Nehemiah 13:26

KJV

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

Did not Solomon {H8010} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} sin {H2398} by these things? yet among many {H7227} nations {H1471} was there no king {H4428} like him, who was beloved {H157} of his God {H430}, and God {H430} made {H5414} him king {H4428} over all Israel {H3478}: nevertheless even him {H1571} did outlandish {H5237} women {H802} cause to sin {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Wasn't it by doing these things that Shlomo king of Isra'el sinned? There was no king like him among many nations, and his God loved him, and God made him king over all Isra'el; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin.

Berean Standard Bible

Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin.

American Standard Version

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, and he was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:26 delivers a piercing rhetorical question from Nehemiah to the leaders of Judah, serving as a profound and urgent warning against spiritual compromise, particularly through forbidden intermarriage. He invokes the monumental and tragic example of King Solomon, Israel's wisest and most favored monarch, whose unparalleled wisdom and divine blessing did not prevent him from being led astray by "outlandish women" into idolatry. This verse powerfully underscores the insidious danger of ungodly influences, the persistent vulnerability of even the most blessed, and the critical importance of unwavering fidelity to God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Nehemiah's second return to Jerusalem, likely around 430 BC, as detailed in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal"). Upon his arrival, Nehemiah discovers widespread spiritual backsliding among the returned exiles, including the desecration of the Sabbath, neglect of tithes for the Levites, and, most critically, rampant intermarriage with foreign women from surrounding pagan nations like Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Nehemiah's response is one of righteous indignation, directly confronting the nobles and officials who had permitted these severe covenant violations. The reference to Solomon in [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23-27 "Nehemiah's Confrontation on Intermarriage") forms the climax of his impassioned argument, reminding them of the severe consequences of past disobedience and challenging their complacency by invoking the most prominent example of a king who fell due to this very sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community, under the spiritual leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, was acutely aware that the Babylonian exile had been a direct consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their idolatry and failure to obey God's laws. The Mosaic Law, specifically in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"), explicitly forbade intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations. This prohibition was not merely for ethnic purity but, more importantly, to prevent spiritual corruption and the introduction of idolatry into Israel. Foreign women often brought their gods and customs, leading the Israelites to worship other deities, as tragically exemplified by Solomon. Nehemiah's generation was tasked with rebuilding not just the physical walls of Jerusalem but also the spiritual integrity of the nation, making strict adherence to these commands paramount to avoid repeating the catastrophic sins of their ancestors.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 13:26 powerfully encapsulates several critical themes pertinent to the post-exilic community and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the **Danger of Spiritual Compromise**, demonstrating how seemingly personal choices like marriage can have profound, nation-altering spiritual consequences, leading to idolatry and a departure from God's covenant. Secondly, it underscores that **Even the Greatest Can Fall**, using Solomon—renowned for his unparalleled [wisdom and wealth](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth") and explicitly called "beloved of his God"—as a sobering example that no one, regardless of divine favor or personal gifting, is immune to temptation or the corrosive effects of disobedience. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Disobedience**, reminding the audience that Solomon's foreign wives led him to build altars for their gods, ultimately turning his heart away from the Lord and leading to the division of his kingdom after his death, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:4-13](/1_kings/11-4-13 "1 Kings 11:4-13 - Solomon's Idolatry and Its Consequences"). Lastly, it points to the **Insidious Power of Ungodly Influence**, as the "outlandish women" actively "caused" Solomon to sin, illustrating how ungodly relationships can subtly but surely erode one's faith and obedience to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Outlandish (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** This term (נָכְרִיּוֹת, from H5237) refers to women who are "foreign," "strange," or "alien." In the biblical context, especially concerning covenant people, "foreign" carried a profound spiritual connotation. It was not merely about nationality or ethnicity but, more significantly, about their alien religion, customs, and lack of covenant relationship with Yahweh. These women were not part of the covenant community and, by extension, brought their pagan practices and gods into the heart of Israelite worship, directly violating the exclusivity of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** The phrase "beloved of his God" (אָהֵב אֱלֹהָיו, from H157) highlights Solomon's unique status and divine favor. Indeed, his very name, Jedidiah (יְדִידְיָהּ), given by Nathan the prophet, means "beloved of the Lord" ([2 Samuel 12:25](/2_samuel/12-25 "2 Samuel 12:25 - Solomon's Name Jedidiah")). This designation underscores the depth of God's initial blessing and intimate relationship with Solomon. The irony, therefore, is profound: the one so uniquely favored by God, endowed with unparalleled wisdom, was still susceptible to sin, emphasizing the pervasive danger of disobedience and the power of corrupting influences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question posed by Nehemiah. It assumes an obvious "yes" answer, drawing on the well-known history of Solomon's fall. "These things" refers directly to the intermarriage with foreign women and the subsequent idolatry that Nehemiah is confronting in his own generation. The question serves as an undeniable indictment and a warning that if such a great king could fall, how much more vulnerable are the current leaders and people.
