Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Kings 11

Solomon's Defection and Degeneracy.This section tells the sad and surprising story of Solomon’s fall from faithfulness to God. Even though he was wise and greatly blessed, Solomon began to turn away from the Lord

v. 3-4: Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. These women influenced him and turned his heart away from God (1 Kings 11:3 ). As he grew older, he stopped being faithful and serious about worshipping the Lord

v. 5-8: Solomon began to allow his wives to worship idols. He even built places for them to offer sacrifices to their false gods, like Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:7-8 ). He not only let them practice their religions, but he also joined in sometimes. This was a great sin, especially because he had built the temple for the Lord

God's Displeasure against Solomon.This section explains how God became angry with Solomon because of his sins. Even though God had shown great love to Solomon and given him many blessings, Solomon turned away from God. God sent a message of judgment, but also showed mercy for the sake of David. The story reminds us that God is just but also merciful, and that repentance is always needed after we sin.v. 9: The Lord

v. 10: God had clearly commanded Solomon not to follow other gods, but Solomon still disobeyed . This was willful disobedience. Even though Solomon was a ruler over people, he forgot that God was the Supreme Ruler over him.

v. 11-13: God told Solomon that because of his unfaithfulness, the kingdom would be taken away from his family after his death. However, for the sake of David, God would leave one tribe for Solomon’s son (1 Kings 11:11-13 ). Because of Solomon’s sin, God sent a message to him, probably through a prophet. God said that the kingdom would be taken away from Solomon’s family and given to one of his servants . This was a just punishment, since Solomon had given God’s glory to other gods. Sin can bring ruin to families and destroy what we hope to leave behind. It is shocking that a man as wise and devoted as Solomon could fall so far. Even though he taught others about the dangers of sinful desires (Proverbs 7:26; Proverbs 31:3 ), he did not protect himself. This teaches us that being wise is not enough—we need to stay close to God and depend on His grace every day. If we think we are strong, we must be careful not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12 ). Even those who have done great things for God can stumble if they stop being watchful and humble. This story warns us to finish well and to keep our hearts faithful to the end.

v. 12-13: But God showed mercy for David’s sake and for the sake of Jerusalem. The kingdom would not be taken away during Solomon’s life, but from his son. Also, not all the tribes would be lost—one tribe, Judah, would stay with David’s family (1 Kings 11:12-13 ). This was because of the promises God made to David (2 Samuel 7:14-15 ). God does not forget His covenant, even when people fail.When Solomon heard this message, it may have led him to repent and turn back to God. The book of Ecclesiastes shows Solomon’s sorrow and his warning to others to avoid the same mistakes (Ecclesiastes 7:25-26 ). We can hope that Solomon was forgiven, but the Bible does not tell us for sure. This teaches us not to take sin lightly or to think we can always repent later. God may forgive, but we may not always have peace or a good reputation after we fall. The story of Solomon warns us to stay faithful and humble before God.

Solomon's Adversaries.This section explains how, after Solomon turned away from God, enemies began to rise against him. When Solomon was faithful, he had peace and security, and no one could trouble him (1 Kings 5:4 ). But when he sinned, even small enemies could cause him problems. God allowed these adversaries to trouble Solomon as part of His judgment. This teaches us that when we stop following God, we lose His protection and peace.v. 14: The Lord

v. 15-17: The reason for Hadad’s anger started during David’s time. David had conquered Edom, and Joab killed many of the men there (2 Samuel 8:14; 1 Kings 11:15-16 ). Hadad, who was a young prince, escaped with some servants to Egypt (1 Kings 11:17 ). They traveled through Midian and Paran before reaching Egypt, where Hadad was welcomed and cared for by Pharaoh.

v. 18-20: Pharaoh treated Hadad kindly and even gave him the queen’s sister as a wife (1 Kings 11:19-20 ). Hadad’s son was raised in Pharaoh’s palace. This shows how God can use the actions of different people and nations as part of His plan.

v. 21-22: After David and Joab died, Hadad wanted to return to his own land. Pharaoh tried to persuade him to stay in Egypt, but Hadad refused. He wanted to go back to his homeland, even though he was comfortable in Egypt. This reminds us that people often long for their true home, just as Christians long for heaven.

v. 23-25: God also raised up another enemy, Rezon, who was from Syria (1 Kings 11:23 ). Rezon had fought against David’s armies and later became king of Damascus (1 Kings 11:24 ). He hated Israel and caused trouble for Solomon’s kingdom all his life (1 Kings 11:25 ). While other kings admired Solomon, Rezon was a constant enemy.These troubles came because Solomon turned away from God. If God is with us, even great enemies cannot hurt us. But if we turn from Him, even small enemies can become a big problem. This story teaches us to stay faithful to God so that we can enjoy His protection and peace.

