1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 6
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מִלֵּ֛א
and went not fully
H4390
מִלֵּ֛א
and went not fully
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
7 of 11
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
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.