* **"yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel:":** This clause magnifies the tragedy of Solomon's fall by highlighting his extraordinary status. He was unparalleled among kings, not just in wealth and wisdom, but crucially, in his unique relationship with God. He was "beloved of his God," indicating divine favor and intimate knowledge, and God Himself established his reign over all Israel. This emphasis on Solomon's divine blessing and unparalleled position makes his subsequent sin even more shocking and serves to intensify the warning Nehemiah delivers.
* **"nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.":** This is the stark, concluding statement that delivers the punch of Nehemiah's argument. Despite all his advantages—wisdom, wealth, divine favor, and a kingdom established by God—Solomon was led astray. The phrase "cause to sin" (הֶחֱטִיאוּ, from H2398) implies active enticement and corruption, directly attributing his downfall to the influence of his foreign wives who turned his heart to their gods ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned")). This serves as a direct and urgent warning to Nehemiah's contemporaries about the very real and devastating consequences of spiritual compromise through forbidden alliances.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 13:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message and underscore the gravity of spiritual compromise. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?" This is not a question seeking information but a forceful assertion designed to elicit immediate agreement and underscore the undeniable truth of Solomon's well-known transgression. It functions as a powerful form of **Argument by Analogy** or **Exemplum**, using a prominent historical figure as a cautionary tale. Solomon, the epitome of Israelite kingship, wisdom, and divine favor, serves as the ultimate example of the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise. There is also a profound **Irony** at play: the wisest king, "beloved of his God," was ultimately led into folly and sin by those he chose to associate with. This ironic twist highlights the insidious nature of temptation and the vulnerability of even the most divinely favored. Finally, the verse functions as a direct **Warning**, a prophetic utterance designed to shock the complacent leaders into immediate action and prevent their generation from repeating the catastrophic errors of the past.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:26 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring biblical themes of covenant fidelity, the insidious nature of sin, and the profound consequences of spiritual compromise. It underscores that even those most blessed and seemingly secure in their relationship with God are not immune to temptation, particularly when they disregard divine commands regarding purity and separation. Solomon's fall serves as a perpetual reminder that wisdom and divine favor do not negate the need for vigilance and obedience. The verse emphasizes that true devotion to God demands exclusivity and that allowing foreign influences, especially those that introduce idolatry, will inevitably lead to a departure from the covenant and its blessings. It highlights the principle that our relationships profoundly shape our spiritual trajectory, underscoring the critical importance of choosing associations that reinforce, rather than erode, our commitment to God.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations")
* [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "Solomon's Many Wives and Idolatry")
* [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1-2 "The Problem of Intermarriage in Ezra's Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah's stern warning to ancient Israel resonates powerfully in the lives of believers today. The story of Solomon's fall serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging us to recognize that spiritual compromise, often subtle and seemingly innocuous, can have devastating consequences. Just as "outlandish women" led Solomon astray, so too can "outlandish influences"—whether ungodly relationships, worldly philosophies, cultural trends, or even seemingly harmless entertainments—subtly but surely draw our hearts away from singular devotion to God. This verse challenges us to critically examine our closest associations and the influences we permit into our lives, especially in significant relationships like marriage, business partnerships, or deep friendships. It calls for a proactive guarding of our hearts and minds, prioritizing spiritual purity and unwavering obedience to God's Word above all else, remembering that even great wisdom and blessing do not exempt us from the need for constant vigilance and unwavering commitment to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "outlandish influences" manifest in our lives today, subtly drawing us away from God's commands and desires?**
* **How can we proactively guard our hearts and minds against spiritual compromise, particularly in our closest relationships?**
* **What lessons can we learn from Solomon's fall about the relationship between wisdom, divine favor, and personal vulnerability to sin?**
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of "separation" from the world in a way that is both biblical and practical for contemporary living?**

