1 Kings 11

1 Kings 11:1

strange = foreign. Note the frequent reference to these in the Book of Proverbs. Note the three steps in Solomon’s fall: wealth, weapons, and women. Compare Deuteronomy 17:16-17, where note the items in which Solomon failed.

1 Kings 11:3

children = sons.

1 Kings 11:4

not perfect. See note on 1 Kings 8:61.

as = according to. David was faultless as to idolatry.

1 Kings 11:5

Ashtoreth. Compare Judges 2:13. 1 Samuel 7:3; 1 Samuel 12:10; 1 Samuel 31:10.

Milcom. Same as Malcham, the Aramaic pronunciation of Molech (1 Kings 11:7). See Zephaniah 1:5. Translated “their king” (Jeremiah 49:1. Amos 1:15).

abomination. The word used for an idol by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), because of Jehovah’s hatred which it produced. Compare 2 Kings 23:13. Daniel 9:27.

1 Kings 11:6

evil = the evil. Hebrew. ra’a’. App-44.

1 Kings 11:7

Chemosh. Compare Numbers 21:29. Jeremiah 48:7, Jeremiah 48:13, Jeremiah 48:46; 2 Kings 23:13.

the hill, &c. = Mount of Olives! Hence called “the Mount of Corruption” (2 Kings 23:13).

Molech. Generally has the article and denotes the king-idol (Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:2, Leviticus 20:3, Leviticus 20:4, Leviticus 20:5; Leviticus 11:7. 2 Kings 23:10. Jeremiah 32:35). Isaiah 30:33 with Isaiah 57:9 may be Molech, the idol, and not Melek, “king”.

1 Kings 11:9

angry. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6. Hebrew. ’anaph. Used only of Divine anger. Occurs fourteen times: six in the Hithpael = to force one’s self to be angry (as with one loved). See the six: Deuteronomy 1:37; Deuteronomy 4:21; Deuteronomy 9:8, Deuteronomy 9:20. Deuteronomy 11:7. 2 Kings 17:18.

twice. Compare 1 Kings 3:5; 1 Kings 9:2.

1 Kings 11:10

had commanded him. Compare 1 Kings 6:12.

commanded. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, add “him”.

1 Kings 11:11

will surely rend = a rending I will rend. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6. See note on Genesis 26:28. Genesis 26:13

1 Kings 11:13

one tribe. Benjamin reckoned as part of Judah.

1 Kings 11:14

an adversary = a Satan.

1 Kings 11:15

it came to pass, &c. Compare 2 Samuel 8:3-13. Joab. Compare Psalms 60, title, and see note on 2 Samuel 8:13.

every male: i.e. who did not flee, as Hadad did. Supply Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6), “every male [whom he found] in Edom”. See 1 Kings 11:17.

1 Kings 11:16

six months. See note on 2 Samuel 8:13. Note also Figure of speech Parenthesis (App-6), 1 Kings 11:16.

1 Kings 11:21

slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16.

1 Kings 11:25

reigned. David had subdued Syria (2 Samuel 8:3, 2 Samuel 8:6; 2 Samuel 10:8, 2 Samuel 10:18). Now Solomon, weakened by sin, loses Syria.

1 Kings 11:26

Ephrathite = Ephraimite, as in 1 Samuel 1:1. Not a Bethlehemite, as in Rth 1:2. Zealous therefore for his tribe as against Judah.

a widow. One of the nine widows mentioned in Scripture. See note on Genesis 38:19.

1 Kings 11:27

Millo = the Millo. See note on 1 Kings 9:15.

1 Kings 11:28

made him ruler = gave him oversight, which gave him opportunity to oppress and create disaffection.

1 Kings 11:29

Ahijah. He afterwards rebuked Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:6-16).

Shilonite = a native of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle and Ark bad been placed (Joshua 18:1). Compare 1 Samuel 4:3.

1 Kings 11:30

rent it. Symbolic act. Compare 1 Kings 22:11. Isaiah 20:2, &c. Jeremiah 19:1-13. Ezekiel 12:1-20. Zechariah 11:7, Zechariah 11:10, Zechariah 11:14.

1 Kings 11:31

ten. Levi not reckoned.

1 Kings 11:32

one tribe. Put for, and including, Simeon, Benjamin, and Levi, and others who joined later. Compare 1 Kings 12:23. 2 Chronicles 11:13; 2 Chronicles 15:9.

1 Kings 11:33

Ashtoreth.    )

Chemosh.    ) See notes on verses: 1 Kings 11:5 and 1 Kings 11:7.

Milcom.    )

1 Kings 11:35

I will take. Fulfilled in 1 Kings 12:16-20.

1 Kings 11:36

light = lamp. Compare the “furnace” of 1 Kings 8:51, and see note on Genesis 15:17. Compare 2 Kings 8:19. Psalms 18:28. Jeremiah 25:10, implying the continued existence of the Divine purpose.

1 Kings 11:38

if thou wilt hearken. Same conditions as in 1 Kings 9:4.

a sure house: i.e. a long and unbroken line of descendants.

1 Kings 11:39

not for ever. Thus confirming the prophecy of Gen 49:10, which refers to the tribal pre-eminence of Judah (not national existence), which was preserved till fulfilled in Christ, when David’s line ended in Him.

1 Kings 11:40

Egypt. This explains much. He must have thought of Joseph’s exaltation, and the blessing pronounced on Ephraim (Genesis 49:13-20; Genesis 49:22-26); and by Moses (Deuteronomy 33:13-17). It explains also the origin of the “golden calves” (1 Kings 12:28).

1 Kings 11:41

written in the book. See note on Exodus 17:14.

1 Kings 11:42

forty years: 920-880 B.C.