1 Kings 11:1

KJV

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

KJV (with Strong's)

But king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} loved {H157} many {H7227} strange {H5237} women {H802}, together with the daughter {H1323} of Pharaoh {H6547}, women of the Moabites {H4125}, Ammonites {H5984}, Edomites {H130}, Zidonians {H6722}, and Hittites {H2850};

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo loved many foreign women besides the daughter of Pharaoh. There were women from the Mo'avi, 'Amoni, Edomi, Tzidoni and Hitti -

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 11:1 marks a profound and tragic turning point in the otherwise glorious reign of King Solomon, celebrated for his unparalleled wisdom and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal verse immediately introduces the primary cause of his spiritual decline and the subsequent troubles that would plague the united kingdom of Israel: his deep affection for and marriage to numerous foreign women, including the daughter of Pharaoh and women from various forbidden nations, setting the stage for his eventual apostasy and the fragmentation of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after the zenith of Solomon's reign, detailed in chapters 9 and 10, which describe his immense wealth, international fame, and the completion of the Temple and his palace. The narrative has consistently highlighted Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, seemingly blessed by God. However, [1 Kings 10:26-29](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26-29 - Solomon's Accumulation of Chariots, Horses, and Gold") already hinted at potential disobedience by mentioning his multiplication of horses and gold, both forbidden for kings in [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings Against Royal Accumulation"). Chapter 11, beginning with this verse, abruptly shifts the tone, introducing the fatal flaw that would unravel all his achievements. It serves as the narrative hinge, transitioning from Solomon's glory to his downfall and the subsequent division of the kingdom under his son, Rehoboam, as prophesied later in [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were primarily political alliances, solidifying treaties and extending influence. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter was a significant diplomatic coup, elevating Israel's status on the international stage, as Egypt was a dominant power. However, this practice directly conflicted with God's covenantal commands given to Israel through Moses. The Mosaic Law explicitly forbade intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Drive Out Nations and Not Intermarry")), precisely because these unions would lead to the worship of foreign gods and the corruption of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. Furthermore, [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - King's Prohibition Against Many Wives") specifically warned Israelite kings against multiplying wives, lest their hearts be turned away from the Lord. The nations listed—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites—were not arbitrary; they represented peoples with distinct idolatrous practices, some of whom had historically opposed Israel, and their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of Solomon's transgression against divine law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several critical themes. It highlights the **peril of compromise** and the subtle yet devastating nature of spiritual drift, showing that even the wisest and most blessed individuals are susceptible to temptation and apostasy if they do not guard their hearts and adhere to God's clear instructions. It underscores the **primacy of covenant fidelity** over political expediency or personal desire, demonstrating that disobedience to God's explicit commands has severe consequences, not only for the individual ruler but for the entire nation. Solomon's "love" for these women directly contravenes the call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, foreshadowing the widespread idolatry that would plague Israel and ultimately lead to the **beginning of the kingdom's decline and division**, a direct result of his failure to uphold the Deuteronomic covenant, as God later reveals in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger and Judgment on Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **loved (אָהַב, _'ahav_):** The Hebrew verb "loved" here signifies more than mere political alliance or casual affection; it denotes a deep emotional attachment and devotion. This "love" for many foreign women suggests a profound personal commitment that competed with, and ultimately superseded, his singular devotion to Yahweh. It implies a willingness to accommodate their customs and gods, leading directly to the spiritual compromise detailed in subsequent verses.
* **strange women (נָשִׁים נָכְרִיּוֹת, _nashim nokhriyot_):** This phrase is crucial. "Strange" (נָכְרִיּוֹת, _nokhriyot_) refers not merely to nationality but carries a strong theological connotation of being foreign to the covenant and the worship of Yahweh. These women were "outsiders" to Israel's faith, bringing with them their pagan deities and practices. The term emphasizes the spiritual danger they posed, as their influence would inevitably lead to the introduction of idolatry and the corruption of true worship within the kingdom, as explicitly warned against in the Mosaic Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But king Solomon loved many strange women":** The conjunction "But" immediately signals a stark contrast to the preceding narrative of Solomon's wisdom, wealth, and devotion. "Loved" indicates a deep personal attachment, implying more than just political marriages. The phrase "many strange women" highlights the scale of his transgression and the comprehensive nature of his deviation from God's commands, setting the stage for his heart being turned away.
* **"together with the daughter of Pharaoh":** The specific mention of Pharaoh's daughter is significant. She was Solomon's first and most prominent foreign wife, acquired early in his reign (1 Kings 3:1). Her inclusion here emphasizes that even this politically advantageous union was a violation of the spirit, if not the letter, of the law against intermarriage with pagan nations, initiating a pattern of compromise that would escalate.
* **"women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites":** This detailed list underscores the systematic nature of Solomon's disobedience. These nations were all pagan, often hostile to Israel, and known for their idolatrous practices (e.g., Moabites and Ammonites were associated with Chemosh and Molech, Zidonians with Baal and Ashtoreth). God had explicitly forbidden intermarriage with these peoples due to the certainty of their leading Israel into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Solomon's disregard for these specific prohibitions demonstrates a profound failure of covenant fidelity.

