1 Kings 11:4-6

4 For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and ¹his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

5 For Solomon went after ²Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after ³Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites.

6 Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as David his father had done.

1 Kings 11:4-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 9:4
• 2. Judges 2:13; Judges 10:6; 1 Samuel 7:3, 4
• 3. 1 Kings 11:7

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "complete with"
• [b]. In Jer 49:1, 3, "Malcam"