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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 11:9–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. God's anger against Solomon for his sin. The thing he did displeased the Lord. Time was then the Lord loved Solomon (Sa2 12:24) and delighted in him (Kg1 10:9), but now the Lord was angry with Solomon (Kg1 11:9), for there was in his sin, 1. The most base ingratitude that could be. He turned from the Lord who had appeared unto him twice, once before he began to build the temple (Kg1 3:5) and once after he had dedicated it, Kg1 9:2. God keeps account of the gracious visits he makes us, whether we do or no, knows how often he has appeared to us and for us, and will remember it against us if we turn from him. God's appearing to Solomon was such a sensible confirmation of his faith as should have for ever prevented his worshipping any other god; it was also such a distinguishing favour, and put such an honour upon him, as he ought never to have forgotten, especially considering what God said to him in both these appearances. 2. The most wilful disobedience. This was the very thing concerning which God had commanded him - that he should not go after other gods, yet he was not restrained by such an express admonition, Kg1 11:10. Those who have dominion over men are apt to forget God's dominion over them; and, while they demand obedience from their inferiors, to deny it to him who is the Supreme.
II.The message he sent him hereupon (Kg1 11:11):
The Lord said unto Solomon (it is likely by a prophet) that he must expect to smart for his apostasy. And here,
1.The sentence is just, that, since he had revolted from God, part of his kingdom should revolt from his family; he had given God's glory to the creature, and therefore God would give his crown to his servant: "I will rend the kingdom from thee, in thy posterity, and will give it to thy servant, who shall bear rule over much of that for which thou hast laboured." This was a great mortification to Solomon, who pleased himself no doubt with the prospect of the entail of his rich kingdom upon his heirs for ever. Sin brings ruin upon families, cuts off entails, alienates estates, and lays men's honour in the dust.
2.Yet the mitigations of it are very kind, for David's sake (Kg1 11:12, Kg1 11:13), that is, for the sake of the promise made to David. Thus all the favour God shows to man is for Christ's sake, and for the sake of the covenant made with him. The kingdom shall be rent from Solomon's house, but,
(1.)Not immediately. Solomon shall not live to see it done, but it shall be rent out of the hand of his son, a son that was born to him by one of his strange wives, for his mother was an Ammonitess (Kg1 14:31) and probably had been a promoter of idolatry. What comfort can a man take in leaving children and an estate behind him if he do not leave a blessing behind him? Yet, if judgments be coming, it is a favour to us if they come not in our days, as Kg2 20:19.
(2.)Not wholly. One tribe, that of Judah, the strongest and most numerous, shall remain to the house of David (Kg1 11:13), for Jerusalem's sake, which David built, and for the sake of the temple there, which Solomon built; these shall not go into other hands. Solomon did not quickly nor wholly turn away from God; therefore God did not quickly nor wholly take the kingdom from him.
Upon this message which God graciously sent to Solomon, to awaken his conscience and bring him to repentance, we have reason to hope that he humbled himself before God, confessed his sin, begged pardon, and returned to his duty, that he then published his repentance in the book of Ecclesiastes, where he bitterly laments his own folly and madness (Ecc 7:25, Ecc 7:26), and warns others to take heed of the like evil courses, and to fear God and keep his commandments, in consideration of the judgment to come, which, it is likely, had made him tremble, as it did Felix. That penitential sermon was as true an indication of a heart broken for sin and turned from it as David's penitential psalms were, though of another nature. God's grace in his people works variously. Thus, though Solomon fell, he was not utterly cast down; what God had said to David concerning him was fulfilled: I will chasten him with the rod of men, but my mercy shall not depart from him, Sa2 7:14, Sa2 7:15. Though God may suffer those whom he loves to fall into sin, he will not suffer them to lie still in it. Solomon's defection, though it was much his reproach and a great blemish to his personal character, yet did not so far break in upon the character of his reign but that it was afterwards made the pattern of a good reign, Ch2 11:17, where the kings are said to have done well, while they walked in the way of David and Solomon. But, though we have all this reason to hope he repented and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not think fit expressly to record his recovery, but left it doubtful, for warning to others not to sin upon presumption of repenting, for it is but a peradventure whether God will give them repentance, or, if he do, whether he will give the evidence of it to themselves or others. Great sinners may recover themselves and have the benefit of their repentance, and yet be denied both the comfort and credit of it; the guilt may be taken away, and yet not the reproach.
