1 Kings 11

Salomons wives and concubines, ver.1. &c. which seduce him to Idolatry, 4. whereat God is angry and threateneth him, 9. Salomons adversaries are, Hadal an Edomite, fled into Egypt, 14. Reson, who reigned in Damascus, 23. and Jeroboam the Ephratite, 26. to whom the Prophet Ahia foretelleth that he should have the Kingdom of Israel, 29. Salomon seeketh Jeroboams life and dieth, 40.

1. And King Salomon loved many strange [Or, out landish] women, [viz. according to the opinion of some, after that he had reigned five or six and twenty years. These years are counted thus: three years before the building of the Temple; seven years bestowed in the building thereof; thirteen years in the building of his own house, and other fabrics; lastly, two or three years more, wherein the Queen of Scheba visited him] and that besides [so is the Hebrew word taken below v.25. and 2 Chron.11.18.] the daughter of Pharao: Moabitish, Ammonitish, Edomitish, Zidonitish, Hethitish:

2. Of those Nations, concerning which the LORD had said unto the children of Israel; ye shall not go in to them, [i.e. unite your selves with them by marriages. See Gen.6.on v.4.] neither shall they come in unto you, they will surely inclined your heart after their Gods: [see Exod.34.16. and Deut.7.3,4.] Salomon clave unto these with love.

3. And he had seven hundred wives, Princesses, and three hundred concubines; [Which were of meaner or lower condition then the wives, and held in less esteem. See Gen.22.on v.24.] and his wives inclined his heart. [viz. to depart from the true God, and to cleave unto Idols, as the Following words declare.]

4. For it came to pass in the time of Solomons old age, (that) his wives inclined his heart unto other Gods: that his heart was not perfect [see above chap.8.on v.61.] with the LORD hos God, as (was) the heart of David his Father.

5. For Salomon walked after Astoreth the God of the Zidonians, [Astoreth is the name of an Idol, whether male, or female, of the Zidonians. See further thereof, judg.2.13.] and after Milcon [an Idol called also Molech, below v.7. See of this Idol, Lev.18.on v.21.] the abomination [i.e. which is very loathsome and abominable in the sight of God, and to be abhorred of all godly and truly religious persons. So below v.7.] of the Ammonites. [to go or walk after Idols, is to cleave unto them, and to follow after them, in whole, or in part, yea even by permitting and furthering or advancing the same: In which last manner Salomon to please his wives made himself guilty of this sin. Compare below chap.18.18. and 21.25, 26. Jerem.2.23.]

6. So Salomon did that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD: [Understand especially the idolatry, and the false worship of God. Compare herewith, Gen.38.v.7.] and continued not to follow the LORD, [Heb.fulfilled not after the LORD. See Num.14.on v.24.] as David his father (did).

7. Then Salomon built an high place [See Lev.26.on v.30.] for Camos, [the name of an Idol of the Moabites and Ammonites, of which see also Num.21.29. and Judg.11.24. and Jerem.48.7. This, with the two Idols mentioned v.5. did good King Josias take away, 2 Kings 23:13.] the loath someness of the Moabites, [who are therefore called the people of Chamos, Nu.21.29.] on the mount [viz. the mount of Olives, of which, see 2 Sam.15 30. and is called (2 Kings 23:13.) mount Maschith, that is, the mount of the corrupter, because the Jews did there corrupt themselves by Idolatry] which is before Jerusalem: and for Moleh [called also Milcom, above v.5.] the loathsomeness of the children of Ammon.

8. And he did so for all his strange wives: which burnt incense, and offered unto their Gods.

9. Wherefore the LORD was angry with Salomon, because he had inclined his heart from the LORD [i.e. from him. Compare above chap.8.1. and see the annotate.] the God of Israel who had appeared unto him twice; [viz. the first time at Gibeon, above chap.3.5. and the second time at Jerusalem after the building of the Temple chap.9. v.2.]

10. And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not walk after others Gods: but he kept not that which the LORD had commanded.

11. Wherefore the LORD said [Either he himself, or by some Prophet, possibly by Nathan, if he were yet alive: or Ahia the Silonite, of whom mention is made below v.30.] unto Salomon: Forasmuch as this is done by thee, that thou hast not kept my covenant, and my statutes, which I have commanded thee: I will certainly rend [Heb. rending, rend] this Kingdom from thee, [i.e. I will surely in a violent manner take away a great part of this Kingdom from thee. See of this phrase, below v.12.13,31.] and give the same unto thy servant. [i.e. to one of thy Ministers, namely, Jeroboam, of whom see below v.26,27,28, &c.]

12. Notwithstanding, I will not do it in thy days, for David thy Fathers sake: [i.e. because of the promise which I have made unto thy Father, 2 Sam.7.13. 1 Chron.28.5,6. in which promise the Messiah is likewise promised, for whose sake God properly doeth good to those that be his] I will rend it out of the hand of thy [son. namely, Rehabeam; see also v.35 See the accomplishment of this threatening below chap.12. and 1 Sam.15.28. the explaining whereof we have below v.35.]

13. Howbeit I will not rend away all the Kingdom, I will give one tribe to thy son; for my servant Davids sake, and for Jerusalem sake which I have chosen. [The explaining whereof we have below v,36.]

14. So the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad an Edomite: he was of the Kings seed in Edom.

15. For it came to pass when David was in Edom, [Waging war there. See 2 Sam.8.14. 1 Chron.18 12,13.] when Joab the commander in chief marched up to bury the slain: [viz. Israelites, that perished in the battle which David had against the Edomites, or whom he had out in Garrison in the Land of the Edomites, after his victory against them, to keep them still in subjection unto him, but after his departure were slain of the inhabitants] that he smote every man in Edom.

16. (For Joab continued there six months, with all Israel; until he had destroyed all that was male in Edom.)

17. But Hadad was fled away, he, and (certain) Edomitish men of his Fathers servant with him, to go unto Egypt; Now Hadad was a little youth.

18. And they gat them up from Midian, [See Gen.25.on v.3.] and came to Paran; [see Gen.14on vers.6.] and took with them men of Paran, and came into Egypt unto Pharao the King of Egypt; who gave him house, and promised him food, [Heb. bread, i.e. victuals, apparel. See Gen.3.on v.19.] and gave him a land.

19. And Halad found great favour in the eyes of Pharao: [Heb. found greatly grace, or favour, etc. What it is, to find grace, or favour in any mans eyes, see Gen. 18.on v.3.] so that he gave him his wives sister to wife, the sister of Tachpenes the Queen. [The Hebrew word signifieth properly the chief woman of the household: as if they should lay the Lordess, or mistress. Therefore mention is made of the Kings house, or family, then is there to be understood withal his wife, or mother the Queen, as here 2 Kings 13. and 15.13. Jerem.13.18. and 29.2.]

20. And the sister of Tachpenes bares him Gembath his son, whom Tachpenes brought up [Heb. weaned] in Pharaos house: [Heb. in the midst of Pharaos house] (so) that Gembath was in Pharaos house among Pharaos sons.

21. Now when Hadad heard in Egypt that David was fallen a sleep with his Fathers, and that Joab the Commander in cheif was dead: Hadad said unto Pharoa: Let me depart, that I may go into mine (own) Land.

22. But Pharoa said unto him: but what lackest thou with me, that behold, thou sleekest to go into thine (own) land? and he said; nothing, but notwithstanding let me go. [Heb. letting go let me go.]

23. Also God stirred up unto him an adversary, Rezon, the son of Eljada, who was fled from his Lord Hadad-Ezer, [viz. when he perceived that David had the victory over Hadad-Ezer, [viz. when he perceive that David had the victory over Hadad-Ezer in battle; of which see 2 Sam.8.3.] the son of Zoba. [the name of a Country in Syria, lying between Damascus and Euphrates. See hereof 1 Sam.14.47. and 2 Chron.8.3. and Psal.60.2.]

24. Against whom he had also gathered [viz. unto his lord Hadad-Ezer] men, [understand souldiers who served the King of Zoba, and now were used under the conduct of Rezon (that revolted from his Lord) to spoil and plunder his Land, and the land lying thereabout] and became Captain of a band when David slew them: [namely, the Syrians of Zoba. See 2 Sam.8.3.] and being gone to Damascus, [See of this City, Gen.14.on v.15. This city Rezon then subdued, and drave our thence the Garrison, (place therein by David, to keep the same under him, 2 Sam.8.6.) and took also the government thereof in his own hands] dwelt there, and reigned in Damascus.

25. And he [Namely, Razon] was Israels adversary all the days of Solomon, [viz. when Salomon had departure from the Lord, and was fallen to Idolatry. See 1 Kings 5:4.] and that besiege the evil that Hadad (did): [understand the same man, of whom mention is made above v.14.] for he [viz. Rezon] abhorred Israel, and he reigned over Syria.

26. Moreover, Jeroboam the son of Nebat an Eprathite [i.e. an Ephraimite, or that was of the tribe of Ephraim. So judg.12.5.] of Zereda, [the name of the city where he was born, lying in the Ephraim See Jos.3.on v.16.] Salomons servant, (whose mothers name was Zerua, a widow-woman) lift up also the hand against the King. So in the following v.& 2. Sam.20.21. and comp.bel.v.40.]

27. Now this is the cause, why he lifted up the hand against the King: Salomon built Millo, [See above chap.9.on v.15.] (and) closed up the breach of the city of David his father. [viz. the breach which David had made, when he drave out the Jebusites from thence, and took the strong hold of Zion. See 2 Sam.5.6,7.]

28. And the man Jeroboam was a valiant champion: [viz. in the work of building of great fabric, and strong holds, over which Salomon had made him Overseer] when Salomon saw this lad [this word is also used of man, and especially when they are any mans servants. See Gen.22.on v.5.] that he was liborous, [i.e. diligent, industrious, very carefully and circumspect, and busie in providing and performing the work, over which he was set by the King. Heb. doing work] then he set him over all the charge of the house of Joseph.[understand the tribes of Ephraim and Menasseh. Two occasions are mentioned in this verse, whereby he became disloyal to his Prince, in stead of being thankful. The first, that he was advanced to the aforesaid office: the second, after that he attained to a higher state and dignity, as the words mentioned in the verse declare.]

