites, whom Solomon worshiped. His inclusion in the text underscores the extent of Solomon's idolatry. 15. Molech The god of the Ammonites, also worshiped by Solomon. Molech worship often involved detestable practices, highlighting the severity of Solomon's spiritual decline. Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central city where King Solomon reigned. It is the political and spiritual heart of Israel. In Hebrew, it is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), often associated with peace and completeness. 2. Egypt Egypt is mentioned as the place from which Solomon's wife, Pharaoh's daughter, came. Egypt, in Hebrew "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), is historically a place of both refuge and bondage for the Israelites. 3. Moab Moab is referenced as one of the nations whose women Solomon loved. Moab, in Hebrew "מוֹאָב" (Mo'av), was located east of the Dead Sea and often in conflict with Israel. 4. Ammon Ammon is another nation whose women Solomon took as wives. The Ammonites, in Hebrew "עַמּוֹן" (Ammon), were descendants of Lot and frequently at odds with Israel. 5. Edom Edom is mentioned in the context of Hadad the Edomite, who was an adversary to Solomon. Edom, in Hebrew "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), is located south of the Dead Sea and is associated with Esau, Jacob's brother. 6. Sidon Sidon is noted as the origin of some of the foreign women Solomon married. Sidon, in Hebrew "צִידוֹן" (Tzidon), was a prominent Phoenician city known for its commerce and idolatry. 7. Mount of Olives The Mount of Olives is where Solomon built high places for foreign gods. In Hebrew, it is "הַר הַזֵּיתִים" (Har HaZeitim), a significant location east of Jerusalem. 8. Damascus Damascus is mentioned in relation to Rezon, who became an adversary to Solomon. Damascus, in Hebrew "דַּמֶּשֶׂק" (Dammeseq), is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and was a major Aramean city. Events 1. Solomon's Foreign Wives Solomon had many foreign wives, which led him astray. The text states, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from the Hittites" (1 Kings 11:1). The Hebrew word for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) indicates a deep affection, which ultimately influenced his spiritual fidelity. 2. Turning Away from God Solomon's heart turned away from the LORD due to his wives. "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been" (1 Kings 11:4). The Hebrew term for "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies the center of one's inner life and decision-making. 3. Idolatry and False Gods Solomon engaged in idolatry, worshiping false gods. "Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites" (1 Kings 11:5). The term "abomination" (שִׁקּוּץ, shiqquts) in Hebrew refers to something detestable, especially in the context of idolatry. 4. God's Anger with Solomon The LORD became angry with Solomon for his disobedience. "The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice" (1 Kings 11:9). The Hebrew word for "angry" (אָנַף, anaph) conveys a sense of intense displeasure. 5. Prophecy of the Kingdom's Division God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon. "I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant" (1 Kings 11:11). The Hebrew verb "tear" (קָרַע, qara) implies a forceful and decisive action. 6. Preservation of a Tribe for David's Sake Despite the impending division, God promised to preserve one tribe for David's sake. "Yet for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son" (1 Kings 11:12). The preservation of a tribe reflects God's covenantal faithfulness to David. 7. Adversaries Raised Against Solomon God raised up adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom" (1 Kings 11:14). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) denotes an opponent or enemy. 8. Jeroboam's Rebellion Jeroboam, one of Solomon's officials, rebelled against the king. "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, one of Solomon’s servants, rebelled against the king" (1 Kings 11:26). The Hebrew root for "rebelled" (מָרַד, marad) indicates a revolt or uprising. 9. Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam The prophet Ahijah foretold Jeroboam's rule over ten tribes. "Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes'" (1 Kings 11:30-31). 10. Solomon's Death Solomon reigned for forty years and then died. "Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place" (1 Kings 11:43). The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a Hebrew idiom for death, indicating a joining with one's ancestors. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:17 He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold. Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Prayer Points Pray for Wisdom and Discernment Ask God to grant you wisdom to recognize and resist temptations that lead you away from Him. Pray for a Heart of Obedience Seek God's help in cultivating a heart that desires to obey His commands and follow His ways. Pray for Godly Relationships Request God's guidance in forming relationships that strengthen your faith and encourage your walk with Him. Pray for Repentance and Renewal If you have strayed, pray for a spirit of repentance and for God to renew your heart and mind. May this study of 1 Kings 11 inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith and committed to following God's path. Bible Study Questions 1. Why do you think a wise man like Solomon was led astray by his foreign wives? 2. How does Solomon's disobedience contrast with the fidelity of his father, David? 3. What does this chapter teach about the consequences of idolatry? 4. How does God's response to Solomon's idolatry reflect His justice and mercy? 