King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:7 Mean?

1 Kings 11:7 in the King James Version says “Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 11:7 · KJV

Context

5

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6

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

7

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.

8

And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

9

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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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָז֩1 of 16
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יִבְנֶ֨ה2 of 16

“build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה3 of 16

“Then did Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בָּמָ֗ה4 of 16

“an high place”

H1116

an elevation

לִכְמוֹשׁ֙5 of 16

“for Chemosh”

H3645

kemosh, the god of the moabites

שִׁקֻּ֖ץ6 of 16

“the abomination”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

מוֹאָ֔ב7 of 16

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

בָּהָ֕ר8 of 16

“in the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל10 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֣י11 of 16

“that is before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם12 of 16

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּלְמֹ֕לֶךְ13 of 16

“and for Molech”

H4432

molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

שִׁקֻּ֖ץ14 of 16

“the abomination”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

בְּנֵ֥י15 of 16

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּֽוֹן׃16 of 16

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 11:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 21:29Judges 11:24Acts 7:43Jeremiah 48:13Deuteronomy 13:14Numbers 33:52

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
Mount of OlivesHill · Modern: Mount of Olives · 31.78°N, 35.25°E18 verses across 9 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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