1 Kings 11:33

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.

Because that they have forsaken {H5800} me, and have worshipped {H7812} Ashtoreth {H6253} the goddess {H430} of the Zidonians {H6722}, Chemosh {H3645} the god {H430} of the Moabites {H4124}, and Milcom {H4445} the god {H430} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and have not walked {H1980} in my ways {H1870}, to do {H6213} that which is right {H3477} in mine eyes {H5869}, and to keep my statutes {H2708} and my judgments {H4941}, as did David {H1732} his father {H1}.

I will do this because they have abandoned me and worshipped 'Ashtoret the goddess of the Tzidoni, K'mosh the god of Mo'av and Milkom the god of the people of 'Amon. They haven't lived according to my ways, so that they could do what was right in my view and obey my regulations and rulings, as did David his father.

For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did.

because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon; and they have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and mine ordinances, as did David his father.

Commentary

1 Kings 11:33 serves as a pivotal declaration of divine judgment against King Solomon, explaining the precise reasons for the impending division of his kingdom. It highlights his grave failures in leadership and faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the devotion of his father, David.

Context

This verse comes directly from God's message to Solomon, delivered through the prophet Ahijah, announcing that the Lord would tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand. The immediate context is Solomon's advanced age and the influence of his numerous foreign wives, who led his heart away from the Lord to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:4). Despite receiving direct warnings from God, Solomon persisted in allowing and even participating in the worship of pagan deities, which was a direct violation of the covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai.

Meaning and Significance

The verse explicitly lists Solomon's transgressions: forsaking the Lord and worshipping foreign gods. This dual offense represents a complete breach of the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-5). The specific mention of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom underscores the depth of Israel's spiritual compromise under Solomon's reign. These were not minor deities but significant national gods of surrounding peoples:

  • Ashtoreth: The goddess of the Zidonians (Sidonians), a Canaanite fertility goddess, often associated with Baal.
  • Chemosh: The national god of the Moabites, to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered.
  • Milcom: The god of the children of Ammon, also known as Molech, infamous for requiring child sacrifice.

By engaging with these cults, Solomon not only personally rebelled but also introduced and sanctioned practices that were anathema to the worship of the one true God within Israel. The final phrase, "as did David his father," serves as a stark indictment, highlighting how far Solomon deviated from the path of faithfulness set by his predecessor, who, despite his own moral failings, maintained a heart loyal to the Lord God of Israel (1 Samuel 13:14).

Key Themes

  • Idolatry and Apostasy: The central theme is the grave sin of turning away from God to worship false deities. This spiritual adultery breaks the covenant relationship and invites divine judgment.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse directly links specific sins (forsaking God, worshipping idols) to the severe consequence of losing part of the kingdom, illustrating that God holds His leaders accountable.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: God's expectation of exclusive worship and adherence to His statutes and judgments is paramount. Solomon's failure underscores the importance of this covenant loyalty.
  • The Standard of David: David is consistently presented as the benchmark for righteous kingship, emphasizing a heart committed to God's ways, even amidst personal struggles.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "forsaken" is ‘azav (עָזַב), which conveys a sense of abandoning, leaving, or neglecting. It implies a deliberate turning away from a relationship or duty. The names of the pagan deities mentioned—‘Ashtoreth (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת), Kemosh (כְּמוֹשׁ), and Milkom (מִלְכֹּם)—were well-known in the ancient Near East and represented the spiritual dangers of syncretism that Israel continually faced.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of idolatry. While modern idolatry may not involve physical statues, it can manifest in placing anything—career, wealth, relationships, pleasure, or self-will—above God. Solomon's downfall reminds us:

  • The Danger of Compromise: Be vigilant against influences that subtly draw your heart away from God.
  • Personal Accountability: Even those greatly blessed by God are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience.
  • The Importance of God's Word: Walking in "my ways" and keeping "my statutes and my judgments" is essential for a life pleasing to God.
  • No Substitute for True Worship: God demands exclusive devotion. Our worship must be directed solely to Him, understanding that no one can serve two masters.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:5

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

  • 1 Kings 11:7

    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.

  • 1 Kings 11:9

    ¶ And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

  • 1 Chronicles 28:9

    And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

  • 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.

  • 1 Kings 9:5

    Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.