# Overview 1 Kings Chapter 11 chronicles the decline of #KingSolomon's reign due to his disobedience to #God's commands. Despite his wisdom and the blessings bestowed upon him, Solomon's heart turns away from God as he marries numerous foreign women—700 wives and 300 concubines—who lead him to worship their gods. This idolatry is in direct violation of God's commandment to the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign nations, as it would turn their hearts away from Him. Solomon's alliances through marriage introduce the worship of false gods such as #Ashtoreth, #Milcom, and #Chemosh into #Israel, angering the Lord. God's response to Solomon's unfaithfulness is to raise adversaries against him, including #Hadad the Edomite and #Rezon, and ultimately to decree that the kingdom will be torn from Solomon's son, although for the sake of #David, Solomon's father, one tribe will remain. The chapter also introduces #Jeroboam, an industrious servant of Solomon, whom the prophet #Ahijah approaches with a symbolic act. Ahijah tears a new garment into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam, signifying that God will give him ten tribes of the kingdom. This act marks the divine judgment against Solomon’s house due to his turning away from God. However, God promises that the lineage of David will not be completely destroyed, preserving a remnant for the sake of the covenant with David. This chapter serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments and the enduring impact of one’s actions on future generations. ## Theological Insights 1 Kings 11 presents a significant turning point in the narrative of King #Solomon's reign, highlighting the consequences of his disobedience to God. The chapter reveals the theological theme of **covenant faithfulness** and its implications for the #Davidic dynasty and the nation of #Israel. ### Solomon's Apostasy - The text illustrates Solomon's deviation from God's commands, particularly regarding foreign alliances through marriage, which led him to idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-8). This highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, echoing the warnings found in the Law, such as in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 17]] where kings are cautioned against multiplying wives, horses, and wealth. ### Theological Consequences - God's response to Solomon's apostasy underscores the principle of divine judgment in the context of covenant relationships. Although God had made a covenant with David promising that his descendants would rule Israel ([[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]]), Solomon's unfaithfulness leads to the impending division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:11-13). This demonstrates the balance between God's sovereign promise and human responsibility. ### Prophetic Pronouncement - The rise of adversaries against Solomon, such as Hadad the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada, reflects God's sovereignty in using human agents to accomplish His purposes (1 Kings 11:14-25). This aligns with the biblical theme that God raises and removes leaders according to His will, seen throughout the narratives of the Old Testament, such as in the stories of [[Judges/Judges Chapter 2]]. ### Jeroboam's Commission - The prophet Ahijah's prophecy to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29-39) is a pivotal moment that foreshadows the division of the kingdom. The torn garment symbolizes the impending split of Israel, illustrating the consequences of Solomon's actions while also showcasing God's ongoing plan for His people. This moment parallels God's call to other leaders, such as [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Moses]], indicating that God raises new leaders to fulfill His purposes despite human failures. ### Covenant Loyalty - Despite the impending judgment, God's promise to maintain a remnant for David's sake (1 Kings 11:13, 36) emphasizes His faithfulness to His covenant. This reflects God's mercy and the continuation of His redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]). 1 Kings 11 serves as a solemn reminder of the necessity of faithfulness to God and the serious consequences of turning away from Him, while also highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. ## Thematic Connections ### The Danger of Idolatry 1 Kings 11 highlights the theme of the peril of idolatry as #Solomon, despite his wisdom, turns away from God to follow other gods due to the influence of his foreign wives. This connects to warnings in the #OldTestament, such as in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20:3-5]], where God commands against idol worship, and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7|Deuteronomy 7:3-4]], which warns against intermarrying with pagan nations as it may lead to serving their gods. The consequences of idolatry are further seen in the eventual division of the kingdom, reminiscent of Israel's repeated cycles of sin and punishment in the Book of [[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges]]. ### The Faithfulness of God’s Promise Despite Solomon's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with #David. This theme connects to God’s promises in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]], where God assures David that his lineage would endure. Even though the kingdom is divided, God honors His promise by preserving a portion of the kingdom for the sake of David and Jerusalem, which echoes God’s commitment to His word as seen throughout the #OldTestament in stories such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Abraham]] and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28|Jacob]]. ### The Consequences of Disobedience Solomon’s disobedience and the resulting divine judgment reveal the theme of consequences for sin. This echoes earlier biblical narratives where disobedience leads to severe repercussions, such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 3|Adam and Eve]] in the Garden of Eden, and [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 14|Israel’s rebellion]] in the wilderness. The division of the kingdom serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of departing from God’s commandments. ### The Sovereignty of God The events in 1 Kings 11 underscore God’s sovereignty in raising adversaries against Solomon as a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness. This theme is resonant with the biblical portrayal of God’s control over nations and leaders, as seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 45|Isaiah 45:1-7]] with #Cyrus, or [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 4|Nebuchadnezzar’s]] humbling in the Book of Daniel. Despite human failure, God’s purposes prevail, demonstrating His ultimate authority over history and the affairs of nations. ### The Role of Prophetic Voices The chapter introduces the prophet #Ahijah, who plays a crucial role in revealing God’s future plans to #Jeroboam. This aligns with the biblical theme of prophets acting as God’s mouthpieces, delivering messages of judgment, hope, and instruction, as seen with figures like [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 3|Samuel]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6|Isaiah]], and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 1|Jeremiah]]. Prophetic voices consistently call God’s people back to faithfulness and provide insight into God’s unfolding plans. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Division of the Kingdom In 1 Kings 11, the prophecy concerning the division of #Israel is fulfilled. The LORD tells #Solomon through the prophet #Ahijah that due to Solomon’s disobedience and idolatry, the kingdom will be torn from him, although not during his lifetime, out of respect for #David, his father. This fulfills the warning given in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8]] about the consequences of having a king who turns away from God's commands. The eventual division into the northern kingdom of #Israel and the southern kingdom of #Judah is a direct consequence of Solomon’s actions, as foretold by God. ### The Preservation of David’s Line Despite the impending division of the kingdom, God promises to preserve one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem, fulfilling His covenant with David. This is in alignment with the promise made to David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]], where God assures David that his throne will be established forever. The preservation of a remnant, through the tribe of Judah, ensures the continuation of David's lineage, which is crucial for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, ultimately realized in Jesus Christ. ### Adversaries Raised Against Solomon The LORD raises adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his idolatry, fulfilling the warnings made to Israel about the repercussions of turning away from God. This aligns with the principles outlined in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]], where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God’s laws. The adversaries, such as #Hadad the Edomite and #Rezon son of Eliada, emphasize the fulfillment of these covenantal warnings, serving as instruments of divine discipline against Solomon and Israel. ## Verses - **1 Kings 11:1** - "Now King #Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides #Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from #Moab, #Ammon, #Edom, #Sidon, and from among the #Hittites." - Note: See [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 17]] for warnings against marrying foreign wives. - **1 Kings 11:2** - "The LORD had clearly instructed the people of #Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway." - Note: Reference to God's command in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 34]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7]]. - **1 Kings 11:3** - "He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD." - Note: Cross-reference with [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]] for Solomon's father #David's many wives. - **1 Kings 11:4** - "In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been." - Note: Contrast with David's heart for God in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]]. - **1 Kings 11:5** - "Solomon worshiped #Ashtoreth, the goddess of the #Sidonians, and #Molech, the detestable god of the #Ammonites." - Note: See prohibitions against Molech worship in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 18]]. - **1 Kings 11:6** - "In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the LORD’s sight; he refused to follow the LORD completely, as his father, David, had done." - Note: Compare with David's obedience in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 18]]. - **1 Kings 11:7** - "On the Mount of Olives, east of #Jerusalem, he even built a pagan shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of #Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites." - Note: Reference to [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 23]] where these shrines were later destroyed. - **1 Kings 11:8** - "Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods." - Note: See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]] for Solomon's initial worship at high places. - **1 Kings 11:9** - "The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice." - Note: See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]] and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 9]] for God's appearances to Solomon. - **1 Kings 11:10** - "He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the LORD’s command." - Note: Reference to [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6]] about worshiping God alone. - **1 Kings 11:11** - "So now the LORD said to him, ‘Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.’" - Note: Connect with [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]] about the kingdom being taken from #Saul. - **1 Kings 11:12** - "But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son." - Note: Reference to God's promise to David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]]. - **1 Kings 11:13** - "And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom. I will let him be king of one tribe for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of #Jerusalem, my chosen city." - Note: See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]] for the division of the kingdom. - **1 Kings 11:14** - "Then the LORD raised up Hadad the Edomite, a member of Edom’s royal family, to be Solomon’s adversary." - Note: Background on Edom from [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 36]]. - **1 Kings 11:15** - "Years before, David had defeated Edom, and Joab, his army commander, had stayed to bury some of the Israelite soldiers who had died in battle. While there, they killed every male in Edom." - Note: See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 8]] for David's conquest of Edom. - **1 Kings 11:16** - "Joab and the army of Israel had stayed there for six months, killing them." - Note: Joab's role in David’s army is further described in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 2]]. - **1 Kings 11:17** - "But Hadad and a few of his father’s royal officials escaped and headed for Egypt. Hadad was just a boy at the time." - Note: Egypt as a place of refuge also seen in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. - **1 Kings 11:18** - "They set out from Midian and went to Paran, where others joined them. Then they traveled to Egypt and went to Pharaoh, who gave them a home, food, and land." - Note: Connect with other journeys to Egypt in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46]]. - **1 Kings 11:19** - "Pharaoh grew very fond of Hadad, and he gave him his wife’s sister in marriage, the sister of Queen Tahpenes." - Note: Reference to Egyptian alliances in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41]]. - **1 Kings 11:20** - "Tahpenes’ sister bore him a son named Genubath. Tahpenes raised him in Pharaoh’s palace among Pharaoh’s own sons." - Note: See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 2]] for parallels in royal upbringing. - **1 Kings 11:21** - "When the news reached Hadad in Egypt that David and his commander Joab were both dead, he said to Pharaoh, ‘Let me return to my own country.’" - Note: Joab's death is recorded in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 2]]. - **1 Kings 11:22** - "'Why?' Pharaoh asked him. ‘What do you lack here that makes you want to go home?’ ‘Nothing,’ he replied. ‘But even so, please let me return home.’" - Note: Pharaoh's relationship with Hadad is notable like [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]] with #Abraham. - **1 Kings 11:23** - "God also raised up Rezon son of Eliada as Solomon’s adversary. Rezon had fled from his master, King Hadadezer of #Zobah," - Note: Reference to earlier conflicts in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 8]]. - **1 Kings 11:24** - "and had become the leader of a gang of rebels. After David conquered Hadadezer, Rezon and his men fled to Damascus, where he became king." - Note: See further on Damascus in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 8]]. - **1 Kings 11:25** - "Rezon was #Israel’s bitter adversary for the rest of Solomon’s reign, and he made trouble just as Hadad did. Rezon hated Israel intensely and continued to reign in Aram." - Note: Aram's role in Israel's history also seen in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3]]. - **1 Kings 11:26** - "Another rebel leader was Jeroboam son of Nebat, one of Solomon’s own officials. He came from the town of Zeredah in Ephraim, and his mother was Zeruah, a widow." - Note: Jeroboam's future role is further detailed in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]]. - **1 Kings 11:27** - "This is the story behind his rebellion. Solomon was rebuilding the supporting terraces and repairing the walls of the city of his father David." - Note: David's construction efforts are noted in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]]. - **1 Kings 11:28** - "#Jeroboam was a very capable young man, and when Solomon saw how industrious he was, he put him in charge of the labor force from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of #Joseph." - Note: Reference to the tribes in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48]]. - **1 Kings 11:29** - "One day as Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh met him along the way. Ahijah was wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone in a field," - Note: Prophetic actions similar to those in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]. - **1 Kings 11:30** - "and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces." - Note: Symbolic acts in prophecy are also seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 20]]. - **1 Kings 11:31** - "Then he said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten of these pieces, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon, and I will give ten of the tribes to you.'" - Note: See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]] for fulfillment of this prophecy. - **1 Kings 11:32** - "But I will leave him one tribe for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel." - Note: God's choice of Jerusalem is noted in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8]]. - **1 Kings 11:33** - "For Solomon has abandoned me and worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh, the god of Moab, and Molech, the god of the Ammonites. He has not followed my ways and done what is pleasing in my sight. He has not obeyed my decrees and regulations as David, his father, did." - Note: Contrast with David’s obedience in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]]. - **1 Kings 11:34** - "'But I will not take the entire kingdom from Solomon at this time. For the sake of my servant David, the one whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees, I will keep Solomon as leader for the rest of his life.'" - Note: See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] for God's covenant with David. - **1 Kings 11:35** - "'But I will take the kingdom away from his son and give ten of the tribes to you.'" - Note: The kingdom's division is detailed in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]]. - **1 Kings 11:36** - "'His son will have one tribe so that the descendants of David my servant will continue to reign, shining like a lamp in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen to be the place for my name.'" - Note: Davidic covenant in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]]. - **1 Kings 11:37** - "'And I will place you on the throne of Israel, and you will rule over all that your heart desires.'" - Note: Jeroboam's future as king is outlined in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]]. - **1 Kings 11:38** - "'If you listen to what I tell you and follow my ways and do whatever I consider to be right, and if you obey my decrees and commands, as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty for you as I did for David, and I will give Israel to you.'" - Note: God's promises are conditional on obedience, as seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]]. - **1 Kings 11:39** - "'Because of Solomon’s sin, I will punish the descendants of David—though not forever.'" - Note: See [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] for God's enduring promise to David. - **1 Kings 11:40** - "Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but he fled to King Shishak of Egypt and stayed there until Solomon died." - Note: Jeroboam's flight is akin to [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 27]] where David fled from Saul. - **1 Kings 11:41** - "The rest of the events in Solomon’s reign, including all his deeds and his wisdom, are recorded in The Book of the Acts of Solomon." - Note: Reference similar to [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 29]] on the acts of David. - **1 Kings 11:42** - "Solomon ruled in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years." - Note: Compare with reigns of other kings in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]]. - **1 Kings 11:43** - "When he died, he was buried in the city of David, named for his father. Then his son Rehoboam became the next king." - Note: The transition to Rehoboam's reign is further described in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]].