King James Version
1 Kings 11
43 verses with commentary
Solomon's Wives Turn His Heart
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; together: or, beside
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for underst...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1-8) The defection of Solomon is distinctly traced to his polygamy, contracting numerous marriages with “strange women.” Polygamy is also attributed to David (see 2Samuel 3:2-5; 2Samuel 15:16), marking perhaps the characteristic temperament of voluptuousness, which seduced him into his great sin; but it was carried out by Solomon on a scale corresponding to the magnificence of his kingdom, and pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33. Their blood shall ... return upon the head of Joab, &c.--**A reference is here made to the curse publicly and solemnly pronounced by King David (2Sa 3:28, 29).
1Ki 2:34-46. Shimei Put to Death.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34. Benaiah ... went up, and fell upon him--**According to the terms of the statute (Ex 21:14), and the practice in similar cases (2Ki 11:15), the criminal was to be dragged from the altar and slain elsewhere. But the truth is, that the sanctity of the altar was violated as much by the violence used in forcing the criminal from the place as in shedding his blood there; the express command of God...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines.**—The harem of an Eastern king is simply an adjunct of his magnificence, and the relation of the wives to him little more than nominal. (Comp. Esther 2:14.) Nor does the statement here made necessarily imply that at any one time the whole number existed. Still, the numbers here given, though found also in the LXX. and in Josephus, are not onl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.</strong> This tragic verse marks Solomon's spiritual decline after decades of wisdom and faithfulness. The phrase 'when Solomon was old' (<em>le'et ziknat Shlomoh</em>, לְעֵת זִקְנַת שְׁלֹמֹה) suggests t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **When Solomon was old.**—It is clearly implied that the evil influence belonged to the time of senile feebleness, possibly the premature result of a life of indulgence; for he could not have been very old, if he was “but a child” at the time of his accession. But, as it is not at all likely that Solomon forsook the worship of God (see 1Kings 11:5-6; 1Kings 9:25), it would seem that his idolat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36. the king sent and called for Shimei--**He was probably residing at Bahurim, his native place. But, as he was a suspicious character, Solomon condemned him henceforth to live in Jerusalem, on the penalty of death, for going without the gates. He submitted to this confinement for three years, when, violating his oath, he was arrested and put to death by Solomon for perjury, aggravated by his f...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Ashtoreth** (or, *Astarte*).—The goddess of the Zidonians, and possibly the Hittites, corresponding to Baal, the great Tyrian god, and representing the receptive and productive, as Baal the active and originative, power in Nature. As usual in all phases of Natureworship, Ashtoreth is variously represented, sometimes by the moon, sometimes by the planet Venus (like the Assyrian *Ishtar*, whic...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. went: Heb. fulfilled not after
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 King...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **On the hill that is before Jerusalem.**—evidently on the Mount of Olives (part of which still traditionally bears the name of the “Mount of Offence”), facing and rivalling the Temple on Mount Moriah. Tophet, the place of actual sacrifice to Molech, was “in the valley of the son of Hinnom” (2Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31), which (see Jeremiah 19:2) was east or south-east. of the city, and would ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Which had appeared unto him twice.**—See 1Kings 3:5; 1Kings 9:2.) Stress is laid on these direct visions of the Lord to Solomon, as contrasted with the usual indirect revelation through the prophets, and so carrying with them peculiar privilege and responsibility.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry.(1-8)
God's anger.(9-13)
Solomon's adversaries.(14-25)
Jeroboam's promotion.(26-40)
The death of Solomon.(41-43)
**Verses 1-8**
There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abomin...
Read full commentary →And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us till the day of j...
Read full commentary →And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us till the day of j...
Read full commentary →Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. is done: Heb. is with thee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us till the day of j...
Read full commentary →Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12, 13) **For David my servant’s sake**—that is, evidently, in order to fulfil the promise to David. By the postponement of the chastisement, the blessing promised to his son personally would be still preserved; by the retaining of the kingdom, though shorn of its splendour, and limited to Judah, the larger and more important promise, the continuance of the family of David till the coming of the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us till the day of j...
Read full commentary →Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for un...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us till the day of j...
