Nehemiah 13:26

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Nehemiah 13:26 serves as a powerful rhetorical question posed by Nehemiah to the leaders of Judah, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual compromise, particularly through intermarriage with foreign women. He uses the colossal example of King Solomon, Israel's wisest and most prosperous king, as a stark warning.

Context

After returning to Jerusalem for a second time, Nehemiah discovered significant backsliding among the people, including widespread intermarriage with non-Israelites, desecration of the Sabbath, and neglect of temple duties. This verse is part of Nehemiah's fervent rebuke of the nobles and officials for allowing their sons to marry women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab, violating God's specific commands against such unions (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Nehemiah's argument is that if even Solomon, divinely favored and exceptionally wise, could be led astray by "outlandish women," how much greater is the danger for those who disregard God's law.

Key Themes

  • The Danger of Compromise: The verse powerfully illustrates how seemingly personal choices like marriage can have profound spiritual consequences, leading to idolatry and a departure from God's covenant.
  • Even the Greatest Can Fall: Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, and explicitly called "beloved of his God," succumbed to sin. This underscores that no one is immune to temptation, especially when neglecting clear divine commands.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: 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 (1 Kings 11:4-13). This serves as a dire warning to Nehemiah's generation.
  • The Importance of Godly Influence: The phrase "outlandish women cause to sin" emphasizes the destructive power of ungodly relationships and influences on one's faith and obedience to God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "outlandish women" translates the Hebrew word nakhriy (נָכְרִי), which means "foreign," "strange," or "alien." It refers not just to their nationality but, more importantly, to their alien religion and customs. Solomon's sin was not merely marrying foreign women, but allowing their foreign gods and practices to corrupt his devotion to the Lord, a direct violation of the Mosaic Law.

Practical Application

Nehemiah's stern warning to ancient Israel resonates powerfully today. This verse reminds believers of the critical importance of guarding their hearts and minds against spiritual compromise, particularly in significant relationships. It highlights the need to choose partners and close associates who share a deep commitment to God and His Word, as ungodly influences can subtly but surely lead one away from faith and obedience. The fall of Solomon, despite his immense blessings and wisdom, serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging vigilance and unwavering devotion to the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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