1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 9

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּתְאַנַּ֥ף was angry H599
וַיִּתְאַנַּ֥ף was angry
Strong's: H599
Word #: 1 of 13
to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה with Solomon H8010
בִּשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה with Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 3 of 13
shelomah, david's successor
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָטָ֣ה was turned H5186
נָטָ֣ה was turned
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 5 of 13
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
לְבָב֗וֹ because his heart H3824
לְבָב֗וֹ because his heart
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 6 of 13
the heart (as the most interior organ)
מֵעִ֤ם H5973
מֵעִ֤ם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 7 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 13
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 10 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַנִּרְאָ֥ה which had appeared H7200
הַנִּרְאָ֥ה which had appeared
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֵלָ֖יו H413
אֵלָ֖יו
Strong's: H413
Word #: 12 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
פַּֽעֲמָֽיִם׃ unto him twice H6471
פַּֽעֲמָֽיִם׃ unto him twice
Strong's: H6471
Word #: 13 of 13
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

Analysis & Commentary

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

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.

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