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Summary
1 Kings 11:9 marks a tragic and pivotal moment in Solomon's reign, revealing God's righteous anger and profound displeasure. Despite being uniquely blessed with unparalleled wisdom and having received two direct, personal divine appearances with explicit warnings, Solomon allowed his heart to turn away from exclusive devotion to the LORD God of Israel. This spiritual apostasy, rooted in his pursuit of idolatry and compromise with pagan practices, underscores the severe gravity of spiritual infidelity and sets the stage for the consequential judgments that would befall his kingdom.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse immediately follows a detailed account of Solomon's extensive foreign marriages, particularly highlighted in 1 Kings 11:1-3. The preceding verses (4-8) meticulously describe how these foreign wives led his heart astray, causing him to build high places and altars for pagan deities such as Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech. This behavior represents a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic Law and the explicit warnings God had previously given Solomon. The broader narrative in 1 Kings has consistently presented Solomon's initial devotion and unparalleled wisdom, especially evident in his prayer for wisdom at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:5-14) and the magnificent dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8). Verse 9 thus serves as the divine pronouncement of judgment on this escalating pattern of disobedience, directly preceding God's declaration of severe consequences for his kingdom in 1 Kings 11:11-13.
Historical & Cultural Context
Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of unprecedented prosperity, political stability, and extensive international relations for Israel. In the ancient Near East, strategic marriages to foreign princesses were a common and accepted diplomatic tool, employed to secure peace treaties, foster trade, and solidify alliances. However, for the nation of Israel, such alliances were inherently fraught with spiritual peril due to the strict divine prohibition against intermarriage with pagan nations and the worship of their gods, as explicitly commanded in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. The surrounding cultures were predominantly polytheistic, engaging in various fertility cults and idolatrous practices, often involving child sacrifice. Solomon's decision to accommodate these foreign deities by constructing altars for them within Israelite territory represented a profound act of syncretism – a dangerous blending of the worship of the one true God with paganism. This was anathema to the LORD's absolute demand for exclusive devotion and underscores the deliberate nature of Solomon's sin, as he knowingly violated the foundational tenets of his nation's covenant with God.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout 1 Kings. Firstly, it starkly highlights the gravity of disobedience and the inevitable consequences of covenant infidelity, even for those most privileged and blessed by God. Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and direct divine encounters did not exempt him from divine judgment when he turned away. Secondly, it profoundly emphasizes the theme of a divided heart. As 1 Kings 11:4 explicitly states, Solomon's "heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God." This internal spiritual compromise, rather than merely an external political expediency, is presented as the fundamental root cause of his downfall, demonstrating that true faithfulness demands undivided loyalty and devotion. Finally, the verse underscores the sovereignty and holiness of God, who actively and righteously responds to sin, upholding His covenant demands and demonstrating His justice, even if it means judging His chosen king.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to breathe hard," signifying intense displeasure or rage. In this context, it describes God's righteous indignation and holy wrath in response to Solomon's profound betrayal of the covenant. It is not a capricious human emotion but a just and necessary reaction from a holy God to a deliberate and egregious violation of His commands and the terms of His relationship with Israel. God's anger here underscores His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and the sanctity of the covenant.
This term refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral character. When Solomon's "heart was turned," it indicates a fundamental, deep-seated shift in his core identity and affections. It signifies a deliberate reorientation of his will and deepest loyalties away from God, not merely a superficial or external act of disobedience. This emphasizes that his sin was not accidental but a profound internal defection.
This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out," and by implication, "to bend away" or "to incline." It denotes a deliberate deviation or swerving from a prescribed path. In Solomon's case, it implies a conscious, though perhaps gradual, choice to depart from the covenant path of exclusive worship and obedience to the LORD. This verb suggests a progressive spiritual drift, a deliberate re-alignment of his life away from God's will, despite clear divine guidance and explicit warnings.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD was angry with Solomon"
This opening clause immediately establishes the divine reaction to Solomon's actions. God's anger is presented as a just and holy response to Solomon's profound spiritual infidelity and idolatry. It signifies that God takes His covenant relationship with His people, and particularly with His anointed king, with the utmost seriousness. This is not an arbitrary emotional outburst, but a righteous judgment against a king who had been uniquely blessed and privileged.
"because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel"
This central phrase provides the explicit reason for God's anger. Solomon's sin was not merely external (e.g., building altars for other gods) but originated from a deep internal defection of his "heart"—his innermost being, his deepest loyalties, affections, and will. He had ceased to give exclusive devotion to the one true God, allowing other deities to compete for his allegiance. This spiritual turning away was a direct and flagrant violation of the first commandment and the core of the Mosaic covenant.