5. What do Hadad and Rezon symbolize in Solomon's story? 6. Discuss the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite. What does it reveal about God's sovereignty? 7. How does Jeroboam's reaction to the prophecy reflect on his character? 8. How does Solomon's life and reign impact your understanding of wisdom and obedience? 9. In what ways can you apply the lessons from Solomon's downfall in your personal life? 10. How can one guard their heart against the influences that led Solomon astray? 11. In what ways can we be led into idolatry in our modern lives, and how can we combat this? 12. Why is it significant that God chose not to divide the kingdom during Solomon's lifetime? 13. What does this chapter teach about God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness? 14. Can you think of a modern situation where a leader's personal failings led to wider societal or organizational consequences? 15. How might we respond to a prophecy like the one given to Jeroboam? 16. Discuss the concept of divine justice as displayed in this chapter. 17. How can we remain faithful to God when faced with temptations and influences like Solomon? 18. Reflect on the difference between Solomon's wisdom and his actions. How can one ensure their wisdom aligns with their behavior? 19. What aspects of Solomon's story resonate with your life and experiences? 20. How can we seek and maintain a heart wholly devoted to God in today's world? Topics 1. Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him astray from God. The text highlights that Solomon "loved many foreign women" (1 Kings 11:1), which was against God's command. The Hebrew word for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) indicates a deep affection that ultimately influenced Solomon's heart away from God. 2. God's Anger and Judgment Due to Solomon's idolatry, God became angry and decided to tear the kingdom away from him. The scripture states, "The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD" (1 Kings 11:9). The Hebrew word for "angry" (אָנַף, 'anaph) conveys a sense of intense displeasure. 3. The Rise of Adversaries God raised up adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his disobedience. Hadad the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada are mentioned as adversaries (1 Kings 11:14, 23). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) is used, which can mean an opponent or one who opposes. 4. Prophecy of the Kingdom's Division The prophet Ahijah foretold the division of the kingdom, giving ten tribes to Jeroboam. Ahijah's symbolic act of tearing a new cloak into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam is described (1 Kings 11:30-31). The Hebrew root for "tear" (קָרַע, qara) signifies a decisive and forceful action. 5. Jeroboam's Rebellion Jeroboam's rise and eventual rebellion against Solomon are detailed. The text notes that Jeroboam was "a man of standing" (1 Kings 11:28), indicating his capability and leadership qualities. The Hebrew word for "standing" (חַיִל, chayil) can also mean strength or valor. 6. Solomon's Death The chapter concludes with the death of Solomon and the succession of his son Rehoboam. It states, "Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David" (1 Kings 11:43). The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a common Hebrew idiom for death, indicating a joining with ancestors. Themes 1. Idolatry and Apostasy In 1 Kings 11, Solomon's heart turns away from the LORD as he engages in idolatry, influenced by his foreign wives. The text states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God" (1 Kings 11:4). The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies the inner being or will, indicating a deep-seated departure from God. 2. Divine Judgment and Consequences God's response to Solomon's idolatry is one of judgment. The LORD declares, "I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant" (1 Kings 11:11). The Hebrew verb "tear" (קָרַע, qara) conveys a forceful removal, emphasizing the severity of the consequence for disobedience. 3. Covenant Faithfulness Despite Solomon's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with David. The LORD says, "Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime" (1 Kings 11:12). This reflects the Hebrew concept of "chesed" (חֶסֶד), often translated as "steadfast love" or "covenant loyalty." 4. Political Turmoil and Division The chapter foreshadows the division of the kingdom, as adversaries rise against Solomon. The text mentions, "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite" (1 Kings 11:14). The Hebrew term for "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan) indicates opposition and conflict, setting the stage for future political instability. 5. Prophetic Fulfillment The prophecy given to Jeroboam by Ahijah the prophet signifies the fulfillment of God's word. Ahijah tells Jeroboam, "I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and give you ten tribes" (1 Kings 11:35). This highlights the theme of prophetic fulfillment, as God's words through His prophets come to pass. 6. Human Weakness and Failure Solomon's downfall illustrates the theme of human weakness and the failure to adhere to God's commands. Despite his wisdom, Solomon succumbs to the temptations of wealth, power, and foreign alliances, demonstrating the frailty of human nature when disconnected from divine guidance. 7. Divine Sovereignty Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident as He orchestrates events according to His divine plan. The LORD's control over the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms underscores His ultimate authority over human history, as seen in His dealings with Solomon and the future of Israel. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions