1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 10
And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדָּבָ֣ר
him concerning this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
him concerning this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
לְבִ֨לְתִּי
H1115
לְבִ֨לְתִּי
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
לֶ֔כֶת
H1980
לֶ֔כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 16
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
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֔ר
but he kept
H8104
שָׁמַ֔ר
but he kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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 had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
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.