29. Now it came to pass at that time, when Jerobeam went forth out of Jerusalem, that the Prophet Ahia [He is to be distinguished from others of this name, as from Ahia the Priest, 1 Sam 13. 14. From Ahia the Levite, who was over the treasures of the house of the Lord, 1 Chronicles 26:20. And from Ahia Salomons Scribe, 1 Kings 4:3, etc] the Silonite found [i.e. met] him on the way, and he had put on a new garment, [Heb. Had covered himself with a new garment] and they two were alone in the field.

30. Then Ahia caught that new garment that was on him: and rent in twelve pieces.

31. And he said unto Jeroheam, take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the Lord the God of Israel; behold I will rend the Kingdom out of the hand of Salomon, and give ten tribes unto thee. [See 1 Samuel 15:28.]

32. Bu he shall have one tribe; [Meaning the tribe of Judah, although the tribe Simeon was in a manner intermixed with it, as also a part of the tribe of Benjamin. Now in the ten tribes Ephraim and Manasseh are counted for two tribes; but the tribe of Levi having no particular land, and being scattered among the other tribes, is not counted at all] for my servant David’s sake, [See above on v. 12. And 13] and for Jerusalem’s sake, the City which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.

33. Because they have forsaken me, and bowed themselves down [viz. To worship] before Astoreth the God [or Goddess] of the Zidonians, Camos the God of the Moabites, and Milchom of the children of Amon: and have not walked in my ways, [to walk in the way of the Lord, is to live according to the rule and prescript of his word, as the following words declare. See 2 Kings 21:22. Psalms 119:3. And 128. 1.] to do that which is right in mine eyes; [what is right in the eyes of the Lord, the following words do explain, namely, that which is done according to human traditions. So below chapter 15. V. 5, 11. And 22. 43.] to my statutes, and my judgements, as David his Father (did).

34. Howbeit, I will take nothing of this Kingdom out of his hand: [Heb. And I will not take this whole Kingdom out of his hand, i.e. nothing thereof. This phrase signifying not a special or particular, but a general, or universal abnegation and denials, is very frequent in the holy Scripture; as Genesis 23:6. Joshua 11:14. Psalms 143:2. Matthew 24:22. Romans 3:20. See also Gen. 39. On v. 23.] but I will make him a Prince all the days of his life, for my servant David’s sake, whom I have chosen, who kept my commandments, and my statutes.

35. But I will take the Kingdom out of the hand of his son: and I will give unto thee ten tribes thereof. [Heb. And I will give that unto thee, (to wit) ten tribes.]

36. And I will give one tribe unto his son: [See above on v. 32] that David my servant may have a lamp [or candle, or light, i.e. successors in the Kingdom, being types of the Lord Christ. So is this word also taken, 2 Sam. 21. 17. See likewise below chapter 15. 4. 2 Chron. 21. 7. Psalms 132:17.] always [Heb. All days. Understand in the tribe of Judah, until the coming of the Messiah: for from David unto the Babylonish captivity, did the Kingly government continue in Judah: after that the Princely power and the Sanhedrim, unto Christ, whose Kingdom is everlasting] in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me, to put my name there. [see above chapter 8. On verse 16.]

37. So I will take thee, and thou shalt reign over all thy soul shall desires: [i.e. as a Sovereign Prince over a great, mighty and blessed land: as these things are commonly desired of Kings] and thou shall be King over Israel. [i.e. over the greater part of the people]

38. And it shall come to pass, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I shall command thee, and shalt walk in my ways, and do that which is right in mine eyes, keeping my statutes and my commandments, according as David my servant did: that I will be with thee, [See Gen. 21. On v. 22. And 26. On v. 24.] and build there a sure house, [i.e. so establish thy Kingdom, that it shall continue with thy posterity. Compare 1 Samuel 2:35. 2 Sam. 7. 16.] according as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

39. And I will for that humble the seed of David: yet not for ever. [Heb. Not at all days: for the Messiah that was to come forth of the seed of David according to the flesh, and to succeed in the Kingdom in a spiritual manner, should not only bear rule over all the tribes of Israel, but also over all the whole world]

40. Therefore Salomon sought to kill Jerobeam: but Jerobeam got him up and fled into Egypt, unto Silak the King of Egypt, and was in Egypt until Salomon died.

41. Now the rest of the acts [Heb. Words] of Salomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, is that not written in the book of the acts of Salomon? [Hereby is not understood the two books of the Chronicles, which long after that were first written (as is conceived) by Ezra, but another book, wherein the acts and passages of Salomon are related at large, which is now not extant.]

42. Now the time [Hebr. The days] that Salomon reigned at Jerusalem over all Israel, was forty years.

43. After that Salomon fell asleep with his Fathers, and was buried in the City of David his Father: and Rehabeam [Called Roboam, Matthew 1:7.] his son became King in his stead.