Jeroboam's Promotion Foretold.This section introduces Jeroboam, a man chosen by God to rule over ten tribes of Israel after Solomon. Jeroboam’s rise to power was part of God’s plan to punish Solomon for his disobedience. The story highlights how God raises leaders for His purposes, but also how those leaders must remain faithful to Him to succeed.v. 26: Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, was from the tribe of Ephraim. His mother was a widow, and Jeroboam was an active and capable young man who likely brought her comfort and support . Although his beginnings were humble, God had a great plan for him.

v. 27-28: Solomon noticed Jeroboam’s diligence and skill. Because of his hard work, Solomon promoted him to oversee the labor of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Kings 11:28 ). This shows that hard work and responsibility often lead to opportunities for advancement (Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings, Proverbs 22:29 ).

v. 29-30: One day, as Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah met him. Ahijah was wearing a new garment, which he tore into twelve pieces. He gave Jeroboam ten of those pieces as a sign. This represented God’s plan to give Jeroboam rule over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-30 ). This act was similar to other symbolic actions of the prophets, such as Agabus in the New Testament (Acts 21:10-11 ).

v. 31-32: Ahijah explained that God would take the kingdom away from Solomon’s family because of their idolatry and disobedience. However, one tribe (Judah) would remain with Solomon’s line for the sake of David and Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:31-32 ). This fulfilled God’s promise to David that his family would always have a “lamp” and remain a royal line (Psalm 132:17 ).

v. 33-34: God made it clear that this judgment was because Solomon and the Israelites had worshipped other gods, like Ashtoreth and Molech (1 Kings 11:33 ). Even so, Solomon would remain king during his lifetime, not for his own sake, but because of God’s love for David (1 Kings 11:34 ). This shows how God keeps His promises, even when people fail.

v. 35-39: Ahijah told Jeroboam that he would become king over ten tribes after Solomon’s death (1 Kings 11:35 ). However, Jeroboam’s rule would depend on his faithfulness to God. If he obeyed God and followed His commands, God would establish Jeroboam’s family as a lasting dynasty. But if he turned away from God, his family would eventually be destroyed (1 Kings 11:38 ). Meanwhile, God promised that David’s family would endure, even though they would face difficulties (1 Kings 11:39 ).

v. 40: When Solomon learned of the prophecy, he tried to kill Jeroboam. However, Jeroboam fled to Egypt, where he stayed until Solomon’s death . Jeroboam used wisdom to protect himself, trusting that God would fulfill His promise in time. This reminds us to wait patiently for God’s timing, even when we know His plans for us.Jeroboam’s story shows how God can raise anyone, even from humble beginnings, to fulfill His purposes. It also warns us to remain faithful to God, as His blessings depend on our obedience. Just as Jeroboam had a kingdom in his future, believers can look forward to a better kingdom in heaven, where God’s promises will be fulfilled perfectly.

The Death of Solomon.This section gives the conclusion of Solomon’s life and reign. It mentions the official records of his rule, summarizes how long he reigned, and tells about his death and burial. Although Solomon was a great king with much wisdom and wealth, his life ended with disappointment because he turned away from God. His story is a reminder that even the greatest people must answer to God and that faithfulness is more important than success.v. 41: The history of Solomon’s rule was written in a book called the Acts of Solomon . This book has been lost, but it was used as a record at the time. The sacred writer of Kings only included what God wanted His people to remember.

v. 42: Solomon ruled as king in Jerusalem for forty years, over all Israel . Unlike his father David, who first ruled in Hebron, Solomon’s whole reign was from Jerusalem. His reign was as long as David’s, but his life was shorter, possibly because of his sins. Sin can shorten our days and take away our blessings.

v. 43: When Solomon died, he was buried with honor in the city of David, where his fathers were buried (1 Kings 11:43 ). His son Rehoboam became king after him. This shows how one generation passes away and another takes its place. No matter how powerful we are, our lives on earth will come to an end, but God’s plans continue.