1 Kings 11:8

KJV

And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And likewise did {H6213} he for all his strange {H5237} wives {H802}, which burnt incense {H6999} and sacrificed {H2076} unto their gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is what he did for all his foreign wives, who then offered and sacrificed to their gods.

Berean Standard Bible

He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.

American Standard Version

And so did he for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:8 serves as a concise yet devastating indictment of King Solomon's profound spiritual decline, revealing the full extent of his apostasy. It highlights his active role in facilitating and even participating in the pagan worship practices of his numerous foreign wives, directly contravening the explicit commands of Yahweh and setting the stage for the division of his kingdom. This verse underscores the tragic culmination of a king who, despite unparalleled wisdom and blessing, allowed personal indulgence and political expediency to corrupt his heart and lead his nation into idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a climactic summary statement within a pivotal chapter that marks the tragic turning point in Solomon's reign. It follows the detailed exposition in [1 Kings 11:1-7](/1_kings/11-1-7 "1 Kings 11:1-7 - Solomon's Love for Foreign Women and Idolatry"), which describes how Solomon's love for foreign women led him to build high places for their gods and participate in their worship. Verse 8 acts as a sweeping generalization, emphasizing that his compromise was not an isolated incident but a widespread pattern, extending to "all his strange wives." This sets the immediate stage for God's severe judgment, as articulated in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Disobedience"), where the Lord declares He will tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand, leaving only a remnant for his son. The narrative skillfully transitions from Solomon's glorious beginning, documented in [1 Kings 3-10](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3-10 - Solomon's Reign of Wisdom and Glory"), to his catastrophic end, portraying his fall as a direct consequence of his disobedience to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially characterized by unparalleled peace and prosperity, was also marked by extensive political alliances forged through marriage. In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were common diplomatic tools, but for Israel, they posed a unique spiritual danger. God had explicitly commanded Israel not to intermarry with the surrounding nations, precisely because these alliances would inevitably lead to the worship of foreign deities, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Covenant Warning Against Idolatry"). Solomon, in his pursuit of global influence and personal gratification, accumulated 700 wives and 300 concubines, many from forbidden nations like Egypt, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and the Hittites ([1 Kings 11:1](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1 - Solomon's Foreign Wives")). The cultural norm of allowing foreign consorts to practice their native religions became a spiritual snare for Solomon. The acts of "burning incense" and "sacrificing" were central acts of worship in pagan religions, often involving elaborate rituals and offerings to idols, directly violating the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The History of Israel's Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **The Danger of Compromise**, illustrating how seemingly minor deviations from God's law (like forbidden marriages) can escalate into full-blown apostasy. Solomon's initial political alliances evolved into active facilitation of idolatry, demonstrating that compromise has a cascading and corrupting effect. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy** as the ultimate betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh. The explicit mention of "burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods" reveals a direct affront to the one true God, confirming that Solomon's heart was indeed "turned away from the Lord" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away")). Finally, the verse foreshadows the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**. Solomon's profound spiritual failure, summarized here, directly provoked God's anger and led to the divine judgment of tearing the kingdom from his lineage, leaving only a remnant for his son ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strange (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** From H5237, this term refers to women who are "foreign," "alien," or "non-native." In the context of Israel, it specifically denotes women who were not part of the covenant community, highlighting their non-Israelite background and the inherent spiritual danger they posed by introducing alien religious practices into the heart of Israelite society and, tragically, into the king's own household. The KJV's "strange" emphasizes their status as outsiders, distinct from the people of God.
* **Burnt incense (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** From H6999, this verb means "to smoke," specifically referring to the burning of aromatic substances, often as an act of worship or offering. While incense was used in Yahweh worship, its use here in conjunction with "their gods" signifies a pagan ritual. It implies a direct act of devotion and homage to foreign deities, demonstrating the wives' active participation in idolatry, which Solomon facilitated.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural noun refers to "gods in the ordinary sense." In this context, it explicitly denotes the false deities of the surrounding nations, such as Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech, mentioned earlier in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy"). The use of the plural emphasizes the polytheistic nature of the worship Solomon allowed, directly contrasting with the monotheistic command to worship Yahweh alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And likewise did he for all his strange wives":** This clause reveals Solomon's active and comprehensive complicity in the idolatry. The phrase "likewise did he" (וְכֵן עָשָׂה לְכָל־נָשָׁיו הַנָּכְרִיּוֹת) indicates that Solomon extended the same accommodation and provision for worship that he had given to specific pagan deities (like Ashtoreth for the Sidonians, Chemosh for the Moabites, and Molech for the Ammonites, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:5-7](/1_kings/11-5-7 "1 Kings 11:5-7 - Solomon Builds High Places for Idols")) to _all_ his foreign wives. The use of "all" underscores the widespread nature of his compromise, suggesting that this was not an isolated incident but a pervasive pattern throughout his vast harem. He did not merely tolerate their practices; he actively provided the infrastructure (high places, altars) and perhaps even participated in or endorsed their worship, thereby leading Israel into sin.
* **"which burnt incense":** This phrase describes one of the primary acts of worship performed by Solomon's foreign wives. Burning incense was a common ritual in ancient Near Eastern religions, often associated with prayer, invocation, and homage to deities. It signifies their active and ongoing devotion to their native gods, indicating that despite being in Israel, they maintained their pagan religious identities and practices. This act was a direct affront to Yahweh, who had commanded exclusive worship.
* **"and sacrificed unto their gods":** This further specifies the nature of their idolatrous worship. Sacrificing, typically involving the offering of animals or other valuable items, was another fundamental act of devotion to deities. The pairing of "burnt incense" and "sacrificed" indicates a full range of idolatrous worship practices, emphasizing the depth of their devotion to false gods. The explicit mention of "their gods" (אֱלֹהֵיהֶן) emphasizes the plurality of deities and the direct violation of the First Commandment, which mandates exclusive worship of Yahweh. This clause confirms the full extent of the wives' idolatry and, by extension, Solomon's profound complicity in allowing and enabling such practices within the very heart of the kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Conciseness** is evident, as a single, declarative sentence encapsulates the tragic culmination of Solomon's spiritual decline. This brevity makes the statement impactful, serving as a stark summary of widespread apostasy. There is a strong element of **Irony** present; Solomon, renowned for his unparalleled wisdom granted by God, acts with profound foolishness by embracing idolatry. His wisdom, which should have led him to greater faithfulness, instead became corrupted by his desires. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the glorious descriptions of Solomon's early reign and his dedication of the Temple, highlighting the tragic trajectory from devotion to apostasy. It also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine judgment and the tearing away of the kingdom that immediately follows in the narrative of [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Judgment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 11:8 profoundly underscores the biblical theme of the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the severe consequences of idolatry. Solomon's actions represent a direct violation of the covenant, which demanded undivided loyalty to God and prohibited the worship of other deities. His compromise highlights the insidious nature of spiritual drift, where political expediency and personal desires subtly erode faithfulness, leading to full-blown apostasy. This verse serves as a sober reminder that even the wisest and most blessed individuals are susceptible to temptation and the seductive power of idolatry, demonstrating that true wisdom lies in obedience and unwavering devotion to God alone. It speaks to the ongoing tension between covenant faithfulness and the allure of worldly alliances or personal gratification, a tension that permeates much of Israel's history.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")
* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Nehemiah 13:26](/nehemiah/13-26 "Nehemiah 13:26 - Nehemiah's Rebuke of Intermarriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's tragic decline, summarized in 1 Kings 11:8, offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It vividly illustrates that spiritual compromise, even in seemingly minor areas, can lead to catastrophic consequences. Solomon's initial deviation from God's clear commands regarding marriage spiraled into active participation and facilitation of pagan worship, ultimately turning his heart away from the Lord. This narrative challenges us to vigilantly guard our hearts and minds against any influence that might subtly or overtly draw us away from our singular devotion to Christ. It reminds us that our relationships, choices, and priorities significantly impact our spiritual integrity. Just as Solomon's political alliances led to spiritual ruin, we must be discerning about the associations and cultural currents we embrace, ensuring they align with God's truth rather than compromising our faith. The story calls us to a radical commitment to Christ, recognizing that true wisdom and lasting peace are found only in unwavering obedience and exclusive worship of the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my faith for personal gain, social acceptance, or perceived security?**
* **What "strange wives" or foreign influences (e.g., philosophies, entertainment, relationships) might be subtly drawing my heart away from wholehearted devotion to God?**
* **How can I actively guard my heart and ensure that my relationships and pursuits are aligned with God's commands, rather than leading me into spiritual drift?**

### FAQ
**Why was Solomon's marriage to foreign women such a significant problem, leading to idolatry?**

Answer: Solomon's marriages to foreign women were problematic not merely because of their nationality, but because these women brought their pagan deities and worship practices into the heart of Israel. God had explicitly warned Israel against intermarrying with surrounding nations, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - God's Warning Against Intermarriage"), precisely because such alliances would inevitably lead to spiritual compromise and the worship of foreign gods. Solomon's wives turned his heart after "their gods" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away")), violating the First Commandment, which demands exclusive worship of Yahweh ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). His actions demonstrated a failure to prioritize God's covenant over political expediency and personal desires, leading to the introduction of idolatry on a grand scale within Israel, ultimately provoking God's judgment and the division of the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Solomon's apostasy in 1 Kings 11:8, where the wisest king falls prey to idolatry through compromise, powerfully highlights the urgent need for a perfect King who would never falter. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and the glorious temple he built, ultimately failed to keep God's covenant, leading to the division of his kingdom. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the true and greater Son of David, who perfectly fulfills the covenant and reigns eternally. Unlike Solomon, whose heart was turned away by "strange wives" and their gods, Jesus remained perfectly faithful, untainted by the world's allurements. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a perfect sacrifice that Solomon could never provide. In Christ, we find the ultimate wisdom (for in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")), and a King whose kingdom is not divided by sin but is eternal and righteous ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). He is the faithful High Priest who was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), offering the perfect example of unwavering devotion that Solomon so tragically lacked.

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 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Ezekiel 16:22

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, [and] wast polluted in thy blood.

Ezekiel 16:29

Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

Hosea 4:11

Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

Hosea 4:12

¶ My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused [them] to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.