### FAQ

**Why was intermarriage such a significant sin in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Intermarriage was forbidden primarily for spiritual reasons, not ethnic ones. The surrounding nations worshipped idols and practiced customs contrary to God's law. Marrying into these families meant bringing their gods and practices into the Israelite home, directly violating the First Commandment against having other gods before Yahweh ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). As seen with Solomon, these unions inevitably led to syncretism and idolatry, corrupting the covenant community and provoking God's wrath, ultimately leading to national judgment and exile ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")).

**Was Solomon's sin just about marrying foreign women, or something deeper?**

Answer: While marrying foreign women was the direct violation of a specific command, Solomon's sin was fundamentally about a divided heart and a departure from singular devotion to God. His numerous foreign wives turned his heart after their gods, leading him to build altars for pagan deities and participate in their worship ([1 Kings 11:4-8](/1_kings/11-4-8 "1 Kings 11:4-8 - Solomon's Heart Turned from the Lord")). This was a direct transgression of the covenant, which demanded exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. The foreign women were the conduit through which idolatry entered and corrupted his devotion, demonstrating that the external act reflected a deeper spiritual compromise and lack of wholehearted obedience.

**Does this passage mean we shouldn't have friends or spouses from different cultural or religious backgrounds today?**

Answer: This passage's primary warning is against spiritual compromise and idolatry, not against cultural diversity itself. For New Testament believers, the emphasis shifts from ethnic separation to spiritual alignment. The principle remains: believers are called to be "equally yoked" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")), meaning that deep, covenantal relationships like marriage should be with fellow believers who share a commitment to Christ and His Word. While we are called to love and minister to all people, forming intimate bonds that could compromise our faith or lead us away from God's truth is strongly cautioned against. The danger lies in influences that draw one away from Christ, not in the nationality or background of a person.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 13:26, with its tragic account of Solomon's fall, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect King who would not succumb to compromise. Solomon, despite being "beloved of his God" and endowed with unparalleled wisdom, ultimately failed to maintain covenant fidelity, allowing "outlandish women" to turn his heart to idolatry, leading to the division of his kingdom ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). This stark failure highlights humanity's inherent weakness and the inability of even the greatest earthly kings to perfectly uphold God's law. In contrast, Jesus Christ emerges as the true and ultimate King, the "beloved Son" of God ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")), who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. Unlike Solomon, Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), resisting every "outlandish" influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil. He did not take a foreign bride to turn His heart, but rather, as the Bridegroom, He gave His life for His Church, His pure bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), to sanctify her and present her without blemish. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Christ established a new covenant, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in fidelity to God, overcoming the very temptations that caused Solomon's downfall. Thus, Nehemiah's warning points us to Christ, the King who never fails, whose unwavering devotion ensures the eternal purity and security of His spiritual kingdom.

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 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;

1 Kings 11:8

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

1 Kings 3:13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

2 Samuel 12:24

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

2 Samuel 12:25

And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.