Read full commentary →Solomon's Adversaries
And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14-25) The events recorded in this section belong, at least in part, to the early years of the reign of Solomon. when the deaths of the warlike David and Joab, and the accession of a mere youth of avowedly peaceful character, may have naturally encouraged insurrection against the dominion of Israel. They are, no doubt, referred to in this place in connection with the prophecy just recorded, and t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**46. the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon--**Now, by the death of Shimei, all the leaders of the rival factions had been cut off.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) The war here described is briefly noted, with some differences of detail, in 2Samuel 8:12-14, 1Chronicles 18:11-13, and Psalms 60 (title and 1Kings 11:8). It is there closely connected with the great struggle with the Syrians, and the victory is ascribed in one record to Joab, in the other to Abishai. Here David himself is described as taking part in the war—perhaps completing the conquest, a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theolog...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3
1Ki 3:1. Solomon Marries Pharaoh's Daughter.
**1. Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh--**This was a royal title, equivalent to "sultan," and the personal name of this monarch is said to have been Vaphres. The formation, on equal terms, of this matrimonial alliance with the royal family of Egypt, shows the high consideration to which the Hebrew kingdom had now arisen. Rosellini has giv...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's con...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostas...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **They arose out of Midian.**—The expression is a curious one; for we should have expected the starting-point of the flight to have been described in Edom itself. If the reading of the text is correct, the reference must be either to some branch of the Midianitish tribes settled between Edom and the desert of Paran, or to a city Midian, not far from the Gulf of Elath, of which some ancient au...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. And Solomon loved the Lord--**This declaration, illustrated by what follows, affords undoubted evidence of the young king's piety; nor is the word "only," which prefaces the statement, to be understood as introducing a qualifying circumstance that reflected any degree of censure upon him. The intention of the sacred historian is to describe the generally prevailing mode of worship before the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Tahpenes the queen**—a name unknown, either in history or in the Egyptian monuments.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there--**The old tabernacle and the brazen altar which Moses had made in the wilderness were there (1Ch 16:39; 21:29; 2Ch 1:3-6). The royal progress was of public importance. It was a season of national devotion. The king was accompanied by his principal nobility (2Ch 1:2); and, as the occasion was most probably one of the great annual festivals which last...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His peo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Genubath** is similarly unknown. The weaning in the house of Pharaoh, no doubt with the customary festival (comp. Genesis 20:18), indicated the admittance of the child into the royal family of Egypt.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream--**It was probably at the close of this season, when his mind had been elevated into a high state of religious fervor by the protracted services. Solomon felt an intense desire, and he had offered an earnest petition, for the gift of wisdom. In sleep his thoughts ran upon the subject of his prayer, and he dreamed that God appeared to him and g...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. Let: Heb. Send me away
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21, 22) **When Hadad heard.**—If (as the text seems to suggest) this took place on the news of the death of David and of Joab, the scourge of Edom, it belongs, of course, to the early part of the reign of Solomon, before his power was established. The courteous evasion by the Pharaoh of that time of Hadad’s request for permission to return, may probably indicate the beginning of the change of att...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Solomon said--**that is, had dreamed that he said.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. Nothing: Heb. Not
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuanc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. I am but a little child--**not in age, for he had reached manhood (1Ki 2:9) and must have been at least twenty years old; but he was raw and inexperienced in matters of government.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contributio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Rezon the son of Eliadah.**—The name *Rezon*, which is not unlike the “Rezin” of 2 Kings 16, appears to signify “prince,” and might naturally mark the founder of a new power. In 1Kings 20:18 we read of a Hezion, king of Damascus, who would belong to this generation, and may be identical with Rezon. The tradition quoted by Josephus (*Ant. vii.* 5, 2) from Nicolaus of Damascus, that for ten g...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances importan...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **When David slew them of Zobah.**—The account of this war is found in 2Samuel 8:1-13. The kingdom of Zobah was evidently a powerful state at that time, at war with the Syrian kingdom of Hamath, but holding supremacy over the Syrians of Damascus, and the “Syrians beyond the river” Euphrates; and (as the record shows) accumulating vast treasures of gold, silver, and brass. The establishment of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Beside the mischief that Hadad did.**—The expression, as it stands, is curiously abrupt in its recurrence to Hadad. But the text is doubtful. (See Note on 1Kings 11:21-22.) If the general reading of the LXX. be taken, the substitution of Edom for Syria (*Aram*) (it involves but slight change in the Hebrew) must be accepted; if the explanation of Josephus is correct, then the reading of the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. the speech pleased the Lord--**It was Solomon's waking prayers that God heard and requited, but the acceptance was signified in this vision.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-25**
While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct Solomon.
