1 Kings 11:10

KJV

And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

KJV (with Strong's)

And had commanded {H6680} him concerning this thing {H1697}, that he should not go {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430}: but he kept {H8104} not that which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and given him orders concerning this matter that he should not follow other gods. But he didn't obey ADONAI's orders.

Berean Standard Bible

Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command.

American Standard Version

and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which Jehovah commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 11:10 records the profound tragedy of King Solomon's direct and deliberate disobedience to the LORD. Despite receiving explicit divine commands not to pursue other gods, Solomon, influenced by his numerous foreign wives, turned his heart away from the God of Israel. This pivotal verse underscores the gravity of his apostasy, revealing a failure not merely of moral weakness but of a conscious rejection of the covenant relationship, setting the stage for the severe divine judgment and the eventual division of his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Solomon's spiritual decline, which begins in earnest in [1 Kings 11:1](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1 - Solomon's Foreign Wives"). The preceding verses detail Solomon's extensive marriage alliances with foreign women from nations explicitly forbidden by God, who "turned away his heart after other gods" ([1 Kings 11:3](/1_kings/11-3 "1 Kings 11:3 - Wives Turn Solomon's Heart")). [1 Kings 11:9](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9 - God's Anger with Solomon") explicitly states God's anger because Solomon's heart had turned from the LORD. Therefore, [1 Kings 11:10](/1_kings/11-10 "1 Kings 11:10 - Solomon's Disobedience") serves as the direct theological explanation for God's wrath, highlighting that Solomon's actions were not merely an oversight but a conscious violation of a specific, repeated divine injunction. The verses immediately following detail the consequences, with God declaring He would tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially marked by unparalleled wisdom, peace, and prosperity, was also characterized by extensive international diplomacy and trade. Marriages to foreign princesses were common political strategies in the ancient Near East, intended to forge alliances and secure peace. However, the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage") and [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Laws for Kings"), explicitly prohibited Israelite kings from multiplying wives, especially foreign ones, precisely because they would "turn away your heart after their gods." Solomon's actions, therefore, were not merely culturally acceptable but religiously forbidden for the king of Israel, who was meant to embody covenant fidelity. His building of high places for pagan deities ([1 Kings 11:7-8](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7-8 - Solomon Builds High Places")) for his wives was a public act of apostasy, mirroring the very practices God had warned Israel against when entering the promised land.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 11:10](/1_kings/11-10 "1 Kings 11:10 - Solomon's Disobedience") powerfully articulates several core themes running through the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israel's Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it emphasizes the **sovereignty of God** and His unwavering expectation of exclusive worship, as articulated in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Second, it highlights the **peril of idolatry**, not just as a ritualistic act but as a turning of the heart away from God, which inevitably leads to spiritual and national decay. Third, the verse underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that even divinely gifted and blessed individuals like Solomon are not exempt from the covenant curses for unfaithfulness. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **covenant fidelity**, illustrating that the success and stability of the monarchy and the nation were directly contingent upon the king's adherence to God's commands, a principle established in the [Mosaic covenant](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") and reiterated in the [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 2:7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative, and often repeated instruction or injunction. It implies a clear, unambiguous order from a superior to a subordinate. In this context, it underscores that God's prohibition against idolatry was not a suggestion or a general principle, but a specific, personal command given to Solomon, likely on multiple occasions, including the significant divine appearances recorded in [1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - God's Promise to Solomon") and [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God Appears to Solomon a Second Time"). The use of this word emphasizes Solomon's culpability, as he acted in full knowledge of God's explicit will.
* **Go after (Hebrew, _halak 'ahar'_):** This idiomatic expression denotes allegiance, devotion, and active pursuit. It's not merely a casual interest or passive observation but a profound commitment, implying that one's life path and actions are directed by the object of this "following." When applied to "other gods," it signifies idolatry in its fullest sense: the transfer of worship, loyalty, and service from the one true God to false deities. Solomon's "going after" other gods meant he actively participated in, supported, and allowed the worship of pagan idols, effectively making them the focus of his spiritual energy and the kingdom's religious life.
* **Other gods (Hebrew, _'elohim 'aḥerim'_):** This phrase is a standard biblical designation for pagan deities, emphasizing their falsehood and their opposition to the LORD, the one true God of Israel. The very concept of "other gods" is an affront to God's exclusive claim to worship and His singular identity as the Creator and Redeemer. Solomon's pursuit of these "other gods" was a direct violation of the foundational command of the covenant: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And had commanded him concerning this thing,"**: This clause refers back to previous divine encounters with Solomon, particularly the two significant appearances of the LORD. The "thing" in question is the explicit prohibition against idolatry. God had not left Solomon in the dark; He had directly and personally communicated His will regarding exclusive worship and the dangers of turning away. This highlights the intentionality of Solomon's sin—it was not an error of ignorance but a deliberate defiance of a known divine directive.
* **"that he should not go after other gods:"**: This specifies the content of God's command. It was a clear, unambiguous prohibition against idolatry, which encompassed both the worship of foreign deities and the adoption of their practices. The phrase "go after" implies a deep commitment and allegiance, indicating that Solomon's sin was not merely passive tolerance but an active turning of his heart and actions towards false worship, influenced by his foreign wives and their religious practices.
* **"but he kept not that which the LORD commanded."**: This concluding clause delivers the stark verdict: Solomon failed to obey. The Hebrew verb "kept" (שמר, _shamar_) implies guarding, observing, or preserving. Solomon did not guard or observe the divine command. This statement serves as the theological hinge of the verse, directly attributing the ensuing divine wrath and judgment to Solomon's personal and profound failure to maintain fidelity to the LORD. It underscores the severity of his disobedience and its direct link to the consequences that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to heighten the impact of Solomon's fall. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and initial faithfulness (as seen in his prayer for wisdom in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Wisdom") and the building of the Temple in [1 Kings 6-8](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple Built")) with his profound spiritual decline. This contrast emphasizes the tragic nature of his apostasy. **Repetition** of the word "commanded" (implied by "kept not that which the LORD commanded") reinforces the clarity and directness of God's instruction, thereby underscoring the deliberate nature of Solomon's disobedience. The narrative also uses **Irony**, as the wisest king, renowned for his discernment, acts with ultimate foolishness by abandoning the source of all wisdom. This serves as a powerful cautionary tale, illustrating that even the most blessed and gifted individuals are susceptible to spiritual compromise and the dire consequences of unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound disobedience of Solomon in [1 Kings 11:10](/1_kings/11-10 "1 Kings 11:10 - Solomon's Disobedience") resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of covenant fidelity and the consequences of apostasy. It serves as a stark reminder that God's covenant with His people demands exclusive worship and unwavering obedience. Solomon's failure, despite his unique wisdom and the direct divine warnings, underscores the persistent human tendency to stray from God, even when abundantly blessed. This verse highlights the critical theological truth that true spiritual prosperity is not found in worldly wisdom, wealth, or power, but in a steadfast and undivided heart devoted to the LORD. His turning to "other gods" was not merely a ritualistic deviation but a fundamental betrayal of the covenant relationship, leading directly to the fracturing of the united kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings for the King"): This passage explicitly warns future kings against multiplying wives, horses, and silver/gold, lest their hearts turn away, directly foreshadowing Solomon's downfall.
* [Joshua 23:16](/joshua/23-16 "Joshua 23:16 - Consequences of Disobedience"): Joshua's final charge to Israel warns that if they transgress God's covenant and serve other gods, they will perish from the good land. Solomon's actions initiate this very process of national decline.
* [Psalm 78:56-58](/psalms/78-56 "Psalm 78:56-58 - Israel's Unfaithfulness"): This psalm laments Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, turning back and acting treacherously like their fathers, provoking God to anger with their high places and idols, a pattern tragically exemplified by Solomon.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's tragic departure from God's explicit commands in [1 Kings 11:10](/1_kings/11-10 "1 Kings 11:10 - Solomon's Disobedience") offers a sobering and timeless lesson for all believers. It reveals that even those who have experienced profound divine favor, wisdom, and blessing are not immune to the insidious pull of idolatry and compromise. Solomon's downfall was not sudden but a gradual turning of his heart, influenced by relationships that subtly eroded his devotion to the LORD. This warns us against the dangers of allowing seemingly minor compromises or worldly entanglements to take root, as they can slowly but surely displace God from His rightful place of supremacy in our lives. Our spiritual vigilance must extend to every area, especially our relationships and desires, ensuring that our hearts remain undivided in their loyalty to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" or subtle idols might be competing for my heart's ultimate allegiance today, even if they don't appear as overt religious figures?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise God's clear commands for the sake of comfort, acceptance, or personal gain?**
* **How can I actively "guard my heart" ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")) against the gradual turning away from God that Solomon experienced?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure that my relationships and pursuits align with, rather than detract from, my devotion to the LORD?**