"which had appeared unto him twice"
This crucial detail intensifies the gravity of Solomon's sin. God had not only bestowed unparalleled wisdom and wealth upon Solomon but had also personally revealed Himself to the king on two distinct and significant occasions. The first appearance was at Gibeon, where Solomon requested wisdom (1 Kings 3:5), and the second was after the dedication of the Temple, where God reiterated His covenant promises and warnings against disobedience (1 Kings 9:1-9). Solomon's apostasy was therefore not a sin of ignorance but a deliberate rejection of direct divine revelation, a profound betrayal of a privileged and intimate relationship with the Almighty.
Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs Anthropomorphism by attributing the human emotion of "anger" to God. This device makes God's righteous displeasure relatable and understandable to the human reader, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of His relationship with His people and His active, holy response to their faithfulness or unfaithfulness. There is also a profound element of Irony at play: Solomon, who was renowned throughout the ancient world for his unparalleled wisdom granted by God, ultimately makes the most foolish and spiritually destructive choices by turning his heart away from the very source of that wisdom. His God-given "wisdom" failed to guard his most vital organ, his "heart." Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful Foreshadowing, setting the grim stage for the subsequent divine judgment pronounced upon Solomon and his kingdom, specifically the rending and division of his realm, which is detailed in the verses immediately following, such as 1 Kings 11:11-13.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unyielding demand for exclusive devotion and His righteous response to spiritual infidelity. It underscores that God's covenant relationship is conditional upon obedience, even for His most chosen and privileged leaders. Solomon's failure highlights the human propensity to stray, even after experiencing profound divine blessing and direct revelation. God's anger is not arbitrary but flows directly from His holy character, which cannot tolerate idolatry or a divided heart. The severity of the judgment is proportional to the immense privilege and knowledge Solomon possessed, serving as a timeless warning that spiritual compromise, especially concerning ultimate loyalty to God, carries dire and far-reaching consequences.
Reflection and Application
Solomon's tragic spiritual decline, despite his initial wisdom and uniquely privileged relationship with God, serves as a profound and sobering warning for believers across all generations. This verse compels us to seriously examine the state of our own hearts. It reminds us that spiritual compromise often begins subtly, not with an outright rejection of God, but with a gradual "turning" or inclining towards worldly affections, relationships, or pursuits that subtly compete for our ultimate devotion. Just as Solomon's foreign wives led his heart astray, so too can ungodly influences, an excessive pursuit of comfort, or a misplaced trust in worldly security slowly and insidiously erode our spiritual integrity. This passage calls for vigilant self-examination, urging us to guard our hearts diligently, recognizing that true faithfulness demands undivided loyalty to the LORD. It teaches us that even great spiritual leaders are not immune to the consequences of disobedience if they allow their hearts to stray from Him, emphasizing the universal need for constant vigilance and devotion.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was God "angry" with Solomon, given His mercy and Solomon's initial devotion?
God's "anger" in this context is not a loss of control or a capricious human emotion, but a righteous and holy indignation against sin, specifically against covenant breaking and idolatry. Solomon's sin was particularly egregious because he was the anointed king of Israel, uniquely blessed with unparalleled wisdom, and had received two direct, personal appearances from God where he was explicitly warned against turning to other gods (1 Kings 3:5 and 1 Kings 9:1-9). His actions were a deliberate and high-handed rebellion against known divine will and a profound betrayal of his privileged relationship with the LORD. While God's mercy is indeed vast and enduring, His holiness and justice demand a response to such flagrant disobedience, especially when it threatens the spiritual integrity and covenant fidelity of His people. This righteous anger underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the necessity of undivided loyalty to the one true God, demonstrating that God takes His covenant promises and warnings with utmost seriousness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Solomon's tragic failure, despite his initial wisdom and profound divine favor, powerfully highlights the fundamental human need for a perfect King, one whose heart would never turn from the LORD. Solomon, the son of David, was meant to be a faithful steward of God's covenant and a type of the coming Messiah, but his divided heart and descent into idolatry ultimately led to the bitter division of his kingdom. This narrative points forward with profound clarity to Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David (Matthew 1:1), who perfectly fulfills the role of the ideal, unwavering King. Unlike Solomon, whose heart was "turned from the LORD," Jesus lived a life of absolute, unwavering obedience and undivided devotion to His Father, always doing what pleased Him (John 8:29). He never compromised with the world's temptations, nor did He allow His affections to stray from God's perfect will. His perfect faithfulness, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), establishes an everlasting covenant and an unbreakable kingdom. Solomon's failure reminds us that no human king, no matter how wise or blessed, can perfectly lead God's people or maintain a perfectly pure heart. Only Christ, our true King and High Priest, possesses the flawless heart and unwavering loyalty necessary to fully reconcile humanity to God and secure an eternal inheritance for all who trust in Him (Hebrews 4:15).