Jeroboam Rebels
And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances impor...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Jeroboam the son of Nebat.**—The life and character of Jeroboam are given in considerable detail in the history; and it is also remarkable that in some of the MSS. of the LXX. we find inserted after 1Kings 12:24 an independent account of his early history (see Note at the end of the chapter), generally of inferior authority, and having several suspicious features, but perhaps preserving som...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. repaired: Heb. closed
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understand...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Solomon built Millo.**—See 1Kings 9:15; 1Kings 9:24. This was apparently after he had built the Temple and the palace, some twenty years after his accession, when the delight in magnificence of building apparently grew upon him, and with it the burdens of the people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious , he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. was industrious: Heb. did work charge: Heb. burden
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **A mighty man of valour.**—The phrase, like the “mighty valiant man,” applied to the young David (1Samuel 16:18), has nothing to do with war, but simply signifies “strong and capable.”
**The charge** (or in margin “the burden”), is, of course, the taskwork assigned to the levy from the tribe of Ephraim (and possibly Manasseh with it). It is clear from this that the levy for the Temple—perhap...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message abo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Rent it in twelve pieces.**—The use of symbolical acts is frequent in subsequent prophecy (especially see Jeremiah 13:1; Jeremiah 19:1; Jeremiah 27:2; Ezekiel 4, 5, Ezekiel 12:1-7; Ezekiel 24:3; Ezekiel 24:15), often alternating with symbolical visions and symbolical parables or allegories. The object is, of course, to arrest attention, and call out the inquiry (Ezekiel 24:19): “Wilt thou n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. behold, it was a dream--**The vivid impression, the indelible recollection he had of this dream, together with the new and increased energy communicated to his mind, and the flow of worldly prosperity that rushed upon him, gave him assurance that it came by divine inspiration and originated in the grace of God. The wisdom, however, that was asked and obtained was not so much of the heart as ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text rev...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31, 39) **Take thee ten pieces.**—The message delivered by Ahijah first repeats exactly the former warning to Solomon (1Kings 11:9-13), marking, by the two reserved pieces of the garment, the duality of the “one tribe” reserved for the house of David; next, it conveys to Jeroboam a promise like that given to David (so far as it was a temporal promise), “to build thee a sure house, as I built for ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. Then came there two women--**Eastern monarchs, who generally administer justice in person, at least in all cases of difficulty, often appeal to the principles of human nature when they are at a loss otherwise to find a clue to the truth or see clearly their way through a mass of conflicting testimony. The modern history of the East abounds with anecdotes of judicial cases, in which the decis...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understandi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's ap...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>T...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theologi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, cov...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for u...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40) **Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam.**—The knowledge of the promise in itself would be sufficient to excite the jealousy of the old king, and incite him to endeavour to falsify it by the death of Jeroboam. But from 1Kings 11:26 it may be inferred that Jeroboam, characteristically enough, had not patience to wait for its fulfilment, and that he sought in some way by overt act to clutch...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 26-40**
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself t...
Read full commentary →Solomon's Death
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? acts: or, words, or, things
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasure...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **The book of the acts of Solomon.**—In 2Chronicles 9:29 the acts of Solomon are said to be “written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat.” The prophets appear here in the character of annalists. The book of Nathan presumably contained only the history of the early years; that of A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 41-43**
Solomon's reign was as long as his father's, but his life was not so. Sin shortened his days. If the world, with all its advantages, could satisfy the soul, and afford real joy, Solomon would have found it so. But he was disappointed in all, and to warn us, has left this record of all earthly enjoyments, "Vanity and vexation of spirit." The New Testament declares that one grea...
Read full commentary →And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. time: Heb. days
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message abou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(42) **Forty years.**—The reign of Solomon was thus of the same length as that of his father. (See 1Kings 2:11.) The coincidence is curious; but the accurate historical character of the whole narrative forbids the idea that the numbers given are merely round numbers, signifying long duration. Josephus gives eighty years—either by error in his Hebrew text, or perhaps by confusing together the durat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 41-43**
Solomon's reign was as long as his father's, but his life was not so. Sin shortened his days. If the world, with all its advantages, could satisfy the soul, and afford real joy, Solomon would have found it so. But he was disappointed in all, and to warn us, has left this record of all earthly enjoyments, "Vanity and vexation of spirit." The New Testament declares that one grea...
Read full commentary →And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. Rehoboam: Gr. Roboam
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's co...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 41-43**
Solomon's reign was as long as his father's, but his life was not so. Sin shortened his days. If the world, with all its advantages, could satisfy the soul, and afford real joy, Solomon would have found it so. But he was disappointed in all, and to warn us, has left this record of all earthly enjoyments, "Vanity and vexation of spirit." The New Testament declares that one grea...
Read full commentary →