1 Kings 11:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the nations {H1471} concerning which the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, Ye shall not go in {H935} to them, neither shall they come in {H935} unto you: for surely {H403} they will turn away {H5186} your heart {H3824} after {H310} their gods {H430}: Solomon {H8010} clave {H1692} unto these in love {H157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

nations about which ADONAI had said to the people of Isra'el, "You are not to go among them or they among you, because they will turn your hearts away toward their gods." But Shlomo was deeply attached to them by his love.

Berean Standard Bible

These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.

American Standard Version

of the nations concerning which Jehovah said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:2 serves as a poignant and pivotal verse, marking the tragic turning point in King Solomon's reign. It directly recalls the Lord's explicit prohibition against the Israelites intermarrying with surrounding pagan nations, a command rooted in divine foresight that such alliances would inevitably corrupt their hearts and lead them to idolatry. Despite this clear and foundational divine precept, the verse concludes with the sobering declaration that "Solomon clave unto these in love," setting the stage for his profound spiritual apostasy and the severe consequences that would follow, including the eventual division of his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows 1 Kings 11:1, which introduces Solomon's extensive collection of foreign wives and concubines from nations specifically forbidden by God. It functions as the theological explanation and divine justification for the subsequent narrative of Solomon's spiritual decline. The preceding chapters meticulously detail Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and the grand construction of the Temple, culminating in the dedication where God's presence filled the sanctuary. This verse, therefore, creates a stark and tragic contrast, highlighting the precipitous fall from a zenith of divine favor and wisdom into disobedience and idolatry. It sets the stage for God's anger and the prophetic judgment delivered by Ahijah later in the chapter, underscoring that even the wisest of kings is not immune to the insidious dangers of compromise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prohibition against intermarriage with specific Canaanite nations (e.g., Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites, as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Warning Against Intermarriage")) was a cornerstone of Mosaic law, designed to preserve Israel's distinct identity as God's covenant people and protect them from the pervasive idolatry and immoral practices of the surrounding cultures. In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were often strategic alliances, solidifying political and economic ties. Solomon's numerous marriages, therefore, were likely driven by geopolitical considerations, aiming to secure peace and prosperity for his kingdom. However, God's law prioritized spiritual purity over political expediency. The cultural norm of polytheism and syncretism in these nations meant that foreign wives would bring their gods and religious practices into the Israelite court, posing a direct threat to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Precept and Warning**, demonstrating that God's commands are not arbitrary but are given out of loving foresight to protect His people from spiritual harm, as seen in [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land") and [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). Secondly, it highlights the **Danger of Compromise**, illustrating how even seemingly beneficial political alliances, when they violate divine law, can lead to profound spiritual apostasy. Solomon's "love" for these women, though perhaps initially genuine, superseded his obedience to God, showcasing how personal affections, when misdirected, can lead to spiritual ruin. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Vulnerability of the Human Heart**, specifically stating that foreign influences "will turn away your heart after their gods." This points to the insidious nature of idolatry, which often begins subtly through relationships and cultural assimilation, gradually eroding devotion to God, a warning echoed in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Finally, it foreshadows the **Consequences of Disobedience**, setting the stage for the divine judgment detailed in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger with Solomon"), where God declares His intention to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clave (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** This verb carries the strong meaning of to cling, stick, or be joined closely to something or someone. It implies a deep, tenacious attachment, both physically and emotionally. In the Old Testament, _dabaq_ is often used positively to describe devotion and loyalty, such as "cleaving to the Lord" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleave to the Lord")). Here, its application to Solomon's attachment to foreign women highlights the tragic misdirection of his profound affections. It signifies a profound and tenacious emotional and spiritual bond that directly contravened God's expressed will, leading him down a path of spiritual adultery and idolatry.
* **Turn away (Hebrew, _natah'_):** This verb means to stretch out, incline, or turn aside. In this context, it describes the insidious process by which the hearts of the Israelites, and specifically Solomon, would be drawn away from their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. It suggests a gradual, perhaps imperceptible, spiritual drift rather than an abrupt abandonment. The warning implies that these foreign relationships would not merely coexist with faith in Yahweh but would actively and surely divert the heart's allegiance, leading to syncretism and ultimately, apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the prohibition. It reminds the reader that Solomon's actions were not merely a social misstep but a direct violation of a clear, previously articulated command from God to His covenant people, Israel. This sets the theological framework for understanding the gravity of Solomon's disobedience.
* **"Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you:"**: This is the explicit divine command, emphasizing a strict separation. "Go in to them" refers to intermarriage, forming marital alliances. "Neither shall they come in unto you" reinforces the reciprocal nature of the prohibition, preventing the integration of foreign, pagan influences into the Israelite community through marriage. This command was a protective measure, safeguarding Israel's spiritual purity and monotheistic worship.
* **"[for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods:"**: This clause provides the divine rationale and warning behind the prohibition. God, in His omniscience, foresaw the inevitable spiritual consequence: intermarriage would lead to syncretism and idolatry. The phrase "turn away your heart" highlights the vulnerability of human devotion and the persuasive power of intimate relationships to subtly or overtly shift one's allegiance from the true God to false deities. It underscores that the danger was not merely cultural assimilation but spiritual apostasy.
* **"Solomon clave unto these in love."**: This final, concise statement delivers the tragic climax. Despite the clear divine command and its explicit warning, Solomon actively and deeply attached himself to these forbidden women. The phrase "in love" emphasizes the profound emotional and relational bond he formed, which ultimately superseded his obedience to God. This act of "cleaving" (Hebrew _dabaq_) to forbidden alliances directly contrasts with the command to cleave to the Lord, revealing the misdirection of his heart and setting the stage for his spiritual downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the divine warning about turning hearts to other gods directly anticipates Solomon's subsequent idolatry detailed in the chapter. There is a strong sense of **Irony**, given that Solomon, renowned for his unparalleled **wisdom** (e.g., [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), acts with profound foolishness in directly violating God's explicit command. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, juxtaposing God's clear, protective prohibition with Solomon's willful and affectionate disobedience. The phrase "turn away your heart" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "heart" stands for the entire inner person—their will, affections, and spiritual devotion—underscoring the comprehensive nature of the spiritual corruption that would ensue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:2 profoundly illustrates the enduring theological principle that God's commands are not arbitrary restrictions but loving provisions designed for the spiritual preservation and flourishing of His people. The prohibition against intermarriage was a covenantal boundary, safeguarding Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and preventing the insidious creep of idolatry, which God knew would inevitably follow such unions. Solomon's failure to heed this warning, despite his extraordinary wisdom and privileged position, serves as a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual compromise, the vulnerability of the human heart to misdirected affections, and the profound consequences of prioritizing human desires or political expediency over divine obedience. It underscores that true devotion to God demands exclusive allegiance and vigilance against anything that would draw the heart away from Him.

* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land")
* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Nehemiah 13:26](/nehemiah/13-26 "Nehemiah 13:26 - Nehemiah's Rebuke Regarding Solomon's Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 11:2 offers a potent and timeless warning for believers today, reminding us that even those blessed with great gifts and positions of influence are susceptible to spiritual compromise. Solomon's downfall stemmed from a seemingly "loving" attachment that directly contradicted God's clear word, illustrating how our deepest affections, if not submitted to divine wisdom, can become conduits for spiritual drift. This verse compels us to critically examine the influences we allow into our lives, particularly in our closest relationships and cultural engagements. Are we "cleaving" to anything—be it a relationship, a career, a pursuit of wealth, or a cultural trend—that subtly or overtly draws our hearts away from singular devotion to Christ? Our obedience to God's commands is not a burden but a protective boundary, safeguarding our spiritual integrity and ensuring our hearts remain undivided in their loyalty to Him. The insidious nature of idolatry means it often begins not with overt rebellion, but with small compromises and misdirected affections that gradually erode our spiritual foundations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nations" or influences in my life might be subtly turning my heart away from complete devotion to God?**
* **How do I ensure that my affections and relationships are aligned with God's commands, rather than leading me into compromise?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing personal desires or worldly wisdom over clear biblical principles?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "guard my heart" against the insidious nature of modern-day idolatry?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's love for these women genuine, or was it purely political?**

Answer: The text states "Solomon clave unto these in love," indicating a genuine emotional and relational attachment, not merely a political arrangement. The Hebrew word for "clave" (_dabaq_) implies a deep, tenacious bond. While his initial marriages may have had political motivations, the verse suggests that his affections became genuinely intertwined with these women, leading him to adopt their gods. This "love," however, tragically superseded his love and obedience to the Lord, demonstrating how even genuine human affection, when misdirected or placed above divine commands, can lead to spiritual ruin, as seen in the subsequent narrative of [1 Kings 11:4-8](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4-8 - Solomon's Idolatry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:2, with its tragic account of Solomon's spiritual compromise, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect King whose heart would never be turned away. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and the immense blessings bestowed upon him, ultimately failed to keep God's covenant, allowing his affections to lead him into idolatry and division. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and greater Solomon, the King of kings who perfectly fulfills the covenant and never deviates from the Father's will. Unlike Solomon, who "clave unto these in love" and turned his heart from God, Jesus's heart was always perfectly devoted to God, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the one who perfectly embodies the call to cleave to God alone, demonstrating unwavering obedience and purity of heart ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a New Covenant where God's law is written on our hearts, enabling us to truly "cleave" to Him and resist the very idolatry that ensnared Solomon ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, cleansing us from the spiritual adultery that Solomon committed, and uniting us to Himself in an unbreakable, pure love ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")).

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

Exodus 34:16

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

Deuteronomy 7:4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Joshua 23:12

Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Exodus 23:32

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.