### FAQ
**What was the "thing" God commanded Solomon not to do?**

Answer: The "thing" God commanded Solomon not to do was to "go after other gods," meaning to worship, serve, or give allegiance to any deity other than the LORD. This command was a foundational principle of the covenant God made with Israel, explicitly stated in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). God had reiterated this warning to Solomon personally on at least two significant occasions: first, after Solomon's request for wisdom ([1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - God's Promise to Solomon")), and second, after the dedication of the Temple ([1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God Appears to Solomon a Second Time")). In these encounters, God made it clear that Solomon's continued prosperity and the stability of his kingdom were contingent upon his exclusive devotion to Him and his obedience to His statutes and rules. Solomon's failure was not due to ignorance but to a deliberate choice to disregard these explicit divine injunctions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 11:10](/1_kings/11-10 "1 Kings 11:10 - Solomon's Disobedience") starkly portrays the failure of an earthly king to keep God's command, it simultaneously points forward to the perfect obedience of a greater King, Jesus Christ. Solomon's tragic turning away from the LORD, influenced by worldly alliances and desires, underscores humanity's inherent inability to maintain perfect fidelity to God's law. This persistent failure, seen throughout Israel's history, highlights the desperate need for a Savior who would perfectly fulfill all righteousness. Jesus, unlike Solomon, was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He perfectly embodied the command to love the LORD with all His heart, soul, mind, and strength, never turning to "other gods" or earthly allegiances, but always doing the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Where Solomon's disobedience led to the division of a kingdom and divine judgment, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross, brings about reconciliation, forgiveness, and the establishment of an eternal kingdom that will never be divided ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the true and faithful King, the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, enabling a faithful obedience that Solomon could not sustain ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")).

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

1 Kings 6:12

[Concerning] this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

1 Kings 6:13

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:17

And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;

2 Chronicles 7:22

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

1 Kings 9:4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

1 Kings 9:7

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: