1 Kings 11:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then did Solomon {H8010} build {H1129} an high place {H1116} for Chemosh {H3645}, the abomination {H8251} of Moab {H4124}, in the hill {H2022} that is before {H6440} Jerusalem {H3389}, and for Molech {H4432}, the abomination {H8251} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo built a high place for K'mosh the abomination of Mo'av on the hill on front of Yerushalayim, and another for Molekh the abomination of the people of 'Amon.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.

American Standard Version

Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:7 marks a tragic and pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, detailing his overt and public acts of apostasy by constructing pagan altars for the foreign deities Chemosh and Molech. This verse stands as a stark testament to the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise and disobedience, even for a leader once so profoundly blessed with divine wisdom and unparalleled wealth, revealing the insidious nature of idolatry that can corrupt even the most devout hearts and lead to national decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Solomon's spiritual decline, directly following the detailed account of his accumulating numerous foreign wives and concubines, as explicitly stated in [1 Kings 11:1-3](/1_kings/11-1-3 "1 Kings 11:1-3 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Concubines"). The narrative explicitly attributes his turning away from God to the influence of these women, noting that they "turned away his heart after other gods" as recorded in [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns from God"). This profound unfaithfulness provokes God's righteous anger and leads to a solemn pronouncement of judgment against Solomon and his kingdom, a judgment foreshadowed in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment Announced to Solomon"). The construction of these high places for pagan deities is not merely a private sin but a concrete, public manifestation of his covenant violation, directly contravening the first two commandments against idolatry found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments"). This egregious act sets the tragic stage for the prophesied division of the united kingdom, a central and devastating theme that unfolds in the subsequent chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "high place" (Hebrew: _bâmâh_) refers to elevated sites, often natural hills or artificial mounds, that were commonly used for pagan worship throughout the ancient Near East. These cultic centers typically featured altars, sacred stones (massebot), and Asherah poles, and were frequently associated with abhorrent practices such as fertility rites, cultic prostitution, and even child sacrifice. That Solomon built these "in the hill that is before Jerusalem" – widely identified as the Mount of Olives – was not merely a private transgression but a public and audacious affront to Yahweh. It placed detestable altars directly opposite the holy city and the magnificent Temple he had built for the one true God, symbolizing a direct challenge to Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty and a defilement of the sacred landscape. Chemosh was the national god of Moab, and Molech was the national god of Ammon, both neighboring nations with whom Israel had a complex and often hostile history. Their religious practices were explicitly and repeatedly forbidden by God, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Do Not Offer Children to Molech") regarding the offering of children to Molech.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several critical theological and narrative themes within the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the peril of idolatry and apostasy**, demonstrating how even the wisest and most blessed individual, like Solomon, can succumb to the worship of false gods, leading to profound spiritual and national decline. Solomon's actions serve as a stark and enduring warning against spiritual compromise and the deceptive allure of syncretism. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the severe **consequences of disobedience** to God's covenant. This act of rebellion directly precipitates God's judgment and the prophesied division of the united kingdom of Israel, as explicitly stated in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - Prophecy of Kingdom Division"), serving as a potent reminder of the far-reaching ripple effects of unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **corrupting influence of unholy alliances**. Despite God's clear and repeated warnings against intermarriage with idolatrous nations, as found in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage"), Solomon's foreign wives led him astray, illustrating how external influences can erode one's commitment to the Lord and lead to spiritual ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **High place (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to an elevation, an elevated cultic site, often a natural hill or an artificial mound, used for religious worship. While occasionally used for Yahweh worship (though not preferred by God), in this context, it unequivocally denotes a pagan shrine. The construction of a _bâmâh_ for foreign gods was a direct violation of God's command for centralized worship and exclusive devotion to Him.
* **Chemosh (Hebrew, _Kᵉmôwsh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to subdue," this refers to "the powerful." Kemosh was the national god of the Moabites, often associated with warfare and fertility. Worship of Chemosh sometimes involved human sacrifice, though it was less explicitly defined than Molech's practices. His inclusion here signifies Solomon's comprehensive embrace of the idolatry of Israel's traditional enemies.
* **Molech (Hebrew, _Môlek'_):** From a root meaning "to rule" or "king," Molek (i.e., king) was the chief deity of the Ammonites. This deity is infamous for cultic practices that explicitly involved child sacrifice by fire. The worship of Molech was one of the most abhorrent practices in the ancient Near East from God's perspective, representing the ultimate defilement and spiritual perversion.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** From a root meaning "to be disgusting," this strong theological term describes something utterly detestable, morally repugnant, and spiritually defiling in God's sight, especially idolatrous practices or, concretely, an idol. Its application to Chemosh and Molech underscores God's profound revulsion towards these pagan deities and their associated practices, marking them as antithetical to His holy character and covenant demands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then did Solomon build an high place":** This clause highlights Solomon's active, deliberate, and personal role in establishing idolatry. It is not a passive allowance or a mere toleration, but an intentional act of construction, signifying a profound and personal turning away from the Lord. The verb "build" (בָּנָה, _bânâh_) is the same verb used for his construction of the magnificent Temple for Yahweh, creating a stark, tragic, and deeply ironic contrast.
* **"for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab":** This specifies the first pagan deity Solomon honored. Chemosh, explicitly identified as "the abomination of Moab," immediately links the god to its national origin and, more importantly, to God's explicit judgment and condemnation of it. This demonstrates Solomon's flagrant disregard for the divine prohibition against adopting the detestable practices of surrounding nations.
* **"in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem":** This geographical detail is profoundly significant and laden with irony. The "hill before Jerusalem" is widely understood to be the Mount of Olives, which directly faced the Temple Mount. Placing these pagan altars in such a prominent and provocative location was a blatant and public act of defiance against Yahweh, defiling the very landscape surrounding His holy city and His dwelling place, the Temple.
* **"and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon":** The addition of Molech further deepens the gravity and horror of Solomon's sin. Molech, the "abomination of the children of Ammon," was particularly heinous due to the practice of child sacrifice. Solomon's patronage of such a cult demonstrates the depth of his spiritual degradation and the extent to which his heart had been led astray by his foreign wives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its tragic and condemnatory message. **Juxtaposition** is central, creating a stark contrast between Solomon, the divinely appointed king renowned for building the magnificent Temple for Yahweh, and Solomon, the apostate king who now builds "high places" for detestable pagan gods. This stark contrast underscores the profound depth of his fall from grace. The precise geographical detail, "in the hill that is before Jerusalem," creates a powerful **Spatial Irony**, placing altars of "abomination" in direct visual and symbolic opposition to the sacred Temple, thereby symbolizing the spiritual conflict within the kingdom and, more acutely, within Solomon's own heart. The potent **Repetition** of the term "abomination" (Hebrew: _shiqqûwts_) emphasizes God's intense revulsion and unwavering condemnation of these foreign deities and their associated idolatrous practices. Furthermore, the verse serves as a potent form of **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's egregious apostasy directly precipitates the division of his kingdom, a major and tragic theme that unfolds in the subsequent narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Division of the Kingdom").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's tragic fall in [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry") serves as a profound theological statement on the insidious nature of idolatry and the unwavering holiness of God. It demonstrates that even immense wisdom and unparalleled divine blessing do not inoculate one against spiritual compromise if the heart is not diligently guarded and wholly devoted to God. The building of these high places for Chemosh and Molech was not merely a lapse in judgment but a direct, public, and egregious violation of God's covenant, which demanded exclusive worship and absolute fidelity from His people. This act underscores God's utter detestation of anything that competes for His rightful place in the human heart, revealing His fierce jealousy for His people's undivided devotion. It teaches that idolatry, whether ancient pagan worship or modern forms of misplaced allegiance, is an "abomination" because it diminishes God's glory, distorts human flourishing, and ultimately leads to spiritual death and judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Descriptive Title")
* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Descriptive Title")
* [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's descent into idolatry, culminating in the public construction of pagan altars, offers a sobering and timeless lesson for all believers across generations. His story powerfully reminds us that spiritual compromise is often a gradual and insidious process, beginning with seemingly small deviations from God's clear commands, such as forming unholy alliances, and culminating in overt rebellion and public apostasy. This narrative challenges us to diligently guard our hearts with utmost vigilance, recognizing that the battle for our ultimate allegiance is constant, subtle, and waged daily. In a contemporary context, "high places" and "abominations" might manifest as anything that subtly or overtly competes for our ultimate devotion: wealth, career, personal ambition, social status, entertainment, or even relationships, if they lead us away from God's truth and His supreme authority. Solomon's fall underscores that God's standard for exclusive worship remains unchanging, and our spiritual choices have profound ripple effects, not only on our own lives but also on our families, communities, and future generations. We are therefore called to cultivate a heart of undivided loyalty, continuously examining our affections and priorities to ensure that God alone holds the supreme and rightful place in our lives, guarding against any idol that seeks to usurp His throne.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do subtle compromises in our lives pave the way for greater spiritual deviation, as seen in Solomon's gradual decline from wisdom to foolishness?**
* **In what ways might modern "high places" or "abominations" (e.g., materialism, self-worship, unchecked ambition, technological addiction) subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance, much like Chemosh and Molech did for Solomon?**
* **What practical steps can we take to diligently guard our hearts against spiritual drift and the allure of contemporary idols, as warned in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")?**
* **How do our personal spiritual choices impact our families, communities, and future generations, mirroring the profound and lasting consequences of Solomon's actions?**

