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1 Kings 11

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‹ Chapter 10 1 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 12 ›

1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. 2 These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. 4 For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. 5 Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. 7 At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. 8 He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9 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. 10 Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 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. 12 Nevertheless, 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. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him. I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." 14 Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. 15 Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. 16 Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom. 17 But Hadad, still just a young boy, had fled to Egypt, along with some Edomites who were servants of his father. 18 Hadad and his men set out from Midian and went to Paran. They took men from Paran with them and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food. 19 There Hadad found such great favor in the sight of Pharaoh that he gave to him in marriage the sister of Queen Tahpenes, his own wife. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bore Hadad a son named Genubath. Tahpenes herself weaned him in Pharaoh’s palace, and Genubath lived there among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, that I may return to my own country." 22 But Pharaoh asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go." 23 And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, 24 and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control. 25 Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel. 26 Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, 27 and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. 28 Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. 29 During that time, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met Jeroboam on the road as he was going out of Jerusalem. Now Ahijah had wrapped himself in a new cloak, and the two of them were alone in the open field. 30 And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, 31 and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes. 32 But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. 33 For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did. 34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David My servant, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and statutes. 35 But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you. 36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. 37 But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel. 38 If you listen to all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight in order to keep My statutes and commandments as My servant David did, then I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 Because of this, I will humble David’s descendants—but not forever.’" 40 Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained until the death of Solomon. 41 As for the rest of the acts of Solomon—all that he did, as well as his wisdom—are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? 42 Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

‹ Chapter 10 1 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 12 ›

Study Notes — 1 Kings 11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins by describing Solomon's many foreign wives and their influence on his worship practices. Despite God's clear commands against intermarriage with foreigners, Solomon marries many women from neighboring kingdoms, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel. As a result, God appears to Solomon and announces that the kingdom will be torn away from him. However, because of God's promise to David, the kingdom will not be torn away during Solomon's lifetime. Instead, it will be given to his son, Rehoboam. The chapter also describes the rise of Jeroboam, an official in Solomon's court who will eventually lead the rebellion against Rehoboam and become the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Key verses include 1 Kings 11:1-3, which describe Solomon's foreign wives and their influence on his worship practices, and 1 Kings 11:9-13, which describe God's appearance to Solomon and the announcement of the kingdom's division.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the history of the kings of Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and the consequences of disobedience. The events of this chapter take place during the reign of King Solomon, who has been blessed by God with wisdom and wealth. However, despite these blessings, Solomon's heart turns away from the Lord, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a warning to us to prioritize obedience to God's commands and to be careful about the influences in our lives. We must prioritize our relationship with God and seek to please Him in all that we do. As we reflect on the consequences of Solomon's disobedience, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our own lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter describes the downfall of King Solomon due to his disobedience to God's commands. Despite his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's heart turns away from the Lord, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's foreign wives lead him to build high places for their gods, which becomes a snare for the Israelites. The chapter serves as a warning to us to prioritize obedience to God's commands and to be careful about the influences in our lives.

Voices from the Church

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? The answer is, God can know it, and He will judge it. Let us therefore seek to please Him in all that we do, and to prioritize obedience to His commands.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The division of the kingdom is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience. This serves as a warning to us to take God's commands seriously and to prioritize obedience in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The influence of foreign wives on Solomon's worship practices (1 Kings 11:1-3) — Despite God's clear commands against intermarriage with foreigners, Solomon marries many women from neighboring kingdoms, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel.
  2. God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience (1 Kings 11:9-13) — God appears to Solomon and announces that the kingdom will be torn away from him due to his disobedience. However, because of God's promise to David, the kingdom will not be torn away during Solomon's lifetime.
  3. The rise of Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:26-40) — The chapter describes the rise of Jeroboam, an official in Solomon's court who will eventually lead the rebellion against Rehoboam and become the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
  4. The death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41-43) — The chapter concludes with the death of Solomon, who has reigned for 40 years. Despite his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's disobedience has led to the division of the kingdom.
  5. The beginning of Rehoboam's reign (1 Kings 11:43) — The chapter concludes with the beginning of Rehoboam's reign, who will face the challenge of leading a divided kingdom.

Core Doctrines

The doctrine of God's judgment
This chapter teaches that God is a God of judgment, who will punish disobedience. As described in 1 Kings 11:9-13, God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience is severe, leading to the division of the kingdom.
The doctrine of God's faithfulness
Despite Solomon's disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises to David. This serves as a reminder to us of God's faithfulness and love, even in the midst of our disobedience.
The doctrine of the importance of obedience
This chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for our spiritual well-being. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's disobedience leads to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.
The doctrine of the consequences of sin
This chapter teaches that sin has consequences, and that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe punishment. As described in 1 Kings 11:9-13, the division of the kingdom is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience.

