1 Kings 9:9

KJV

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall answer {H559}, Because they forsook {H5800} the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, who brought forth {H3318} their fathers {H1} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and have taken hold {H2388} upon other {H312} gods {H430}, and have worshipped {H7812} them, and served {H5647} them: therefore hath the LORD {H3068} brought {H935} upon them all this evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the answer will be, 'It's because they abandoned ADONAI their God, who brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt, and took hold of other gods, worshipping and serving them; this is why ADONAI brought all these calamities on them.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’”

American Standard Version

and they shall answer, Because they forsook Jehovah their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath Jehovah brought all this evil upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates the divine rationale for Israel's future desolation, serving as a solemn warning delivered to King Solomon following the dedication of the magnificent Temple. It articulates that the eventual ruin of the land and the Temple would be a direct consequence of the nation's profound spiritual apostasy—specifically, their abandonment of the LORD, their covenant God and deliverer from Egypt, in favor of embracing, worshipping, and serving foreign deities, thereby incurring divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 9:9 concludes a pivotal divine encounter between the LORD and King Solomon, immediately following the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This passage [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1-9 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God's Second Appearance to Solomon") is God's second appearance to Solomon, echoing the conditional promises and warnings given at Gibeon [1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5-14 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"). The preceding verses [1 Kings 9:6-8](/1_kings/9-6-8 "1 Kings 9:6-8 - Consequences of Disobedience") describe the dire consequences of disobedience: the Temple, despite its glory, would become a desolate ruin, and Israel would be cut off from the land. Verse 9 provides the explicit, unambiguous reason for this future calamity, framed as an answer to the rhetorical question of perplexed passersby. It clarifies that the devastation is not arbitrary but a just recompense for covenant infidelity, setting the stage for the recurring cycles of apostasy and judgment that characterize much of Israel's subsequent history in the books of Kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The warning in 1 Kings 9:9 is delivered at the zenith of Israel's power and prosperity under Solomon, a period marked by extensive building projects, international trade, and the establishment of a centralized cultic site in Jerusalem. The memory of the Exodus from Egypt, explicitly mentioned in the verse, was the foundational event of Israel's national identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. This act of deliverance bound Israel to exclusive worship of the LORD, as stipulated in the Mosaic Law [Exodus 20:2-6](/exodus/20-2-6 "Exodus 20:2-6 - The Ten Commandments"). However, the surrounding nations practiced polytheism, often involving fertility cults and child sacrifice, which posed a constant temptation. Solomon himself, despite his unparalleled wisdom, would later succumb to the allure of foreign gods through his numerous foreign wives [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry"), directly illustrating the very apostasy warned against here. The verse tragically anticipates the eventual Babylonian exile, a historical event that profoundly reshaped Israel's understanding of divine justice and their covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several critical theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **covenantal relationship** between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience, a principle deeply embedded in Deuteronomic theology [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **gravity of idolatry**, portraying it not merely as a minor transgression but as a fundamental betrayal of the LORD, who delivered them from the bondage of [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus from Egypt"). The comprehensive nature of "taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them" reveals the total devotion Israel would offer to false deities, a direct violation of the [first two commandments](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments"). Lastly, the verse affirms **divine justice**, demonstrating that God's judgments are neither arbitrary nor capricious but are righteous responses to human sin and covenant infidelity, ultimately aimed at upholding His holy character and the integrity of His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʿâzab'_):** This verb (H5800) signifies a deliberate abandonment, desertion, or leaving behind. In the context of a covenant relationship, it implies a conscious act of breaking faith, a turning away from loyalty and allegiance. It's not a passive drifting away but an active rejection of the LORD, their covenant partner and deliverer, indicating a profound breach of trust and commitment.
* **Taken hold upon (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This verb (H2388) means to grasp, seize, or lay hold of firmly. When applied to "other gods" (H312) and "gods" (H430), it conveys an active, intentional embrace and commitment to these false deities. It suggests a firm, deliberate choice to align oneself with idols, indicating a comprehensive and engaged devotion rather than a casual dalliance or fleeting temptation.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʿ'_):** While often translated as "evil" in a moral sense, _raʿ_ (H7451) here refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune. It denotes the negative consequences or judgments that God brings upon His people as a result of their disobedience. It is the antithesis of the blessings promised for covenant faithfulness, encompassing national ruin, exile, and desolation, demonstrating the just and inevitable outcome of covenant breach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God":** This clause sets up the rhetorical question posed in the preceding verses [1 Kings 9:7-8](/1_kings/9-7-8 "1 Kings 9:7-8 - The Desolation of the Temple") regarding the desolation of the land and Temple. The answer is direct and unequivocal: the root cause of Israel's calamity is their deliberate abandonment of Yahweh (H3068), their covenant God (H430). This "forsaking" implies a conscious breach of the covenant relationship, a turning away from the exclusive devotion demanded by the God who chose them.
* **"who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt":** This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's foundational act of salvation and deliverance. The Exodus (H4714) was the defining event (H3318) that established Israel as God's peculiar people (H1), demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and unique claim over them. To forsake such a God, who had so mightily redeemed them from bondage, highlights the profound ingratitude and severity of their sin, making their apostasy all the more culpable.
* **"and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them":** This tripartite description elaborates on the nature of their apostasy. "Taken hold upon" (H2388) suggests a deliberate and active embrace of foreign deities (H312, H430). "Worshipped them" (H7812) refers to the cultic acts of reverence and adoration offered to these idols. "Served them" (H5647) implies a comprehensive devotion, involving obedience, allegiance, and practical service, often including participation in pagan rituals and lifestyles. This progression indicates a complete and pervasive idolatry, moving from initial embrace to full submission.
* **"therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil":** This concluding clause establishes the direct causal link between Israel's idolatry and the resultant judgment. The "evil" (H7451) refers to the national calamity, desolation, and exile described earlier. It underscores God's righteous justice: His punishment (H935) is not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of His people's covenant infidelity and spiritual adultery. The LORD (H3068), who delivered them, is also the one who justly brings judgment when His covenant is broken.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn message. A **Rhetorical Question** is implied from the preceding verses [1 Kings 9:7-8](/1_kings/9-7-8 "1 Kings 9:7-8 - The Desolation of the Temple"), where the desolation of the land prompts the question, "Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?" Verse 9 then provides the direct, authoritative answer, making the divine judgment understandable and justifiable. The use of **Repetition** in "worshipped them, and served them" emphasizes the comprehensive and active nature of Israel's idolatry, highlighting their complete devotion to false gods. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the future exile and destruction of the Temple, which indeed came to pass centuries later with the Babylonian invasion. This prophetic warning serves as a stark reminder of the conditional nature of God's covenant blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice and the consequences of covenant infidelity, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. It underscores that God's relationship with Israel was not unconditional in terms of their national well-being in the land. Their prosperity and presence were directly tied to their exclusive loyalty to Him. The act of "forsaking the LORD" and "taking hold upon other gods" is depicted as the ultimate betrayal, a spiritual adultery against the God who had redeemed them. This divine response, bringing "all this evil," is not capricious but a righteous upholding of His covenant and His holy character, demonstrating that God cannot tolerate persistent, unrepentant idolatry among His chosen people. It serves as a stark warning that even a magnificent temple cannot shield a disobedient nation from the consequences of its sin.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 22:8-9](/jeremiah/22-8-9 "Jeremiah 22:8-9 - Desolation Explained")
* [Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - Consequences of Defiling the Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The solemn warning in 1 Kings 9:9 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that spiritual fidelity is paramount. While we live under the new covenant of grace, the principles of loyalty to God and the dangers of idolatry remain timeless. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts: what "other gods" might we be "taking hold upon" in our modern lives? These are often not physical statues but subtle idols of comfort, success, approval, possessions, or even self-reliance that subtly usurp God's rightful place as supreme. Just as God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage, He has delivered us from the dominion of sin and darkness through Christ. Remembering His past faithfulness should ignite a renewed commitment to Him, guarding our hearts against anything that would compete for our ultimate devotion. The consequences of spiritual compromise, though perhaps not national exile, can still manifest as a loss of spiritual vitality, broken fellowship, and a diminished experience of God's blessings. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, repentance where necessary, and a wholehearted return to our first love, the LORD our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "other gods" that subtly compete for my ultimate loyalty and worship in today's world?**
* **How does remembering God's past deliverance in my life strengthen my resolve to remain faithful to Him?**
* **In what ways might unrepentant disobedience manifest "evil" or negative consequences in a believer's life or community today?**
* **How can I actively "forsake" anything that hinders my devotion to the LORD and "take hold upon" Him more fully?**