#### Literary Devices
The opening of [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Decline") employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident, as the verse starkly contrasts Solomon's previous glory and wisdom (chapters 9-10) with the revelation of his profound moral and spiritual failure. This abrupt shift creates a sense of tragic irony. The verse also functions as clear **foreshadowing**, explicitly setting up the narrative of Solomon's spiritual decline, the introduction of idolatry into Israel, and the subsequent divine judgment leading to the division of the kingdom. The **catalogue** or **list** of specific nations (Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, Hittites) serves to emphasize the comprehensive and deliberate nature of Solomon's disobedience to God's explicit commands, highlighting the breadth of his transgression. Furthermore, there is a profound **irony** in the wisest king acting so foolishly, directly violating the very laws designed to preserve the nation's spiritual integrity and blessed status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's tragic deviation in 1 Kings 11:1 serves as a profound theological warning against the insidious nature of spiritual compromise and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity. Despite being blessed with unparalleled wisdom and the privilege of building God's Temple, Solomon allowed worldly desires—political alliances, personal affection, and the multiplication of wives—to override God's clear commands. His "love" for these foreign women, who brought their idolatrous practices, directly violated the Deuteronomic law designed to protect Israel's monotheistic purity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This act was not merely a social misstep but a profound breach of fidelity to the Lord, demonstrating that even the most gifted and blessed individuals are susceptible to spiritual drift if they do not vigilantly guard their hearts and prioritize God's word above all else. This foundational sin sets the stage for the kingdom's fragmentation, illustrating that divine blessings are contingent upon obedience and that disobedience carries severe, far-reaching consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")
* [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - King's Prohibition Against Many Wives")
* [Nehemiah 13:26](/nehemiah/13-26 "Nehemiah 13:26 - Nehemiah's Rebuke of Intermarriage, Citing Solomon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's tragic example in 1 Kings 11:1 offers a timeless and sobering warning for believers today about the subtle yet profound dangers of spiritual compromise. His story reminds us that even those endowed with great wisdom, success, and divine favor are not immune to spiritual decline if they neglect vigilance and obedience. The "strange women" in our lives may not be literal foreign spouses, but rather any influence—be it relationships, cultural pressures, worldly ambitions, or even seemingly benign desires for comfort and security—that subtly draws our hearts away from singular devotion to God. This passage calls us to critically examine our allegiances and ensure that our ultimate love and loyalty remain with the Lord, guarding against anything that might introduce spiritual syncretism or dilute our commitment to His truth. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's clear commands, understanding that they are given for our protection and spiritual well-being, even when they seem restrictive or counter-cultural in a secular world. What might appear as a minor deviation or a "small" compromise can, like a tiny crack in a dam, lead to catastrophic spiritual consequences, affecting not only the individual but also those under their influence or leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange women" or foreign influences (e.g., cultural norms, media, relationships, ambitions) might subtly draw my heart away from singular devotion to God today?**
* **How does Solomon's story challenge my understanding of wisdom and success, particularly the idea that these can protect me from moral failure?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise God's clear commands for perceived gain, comfort, or acceptance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively guard my heart and mind against spiritual drift and maintain unwavering fidelity to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so wrong for Solomon to marry foreign women, especially if it was for political alliances?**

Answer: While politically expedient and common in the ancient Near East, Solomon's marriages to foreign women were fundamentally wrong because they directly violated God's explicit commands given to Israel through Moses. The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"), strictly forbade intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations. The primary concern was not their nationality but their idolatrous religious practices. God knew that these unions would inevitably lead Israel, and especially its king, into worshipping foreign gods, thereby corrupting their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. As [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away") clearly states, Solomon's wives "turned away his heart after other gods," proving the very danger God had warned against. His actions demonstrated a prioritization of worldly power and alliances over divine obedience, leading to severe spiritual and national consequences.

**How could the wisest man in the world make such a foolish mistake?**

Answer: Solomon's story is a profound illustration that even divine wisdom and immense blessings do not negate human free will or the persistent danger of temptation and sin. Solomon's wisdom, though divinely granted for governance and discernment (e.g., [1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")), did not automatically confer perfect moral fortitude or immunity from spiritual complacency. His accumulation of wives, horses, and wealth, all forbidden to kings in [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings Against Royal Accumulation"), suggests a gradual erosion of his commitment to God's commands, perhaps fueled by pride, a desire for political stability, or personal indulgence. His failure highlights the human propensity to stray, even against clear divine instruction, and serves as a sobering warning that wisdom alone is not a guarantee against spiritual downfall; constant vigilance, humility, and singular devotion to God are essential.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon, the son of David, was granted unparalleled wisdom and the privilege of building God's Temple, yet his reign, though glorious, was ultimately marred by his fatal compromise with idolatry, beginning with his "love" for foreign women. He failed to maintain perfect covenant fidelity, leading to the division of his kingdom and foreshadowing Israel's subsequent spiritual decline. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, perfectly fulfills the role of the wise and faithful King. Unlike Solomon, Jesus never compromises with the world, nor does He succumb to temptation, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus")). He is the true Temple, the embodiment of God's presence, and the one who perfectly obeys God's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus establishes an eternal, undivided kingdom, gathering people from every nation not through political alliances or compromise with paganism, but through transforming grace and the power of the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). He is the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), who perfectly leads His people in true worship, unlike Solomon whose foreign wives led him to apostasy. In Christ, we find the perfect King, whose heart is never turned away from the Father, and who secures for us an unshakeable kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:17

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Nehemiah 13:23

¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Nehemiah 13:27

Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

Proverbs 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

1 Kings 11:8

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