Lessons from 1 Kings 11

  1. The importance of obedience — This chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for our spiritual well-being. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's disobedience leads to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.
  2. The danger of foreign influences — The chapter serves as a warning to us to be careful about the influences in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with God. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's foreign wives lead him to build high places for their gods, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.
  3. The faithfulness of God — Despite Solomon's disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises to David. This serves as a reminder to us of God's faithfulness and love, even in the midst of our disobedience.
  4. The consequences of sin — This chapter teaches that sin has consequences, and that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe punishment. As described in 1 Kings 11:9-13, the division of the kingdom is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience.
  5. The importance of seeking to please God — As we reflect on the consequences of Solomon's disobedience, we are reminded of the importance of seeking to please God in all that we do. This involves prioritizing obedience to His commands and seeking to honor Him in our lives.

Themes from 1 Kings 11

  1. The theme of obedience — This chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for our spiritual well-being. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's disobedience leads to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.
  2. The theme of foreign influences — The chapter serves as a warning to us to be careful about the influences in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with God. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's foreign wives lead him to build high places for their gods, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.
  3. The theme of God's faithfulness — Despite Solomon's disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises to David. This serves as a reminder to us of God's faithfulness and love, even in the midst of our disobedience.
  4. The theme of the consequences of sin — This chapter teaches that sin has consequences, and that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe punishment. As described in 1 Kings 11:9-13, the division of the kingdom is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience.
  5. The theme of seeking to please God — As we reflect on the consequences of Solomon's disobedience, we are reminded of the importance of seeking to please God in all that we do. This involves prioritizing obedience to His commands and seeking to honor Him in our lives.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which we can prioritize obedience to God's commands in our lives?
  2. How can we be careful about the influences in our lives and avoid introducing idolatrous practices into our worship?
  3. What are some consequences of disobedience that we can see in our own lives or in the lives of others?
  4. How can we trust in God's faithfulness and love, even in the midst of our disobedience?
  5. What are some ways in which we can seek to please God in all that we do?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The influence of foreign wives on Solomon's worship practices (1 Kings 11:1-3)

11:1 Despite God's clear commands against intermarriage with foreigners, Solomon marries many women from neighboring kingdoms, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel.
11:2 The Bible warns against intermarriage with foreigners, citing the danger of being led astray by their worship practices. As described in 1 Kings 11:2, Solomon's foreign wives lead him to build high places for their gods, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.

2. God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience (1 Kings 11:9-13)

11:9 God appears to Solomon and announces that the kingdom will be torn away from him due to his disobedience. However, because of God's promise to David, the kingdom will not be torn away during Solomon's lifetime.
11:10 God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience is severe, leading to the division of the kingdom. As described in 1 Kings 11:10, God will tear the kingdom away from Solomon and give it to his servant, Jeroboam.

3. The rise of Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:26-40)

11:26 The chapter describes the rise of Jeroboam, an official in Solomon's court who will eventually lead the rebellion against Rehoboam and become the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
11:29 Ahijah, a prophet of the Lord, appears to Jeroboam and announces that he will become the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. As described in 1 Kings 11:29, Ahijah tears his cloak into 12 pieces, giving 10 pieces to Jeroboam, symbolizing the division of the kingdom.

4. The death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41-43)

11:41 The chapter concludes with the death of Solomon, who has reigned for 40 years. Despite his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's disobedience has led to the division of the kingdom.
11:42 Solomon's death marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new period in Israel's history. As described in 1 Kings 11:42, Solomon's son, Rehoboam, will face the challenge of leading a divided kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 1 Kings 11?

The main theme of 1 Kings 11 is the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the life of King Solomon. As described in 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon's disobedience leads to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel, which becomes a snare for the Israelites.

Who is Jeroboam, and what is his significance in the chapter?

Jeroboam is an official in Solomon's court who will eventually lead the rebellion against Rehoboam and become the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. As described in 1 Kings 11:26-40, Jeroboam's rise to power is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience.

What is the significance of the number 12 in the chapter?