### FAQ

**Why is God's warning to Solomon so severe, especially after such a grand Temple dedication?**

Answer: God's warning is severe precisely because of the significance of the Temple and the covenant. The Temple was meant to be the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, symbolizing their unique relationship. The dedication marked the high point of Israel's national and spiritual life. However, God's holiness demands purity and exclusive devotion. The warning underscores that even the most magnificent religious structures or rituals cannot bypass the fundamental requirement of covenant loyalty. The severity of the warning highlights the gravity of idolatry, which is seen as spiritual adultery and a direct affront to God's character and His redemptive acts, such as bringing Israel out of [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus from Egypt"). It emphasizes that God's presence is conditional upon His people's faithfulness, and He will not tolerate a divided heart, even from a king. This conditional promise is a consistent theme throughout the Deuteronomic history, reminding Israel that their continued dwelling in the land and enjoyment of God's blessings were contingent on their obedience to His commands (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

**Does this verse imply that God "brings evil" in a way that contradicts His goodness?**

Answer: The term "evil" (_rāʿāh_) in this context refers to calamity, disaster, or judgment, not moral evil. When the Bible states that God "brings upon them all this evil," it signifies His righteous judgment and the natural consequences of breaking the covenant. God, in His holiness and justice, must respond to sin and idolatry. This is not arbitrary punishment but a just recompense for Israel's deliberate rejection of Him and their embrace of false gods. It aligns with the biblical understanding that God is sovereign over all events, including the consequences of human actions. His bringing "evil" in this sense is an act of divine discipline, intended to uphold His covenant, demonstrate His justice, and ultimately call His people to repentance. It is a necessary outworking of His character as a holy and righteous God who cannot tolerate sin (see [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil") and [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - Disaster in the City")).

**What is the significance of mentioning "who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt"?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because the Exodus was the foundational redemptive act that established Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It demonstrated God's unique power, faithfulness, and His exclusive claim over them. By reminding Israel that they forsook the very God who performed this mighty deliverance, the verse highlights the profound ingratitude and severity of their sin. It underscores that their idolatry was not merely a lapse in judgment but a betrayal of their deliverer and covenant partner. This historical reference serves as a powerful theological anchor, emphasizing the depth of their apostasy in light of God's unparalleled grace and faithfulness to them (see [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment Context")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 9:9 speaks of Israel's historical failure and the consequences of their covenant infidelity, it ultimately points to the necessity of a new covenant and a perfect mediator. The repeated cycle of forsaking God and embracing idols, leading to judgment, reveals humanity's inherent inability to maintain perfect faithfulness under the law. This constant falling away underscores the deep need for a radical transformation of the heart, something that the Mosaic covenant could not fully achieve. Jesus Christ, as the true Israelite and the faithful Son, perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements that Israel failed to uphold. He never forsook the Father, never "took hold upon other gods," but lived a life of complete obedience, even to the point of death on a cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the "evil" (calamity, judgment) that humanity deserved for its idolatry and rebellion against God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). He is the one who delivers us from the bondage of sin, a greater exodus than that from Egypt [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness"), and by His Spirit, He writes God's law on our hearts, enabling us to truly "take hold upon" the one true God and serve Him in spirit and truth [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"); [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit"). Thus, the warning of 1 Kings 9:9, while a historical judgment, ultimately magnifies the grace and perfect provision found in Christ, who secures for us an unbreakable covenant and a righteousness not our own, ensuring that those who are in Him will never be cut off from the land of God's presence.

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

Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 5:19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours.

2 Chronicles 7:22

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Deuteronomy 29:25

Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:

Deuteronomy 29:28

And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

Jeremiah 2:10

For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.