1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 8
And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
Original Language Analysis
וְכֵ֣ן
H3651
וְכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂ֔ה
And likewise did
H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה
And likewise did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנָּכְרִיּ֑וֹת
he for all his strange
H5237
הַנָּכְרִיּ֑וֹת
he for all his strange
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
5 of 8
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
מַקְטִיר֥וֹת
which burnt incense
H6999
מַקְטִיר֥וֹת
which burnt incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
6 of 8
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
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 likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
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 sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).
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.