1 Kings 11:5

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

For Solomon {H8010} went {H3212} after {H310} Ashtoreth {H6253} the goddess {H430} of the Zidonians {H6722}, and after {H310} Milcom {H4445} the abomination {H8251} of the Ammonites {H5984}.

For Shlomo followed 'Ashtoret the goddess of the Tzidoni and Milkom the abomination of the 'Amoni.

Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

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

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 11:5 (KJV)

1 Kings 11:5 marks a tragic turning point in the reign of King Solomon, revealing his deep spiritual decline and unfaithfulness to the Lord. After being renowned for his wisdom and building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, this verse exposes his personal apostasy, directly linking it to his foreign wives.

Historical and Cultural Context

Solomon's reign began with great promise and divine favor, as evidenced by his prayer for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9) and God's subsequent blessings. However, as documented in 1 Kings 11:1-4, Solomon married many foreign women from nations specifically prohibited by God's law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). These marriages were often political alliances, but they carried significant spiritual risks. This verse confirms that these wives indeed "turned away his heart after other gods."

The deities mentioned were prominent in the ancient Near East:

  • Ashtoreth (Astarte): The chief goddess of the Zidonians (Phoenicians), a Canaanite deity associated with fertility, war, and sexuality. Her worship often involved temple prostitution and other immoral practices.
  • Milcom (Molech): The national god of the Ammonites, a neighboring people. His worship was particularly abhorrent to Yahweh, involving child sacrifice by fire. The KJV's description as "the abomination of the Ammonites" underscores its detestable nature to God, consistent with the Mosaic Law's strong condemnations.

Solomon, who once dedicated himself to building a house for the one true God, now actively participated in or permitted the worship of these pagan idols, even building high places for them (1 Kings 11:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Danger of Compromise: Even the wisest and most blessed individuals are susceptible to spiritual decline if they compromise on divine commands. Solomon's political expediency led to spiritual adultery.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse highlights a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment, which would lead to the tearing away of the kingdom from his son (1 Kings 11:11).
  • Influence of Ungodly Associations: The foreign wives directly led Solomon's heart astray, demonstrating the powerful influence of one's closest relationships.
  • God's Jealousy for Exclusive Worship: The Lord God of Israel is a jealous God who demands exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:3). Solomon's pursuit of other gods was a direct affront to His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "went after" (ื•ึทื™ึตึผืœึถืšึฐ ืึทื—ึฒืจึตื™ - vayelekh acharei) implies a deliberate pursuit or following. It's not merely tolerating but actively engaging with or embracing the worship of these deities. The strong term "abomination" for Milcom (ืชึนึผื•ืขึตื‘ึธื” - to'evah) emphasizes God's utter detestation for such practices, particularly child sacrifice, which was an extreme violation of human dignity and divine law.

Practical Application

Solomon's fall serves as a powerful cautionary tale for all believers:

  • Guard Your Heart: Even great wisdom and past faithfulness do not guarantee spiritual steadfastness. We must continually guard our hearts against influences that would draw us away from God.
  • Be Careful with Associations: The people we allow into our closest circles can significantly impact our spiritual walk. As James 4:4 warns, "friendship of the world is enmity with God."
  • Recognize Subtle Idolatry: While modern idolatry may not involve physical statues of Ashtoreth or Milcom, anything that takes precedence over God in our lives โ€“ wealth, career, relationships, pleasure โ€“ can become an idol.
  • The Steadfastness of God's Word: God's warnings are always true, and His judgments, though sometimes delayed, are certain for disobedience (1 Kings 11:9). Likewise, His promises remain faithful.

This verse reminds us that true success and blessing come from unwavering devotion to the Lord, not from political alliances or worldly pursuits that compromise our spiritual integrity.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 2:13

    And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

  • 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 11:33

    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.

  • 2 Kings 23:13

    And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

  • 1 Samuel 7:3

    ยถ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

  • 1 Samuel 7:4

    Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

  • Judges 10:6

    ยถ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.