### FAQ
**Why is building a "high place" so significant, and why was it considered an "abomination"?**

Answer: Building a "high place" (Hebrew: _bâmâh_) for pagan deities was profoundly significant because it represented a direct and public violation of God's covenant with Israel. God had commanded His people to worship Him exclusively and in a centralized location (first the Tabernacle, then the Temple in Jerusalem), explicitly forbidding the adoption of the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. These "high places" were often centers of polytheistic worship, fertility cults, and even horrific rituals like child sacrifice. For Solomon, who had built the magnificent Temple for Yahweh, to then erect altars to Chemosh and Molech on the hill directly facing Jerusalem was an act of profound spiritual rebellion and public defiance. It was considered an "abomination" (Hebrew: _shiqqûwts_) because it was utterly detestable to God, representing a betrayal of His holiness, a defilement of the land He had given His people, and a perversion of true worship. God's character demands exclusive devotion, and anything that competes with Him for ultimate allegiance is an affront to His nature and His covenant.

**Who were Chemosh and Molech, and what made their worship so offensive to God?**

Answer: Chemosh was the national god of Moab, and Molech was the national god of Ammon. Both were prominent deities in the ancient Near East, and their worship was deeply embedded in the cultures of Israel's neighbors. What made their worship particularly offensive to God, to the point of being called "abominations" (Hebrew: _shiqqûwts_), was the nature of their cultic practices. While details vary, the worship of Chemosh sometimes involved human sacrifice. However, Molech worship was infamous for its explicit and widespread practice of child sacrifice, where infants were offered by fire as burnt offerings to the deity. This practice was unequivocally condemned by God in the strongest terms, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Do Not Offer Children to Molech") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices"). Such acts were seen as the ultimate defilement of God's people and His land, directly contradicting His commands regarding the sanctity of human life and the purity of worship. Solomon's embrace of these cults demonstrated a profound spiritual blindness and a complete disregard for God's holy character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's tragic fall in [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry") starkly highlights the desperate need for a perfect King, one who would not succumb to the temptations of the flesh or the lure of idolatry. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and divine favor, ultimately failed to guard his heart, leading his nation into spiritual compromise and setting the stage for its division. This narrative points us forward to Jesus Christ, the true and greater Son of David, who perfectly fulfills the role of King, Priest, and Prophet. Unlike Solomon, who built high places for "abominations," Jesus is the very [Temple of God](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple") in whom the fullness of God dwells, and He never compromised His devotion to the Father. He faced every temptation, including those related to power and glory, yet remained [without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"). While Solomon's wisdom eventually gave way to foolishness and idolatry, Jesus is the [Wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God"), who perfectly embodies divine truth and never leads His people astray. Through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, Jesus takes away the sin of the world, including the "abomination" of idolatry, offering true reconciliation and a new covenant where hearts are transformed to worship God alone. He is the one of whom it can truly be said, "something [greater than Solomon](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon") is here," for He is the King who reigns eternally in righteousness, leading His people in true worship and never turning His heart from the Father.

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

Numbers 21:29

Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Acts 7:43

Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

Ezekiel 18:12

Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,

Leviticus 26:30

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

Ezekiel 20:28

[For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

Ezekiel 20:29

Then I said unto them, What [is] the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.