The number 12 is significant in the chapter because it represents the 12 tribes of Israel. As described in 1 Kings 11:29-31, Ahijah tears his cloak into 12 pieces, giving 10 pieces to Jeroboam, symbolizing the division of the kingdom into 12 tribes.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Kings 11:1 → Deuteronomy 7:1-5 The Bible warns against intermarriage with foreigners, citing the danger of being led astray by their worship practices. As described in Deuteronomy 7:1-5, the Israelites are commanded to destroy the nations of Canaan and not to intermarry with them.
2 1 Kings 11:9 → Psalm 89:30-37 God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience is severe, leading to the division of the kingdom. As described in Psalm 89:30-37, God's faithfulness to His promises is contrasted with the disobedience of His people.
3 1 Kings 11:26 → 1 Samuel 15:23 The rise of Jeroboam is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience. As described in 1 Samuel 15:23, rebellion against God's authority is compared to the sin of witchcraft.
4 1 Kings 11:29 → Genesis 37:3-4 Ahijah's prophecy to Jeroboam is similar to the prophecy given to Joseph by his father, Jacob. As described in Genesis 37:3-4, Joseph's father gives him a special coat, which symbolizes his favored status among his brothers.
5 1 Kings 11:31 → Genesis 49:10 The division of the kingdom is predicted in the book of Genesis. As described in Genesis 49:10, the scepter will not depart from Judah until the coming of the Messiah.
6 1 Kings 11:33 → Leviticus 18:21 The worship of Molech is forbidden in the law of Moses. As described in Leviticus 18:21, the Israelites are commanded not to give their children to Molech, nor to profane the name of their God.
7 1 Kings 11:36 → 2 Samuel 7:12-16 God's promise to David is reiterated in the chapter. As described in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God promises to establish David's throne forever, and to make his name great.
8 1 Kings 11:40 → Matthew 1:1-17 The genealogy of Jesus is traced back to King David. As described in Matthew 1:1-17, Jesus is the son of David, and the son of Abraham.
9 1 Kings 11:43 → Acts 13:22-23 The death of Solomon marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new period in Israel's history. As described in Acts 13:22-23, God raises up David as a leader, and promises to establish his throne forever.
10 1 Kings 11:1-3 → Ephesians 5:25-33 The influence of foreign wives on Solomon's worship practices is a warning to us to be careful about the influences in our lives. As described in Ephesians 5:25-33, husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and to give themselves up for her.

Sermons on 1 Kings 11

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson How Quickly We Turn Aside by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of idolatry and how it can lead people away from God. He emphasizes that idols can take many forms, such as sports, entertainment
Don Currin (Spiritual Dangers) Danger of Losing Your Passion for Christ by Don Currin In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God
Don Currin (Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of High Places by Don Currin In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God
David Guzik (1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz
David Guzik (1 Kings) the Fall of Solomon and the United Monarchy by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Solomon's kingdom and the consequences of his disobedience to God. The sermon emphasizes that true security for Israel did not li
Don Currin (Spiritual Dangers) Danger in the Way of Cain by Don Currin In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 10-13 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the history of Israel and their rebellion against God. He mentions how God had made a covenant with David that there would always be a king fr
Alan Stewart A Leaders Worst Nightmare by Alan Stewart Alan Stewart delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Leader's Worst Nightmare,' reflecting on the life of King Saul as a cautionary tale for leaders in ministry. He emphasizes the imp
Richard Owen Roberts Manifest Presence - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of drawing near to God. He emphasizes that the distance between God and ourselves is not always equal and that God may be farther
Zac Poonen (Proverbs) ch.6:12 - 8:21 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of young people not realizing their need for God. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acknowledging one's need for God's gu

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 11

In this chapter, we see the sad spectacle of a great and good king, Solomon, falling into gross idolatry, and thereby bringing ruin upon his family and kingdom. The chapter teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the danger of foreign influences. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The greatest wisdom and knowledge are of no avail, if we be not governed by the fear of God, and a regard to His commands.' The chapter also highlights the faithfulness of God, who remains true to His promises despite the disobedience of His people. As Henry notes, 'God's covenant with David is not forgotten, though Solomon's sin is not excused.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The influence of foreign wives on Solomon's worship practices

Despite God's clear commands against intermarriage with foreigners, Solomon marries many women from neighboring kingdoms, leading to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Israel. This serves as a warning to us to be careful about the influences in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with God.

The consequences of disobedience

The division of the kingdom is a direct result of Solomon's disobedience. This serves as a warning to us to take God's commands seriously and to prioritize obedience in our lives.

The faithfulness of God

Despite Solomon's disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises to David. This serves as a reminder to us of God's faithfulness and love, even in the midst of our disobedience.

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