1 Kings 11:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:10 mean?

1 Kings 11:10 explains that God had clearly commanded Solomon not to follow other gods, but Solomon did not obey this command. The verse highlights Solomon’s failure to keep the specific instruction given to him by the LORD.

In this part of the story, the focus is on Solomon, the king of Israel, who had received direct guidance from God about remaining faithful. Despite this, Solomon turned away and worshipped other gods, breaking the command that was meant to keep him loyal to the LORD. This verse sets up the reason for the troubles that follow in Solomon’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:10

• "Commanded" (צִוָּה, tsivvah): This word means to give a direct order or instruction. It stresses that Solomon’s actions were not a mistake or misunderstanding, but a clear act of disobedience to an explicit command.
• "Other" (אֲחֵרִים, akherim) and "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): Together, these words refer to foreign or different gods, not just any other beings. The emphasis is on Solomon turning to worship deities outside of Israel’s faith, which was strictly forbidden.
• "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention to. The verse uses it to highlight that Solomon did not carefully watch over or protect the command given to him, showing a lack of diligence or faithfulness.

Why 1 Kings 11:10 matters

• This verse clarifies that Solomon’s downfall was not due to ignorance but to willful disobedience, even after receiving a direct command from God.
• The emphasis on "other gods" connects to the wider theme in 1 Kings 11, where Solomon’s alliances and marriages lead him to worship foreign deities, which becomes the turning point in his reign.
• By focusing on the idea of "keeping" God’s command, the verse underlines the importance of active, ongoing faithfulness, not just knowing what is right but actually doing it.