Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

1 KINGS 11:7KJV
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1 Kings 11:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:7 mean?

1 Kings 11:7 describes how King Solomon built a high place, or shrine, for Chemosh, the god worshiped by the people of Moab, and for Molech, the god of the Ammonites, on a hill near Jerusalem. The verse highlights that these gods were considered abominations by the Israelites.

In this verse, the writer is recounting Solomon’s actions late in his reign. Solomon, known for building the temple for the God of Israel, is now building places of worship for foreign gods because of his marriages to women from other nations. This act is presented as a serious departure from Israel’s worship of their own God and sets the stage for later troubles in his kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:7

  • The word for “high place” is בָּמָה (bamah), which refers to an elevated site used for religious rituals. These were often associated with worship outside of the main temple and, in this context, with forbidden practices.
  • כְּמוֹשׁ (Chemosh) and מֹלֶךְ (Molech) are the names of foreign gods. Their mention here underlines how Solomon’s actions directly introduced rival worship into Israel, which the text labels as “abomination” (שִׁקּוּץ, shiqquts), a word often used for things considered detestable or offensive in Israelite religion.
  • The phrase “before Jerusalem” uses the word לִפְנֵי (lifnei), meaning “in front of” or “facing.” This detail shows how close these shrines were to the center of Israelite worship, making the act even more striking.

Why 1 Kings 11:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon himself was responsible for building these shrines, not just permitting them, which marks a significant shift in his leadership and faithfulness.
  • The mention of Chemosh and Molech by name connects Solomon’s actions to specific neighboring peoples (Moabites and Ammonites), showing how foreign influence had entered Israel at the highest level.
  • The location “in the hill that is before Jerusalem” emphasizes the boldness of Solomon’s actions, as these shrines were set up within sight of the temple, highlighting the seriousness of his departure from exclusive worship of Israel’s God.