1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 5
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
עַשְׁתֹּ֔רֶת
Ashtoreth
H6253
עַשְׁתֹּ֔רֶת
Ashtoreth
Strong's:
H6253
Word #:
4 of 10
ashtoreth, the phoenician goddess of love (and increase)
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
the goddess
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
the goddess
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
1 Kings 11:7Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.Judges 2:13And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.1 Kings 11:33Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.Judges 10:6And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.