1 Kings 11:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:33 delivers a profound divine indictment against King Solomon, precisely articulating the reasons for God's impending judgment and the tearing away of his kingdom. It exposes Solomon's catastrophic spiritual apostasy, detailing his abandonment of YHWH and his active promotion of pagan worship, directly contrasting his unfaithfulness with the steadfast devotion of his father, David, who consistently walked in God's ways and upheld His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a direct prophetic declaration from YHWH to Solomon, delivered by the prophet Ahijah, following Solomon's egregious spiritual decline. The preceding verses in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and God's Judgment") meticulously detail Solomon's numerous foreign wives and concubines, who "turned away his heart after other gods" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns from God")). Despite two previous divine appearances and explicit warnings ([1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5-14 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - God's Promise and Warning to Solomon") and [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1-9 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God's Second Appearance and Covenant Warning")), Solomon permitted, and even participated in, the construction of high places for foreign deities. This directly violated the Mosaic covenant's fundamental command for exclusive worship of YHWH ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The immediate narrative flow sets the stage for the division of the united monarchy, a direct and severe consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially marked by unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, became increasingly entangled with foreign alliances sealed by dynastic marriages. These marriages, intended for political stability, became conduits for spiritual corruption. The specific deities mentioned—Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom—were prominent gods of Israel's neighboring nations. Ashtoreth (or Astarte) was a Canaanite-Phoenician fertility goddess, often associated with Baal, whose worship frequently involved sexual rituals. Chemosh was the national god of Moab, infamous for demanding child sacrifice, as tragically evidenced in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Moabite King Sacrifices Son"). Milcom (or Molech) was the national god of Ammon, also associated with the horrific practice of child sacrifice by burning ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition Against Child Sacrifice")). Solomon's construction of altars and high places for these gods "on the mountain east of Jerusalem" ([1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon Builds High Places for Idols")) symbolized a profound syncretism, directly challenging YHWH's exclusive claim over Israel and the sanctity of Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, **Idolatry and Apostasy** are presented as the gravest sins, directly breaking the covenant and inviting divine judgment. Solomon's actions represent a comprehensive turning away from YHWH, not merely a passive lapse. Secondly, the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience** is starkly illustrated, as Solomon's personal spiritual failures directly lead to the fragmentation of the kingdom, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant stipulations. Thirdly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is underscored by God's expectation of exclusive worship and adherence to His "statutes and judgments," highlighting the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant's blessings upon the king's obedience ([2 Samuel 7:14-16](/2_samuel/7-14-16 "2 Samuel 7:14-16 - God's Covenant with David and its Conditions")). Finally, the recurring theme of **The Standard of David** serves as a benchmark for righteous kingship, emphasizing a heart wholly devoted to God's ways, in sharp contrast to Solomon's deviation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This verb (H5800) signifies a deliberate act of abandonment, desertion, or relinquishment. It implies a conscious turning away from a relationship or duty, rather than a passive drifting. In the context of 1 Kings 11:33, it denotes Solomon's active rejection of his covenant relationship with YHWH, moving beyond mere neglect to a decisive spiritual departure. This is a strong theological term indicating a breach of loyalty and a profound severing of ties.
* **worshipped (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This primitive root (H7812) means "to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)." It describes the act of bowing down or prostrating oneself in reverence, homage, or adoration. Solomon's "worship" of these pagan deities indicates not just toleration but active participation and submission to their cults, a direct and egregious violation of the first commandment which demands exclusive worship of YHWH.
* **statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2708) refers to an enactment, an appointment, or an ordinance. It denotes God's prescribed laws, decrees, and regulations, often implying something engraved or firmly established. Solomon's failure to keep God's "statutes" along with His "judgments" signifies a comprehensive disregard for the divine law that governed Israel's life and relationship with YHWH, demonstrating a systemic failure in his kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because that they have forsaken me":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental reason for God's judgment: a direct, active abandonment of YHWH by Solomon and, by extension, the nation under his influence. It highlights the primary offense as a breach of the covenant relationship, where exclusive loyalty to God was paramount. The plural "they" likely refers to Solomon and the people influenced by his apostasy, or perhaps his wives who turned his heart.
* **"and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon":** This specifies the nature of the "forsaking"—it was not merely neglect, but an active turning to and worship of rival deities. The enumeration of these specific foreign gods underscores the depth and breadth of Solomon's syncretism, embracing the national cults of surrounding nations, many of which involved abhorrent practices like child sacrifice. This was a direct violation of the first two commandments.
* **"and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments":** This clause further elaborates on the practical implications of forsaking God and worshipping idols. It signifies a failure to live in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards, as revealed in His law. "My ways," "statutes," and "judgments" collectively refer to the comprehensive body of divine commands and principles that govern righteous living and national conduct, which Solomon demonstrably failed to uphold.
* **"as [did] David his father":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful and poignant indictment. David, despite his personal failings, is consistently portrayed as a king whose heart remained loyal to YHWH and who generally sought to obey God's commands ([1 Kings 3:6](/1_kings/3-6 "1 Kings 3:6 - Solomon's Praise of David's Faithfulness")). This comparison highlights Solomon's profound deviation from the standard of faithful kingship established by his predecessor, emphasizing the depth of his apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Contrast** is central, particularly in the concluding phrase "as did David his father," which starkly juxtaposes Solomon's unfaithfulness with David's general commitment to YHWH's ways. This contrast serves to heighten the tragedy of Solomon's fall, as he failed to maintain the spiritual legacy of his righteous predecessor. **Enumeration** is also prominent, as the text meticulously lists the specific pagan deities—Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom—that Solomon worshipped. This detailed listing not only specifies the nature of his idolatry but also emphasizes its pervasive and deliberate character, underscoring the extent of his spiritual compromise. Furthermore, the use of **Legal Language** such as "my ways," "statutes," and "judgments" reflects the Deuteronomistic author's emphasis on covenant fidelity and the consequences of its breach, framing Solomon's actions as a clear violation of divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:33 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the Deuteronomistic theology of retribution, where obedience to God's covenant brings blessing, and disobedience brings judgment. Solomon's apostasy, driven by his foreign wives and the lure of syncretism, represents the ultimate breach of the first commandment—the exclusive worship of YHWH. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of undivided loyalty to God, revealing that even the wisest and most blessed of kings are not exempt from the consequences of spiritual compromise. It demonstrates that God's covenant faithfulness is mirrored by His expectation of human faithfulness, and where that fails, divine discipline will follow, often impacting future generations or the very structures of power.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14-15 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel Forsakes God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's tragic downfall, articulated in 1 Kings 11:33, serves as a timeless and sobering warning for believers today. While we may not erect physical altars to Ashtoreth or Chemosh, the human heart remains susceptible to idolatry in myriad forms. Anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our lives—be it career, wealth, relationships, personal ambition, comfort, or even good causes—becomes an idol. Solomon's story reminds us that spiritual compromise often begins subtly, through seemingly innocuous alliances or desires, gradually eroding our devotion until our hearts are fully turned away from God's "ways, statutes, and judgments." It highlights the critical importance of guarding our hearts, discerning influences that might lead us astray, and consistently returning to the foundational truth that God demands exclusive worship and obedience. Our faithfulness is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but about consistently walking in His ways, doing what is right in His eyes, and keeping His commands as the guiding principle of our entire lives, recognizing the constant need for vigilance and repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foreign gods" or competing loyalties might be subtly drawing my heart away from exclusive devotion to God in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure I am "walking in God's ways" and keeping His "statutes and judgments" in my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How does Solomon's failure, despite his wisdom and blessings, challenge my own assumptions about spiritual security and the need for ongoing vigilance against spiritual drift?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of mentioning Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom specifically?**

