1 Kings 11:6

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as [did] David his father.

And Solomon {H8010} did {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and went not fully {H4390} after {H310} the LORD {H3068}, as did David {H1732} his father {H1}.

Thus Shlomo did what was evil in ADONAI's view and did not fully follow ADONAI, as David his father had done.

So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely.

And Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and went not fully after Jehovah, as did David his father.

Commentary

1 Kings 11:6 marks a tragic turning point in the reign of King Solomon, once renowned for his unparalleled wisdom and for building the Temple of the Lord.

Context of Solomon's Decline

This verse immediately follows the account of Solomon's extensive marriages to foreign women, including princesses from nations forbidden by God because they would "turn away your heart after their gods" (1 Kings 11:2). Despite being blessed with immense wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3:12), Solomon allowed these relationships to compromise his devotion. His wives indeed led his heart astray to serve other gods, specifically Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech (1 Kings 11:5), culminating in the declaration that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Compromise and Apostasy: Solomon's failure highlights the profound danger of allowing worldly alliances or desires to erode one's commitment to God. His heart was "not fully after the LORD," signifying a divided loyalty and a departure from the covenant.
  • The Consequences of Idolatry: The verse underscores that even great leaders can fall prey to the allure of false gods, leading to divine displeasure and severe repercussions for both the individual and the nation (1 Kings 11:11).
  • Contrast with David: The comparison to "David his father" is critical. While David had his own significant moral failures, his heart was consistently described as being "whole with the LORD" (1 Kings 11:4) and "after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22), always returning in repentance and devotion. Solomon, in contrast, drifted further away.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "went not fully after the LORD" translates from the Hebrew verb root שָׁל֡ם (shalem), which means to be complete, whole, sound, or at peace. When applied to devotion to God, it implies a lack of undivided, sincere commitment. Solomon's heart was not shalem towards the Lord, indicating a significant spiritual deficit compared to the wholehearted love and obedience commanded by the Law.

Practical Application

Solomon's tragic decline serves as a powerful warning: no one, regardless of their wisdom, position, or past spiritual successes, is immune to the dangers of spiritual compromise and a divided heart. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Guard Against Compromise: Be vigilant against influences or relationships that might subtly draw one away from a full devotion to God.
  • Maintain Wholehearted Devotion: Strive for an undivided heart in following the Lord, recognizing that partial obedience is still disobedience in God's eyes.
  • Learn from History: The biblical narratives, including Solomon's fall, offer timeless lessons on the importance of faithfulness and the severe consequences of turning away from God. This passage reminds us of the constant need for diligence in our spiritual walk.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 14:24 (3 votes)

    But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

  • Joshua 14:8 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

  • Joshua 14:14 (2 votes)

    Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.