Answer: The specific mention of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom is highly significant because these were not obscure deities but prominent national gods of Israel's direct neighbors—the Zidonians (Phoenicians), Moabites, and Ammonites, respectively. Their inclusion highlights the extent of Solomon's spiritual compromise, as he not only tolerated but actively promoted the worship of the very gods that represented the spiritual dangers and moral abominations (like child sacrifice associated with Chemosh and Milcom) that Israel was repeatedly warned against in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). This demonstrated a profound breach of the covenant, which demanded exclusive worship of YHWH and separation from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, showcasing a complete disregard for God's explicit commands.

**How could Solomon, who was granted such wisdom by God, fall into such deep idolatry?**

Answer: Solomon's fall, despite his unparalleled wisdom and direct encounters with God, serves as a powerful testament to the insidious nature of sin and the human heart's capacity for compromise. His wisdom was primarily for governance and discerning justice ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for Wisdom")), but it did not automatically guarantee spiritual faithfulness or protect against the corrosive influence of ungodly alliances. The text attributes his downfall directly to his numerous foreign wives, who "turned away his heart after other gods" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns from God")). This illustrates that even great spiritual gifts or initial blessings do not negate the need for constant vigilance, obedience, and a guarded heart. Solomon's story underscores that a true relationship with God requires not just intellectual understanding or impressive achievements, but consistent, undivided devotion and adherence to His commands, especially regarding the prohibition of idolatry. It is a sobering reminder that spiritual success is not a static achievement but an ongoing journey of faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:33, with its stark portrayal of Solomon's failure to walk in God's ways and his succumbing to idolatry, powerfully foreshadows the desperate need for a perfect King who would truly fulfill God's righteous demands. Solomon, the son of David, was meant to embody the ideal covenant keeper, but his tragic apostasy revealed the inherent limitations and sinfulness of even the greatest human rulers. This verse points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David, who alone "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). Unlike Solomon, who forsook YHWH for foreign gods, Jesus perfectly walked in His Father's ways, always doing "what is right in [God's] eyes" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). He perfectly kept God's "statutes and judgments," not for His own benefit, but to establish a new covenant grounded in His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to turn from all forms of idolatry and truly "walk in His ways," fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law that no human king, not even Solomon, could perfectly uphold ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). He is the true and faithful King, whose reign will never be divided because His heart is eternally devoted to God, ensuring eternal blessings for all who trust in Him.

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 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.