1 Kings 11:9 kjv
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
1 Kings 11:9 nkjv
So the LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice,
1 Kings 11:9 niv
The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.
1 Kings 11:9 esv
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice
1 Kings 11:9 nlt
The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.
1 Kings 11 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 6:14-15 | Ye shall not go after other gods... for the LORD thy God is a jealous God. | God's jealousy when His people follow other gods. |
| Deut 17:16-17 | The king shall not multiply wives to himself... that his heart turn not away. | Divine command against actions leading to apostasy. |
| Deut 28:15 | If thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God... all these curses... | Consequences of disobedience and turning away. |
| Josh 23:15-16 | All evil things will come upon you if you transgress the covenant. | Warning against covenant violation and idolatry. |
| 1 Kgs 3:5 | In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. | First divine appearance to Solomon. |
| 1 Kgs 9:2 | The LORD appeared to Solomon the second time. | Second divine appearance, explicit warning. |
| 1 Kgs 11:1-8 | But King Solomon loved many foreign women... and his wives turned away his heart. | Immediate context of Solomon's idolatry. |
| Neh 13:26 | Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? | Later biblical reflection on Solomon's error. |
| Psa 78:58-59 | For they provoked Him... with their graven images, kindled His anger. | God's anger at idolatry and unfaithfulness. |
| Psa 106:19-21 | They made a calf... they forgot God their Saviour. | Forgetting God despite His mighty acts. |
| Prov 4:23 | Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. | Importance of guarding the heart. |
| Isa 30:1-2 | Woe to the rebellious children... that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit. | Rebellious turning from God's way. |
| Jer 2:13 | For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me. | Forsaking the living God for worthless idols. |
| Jer 17:9-10 | The heart is deceitful above all things... I the LORD search the heart. | The true state of the heart revealed to God. |
| Rom 1:21-23 | Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not... changed the glory. | Those who knew God turning away to idolatry. |
| 2 Tim 2:13 | If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. | God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. |
| Heb 3:12 | Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief. | Warning against a departing heart. |
| Heb 10:26-29 | For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth. | Greater judgment for willful, informed apostasy. |
| Jas 1:8 | A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. | Unstable heart and its spiritual implications. |
| Rev 2:4-5 | Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. | Losing love for God despite initial faith. |
1 Kings 11 verses
1 Kings 11 9 Meaning
1 Kings 11:9 conveys God's profound displeasure and righteous anger toward King Solomon. His anger stemmed from Solomon's deliberate and complete spiritual apostasy, characterized by his "heart being turned from" the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. The gravity of Solomon's sin was greatly magnified because God had appeared to him directly on two distinct occasions, providing warnings and reaffirmations of His covenant, which Solomon evidently disregarded.
1 Kings 11 9 Context
1 Kings 11:9 serves as a pivotal verse detailing the culmination of King Solomon's spiritual decline. Prior to this, Solomon was renowned for his wisdom and for building the first Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. However, Chapter 11 immediately begins by describing his grave transgression: marrying many foreign wives from nations specifically forbidden by God, wives who drew his heart away after their gods (1 Kgs 11:1-8). These foreign alliances and subsequent idol worship were in direct violation of the Mosaic Law (Deut 7:3-4). This verse thus explains the divine reaction to Solomon's profound spiritual infidelity, highlighting the specific reasons for God's anger – not just the act of idolatry, but the intentional departure of his heart after two direct, personal divine encounters that had affirmed God's unique identity and commands to him. The historical and cultural context reflects a constant tension between Israel's covenant purity and the prevailing syncretistic practices of surrounding nations, which Solomon, despite his wisdom, tragically embraced.
1 Kings 11 9 Word analysis
- And the LORD: In Hebrew, יהוה (Yahweh), God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal relationship and expectations for Solomon. The "and" (
וַיִּתְאַנַּף, vayyit'annaf) links directly to Solomon's actions in prior verses. - was angry: אָנַף (
'anaph). This Hebrew verb denotes a strong, righteous displeasure, typically from God in response to human sin, especially rebellion or apostasy against His covenant. It is not mere human pique, but a divine response to profound betrayal. - with Solomon: The wisest man on earth, God's chosen king for Israel. This makes his betrayal particularly grievous, as it comes from one who received abundant blessing and revelation. His position amplified the severity of his sin and its negative influence.
- because his heart: לֵב (
lev), in Hebrew thought, refers to the entire inner person: intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. This was not a superficial change or a momentary lapse, but a deep, foundational turning away. - was turned from: סוּר (
sur), to turn aside, depart, remove oneself. It implies a conscious, intentional departure from a set path or relationship. This was a willful defection, not an accidental wandering. - the LORD God of Israel: Reinforces the unique covenant relationship. He was not just "a" God, but "the God of Israel," Solomon's people and his personal covenant partner. Solomon’s actions represented a betrayal of this distinct national and personal covenant.
- which had appeared unto him twice: This phrase (
אֲשֶׁר נִרְאָה אֵלָיו פַּעֲמַיִם, asher nir'ah elayv pa'amayim) gravely exacerbates Solomon’s offense. God's direct, personal manifestations (1 Kgs 3:5; 1 Kgs 9:2) provided unambiguous guidance and blessings, making Solomon's later actions a deliberate rejection of known truth. - "his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel": This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Solomon’s apostasy. It wasn't just outward acts of idolatry but a deep, internal reorientation of his allegiances and affections. His very being, his core commitment, shifted from God. This speaks to the principle that genuine faith is ultimately a matter of the heart's disposition.
- "was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned... which had appeared unto him twice": This entire clause presents a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting divine justice. God's anger is perfectly justified given the magnitude of Solomon's offense, magnified by his extraordinary privilege of direct divine encounters. The knowledge Solomon possessed increased his culpability. This serves as a strong polemic against the idea that kings are above divine accountability or that direct revelation is less demanding than written law.
1 Kings 11 9 Bonus section
The repeated divine appearances mentioned in this verse (1 Kgs 3:5 and 1 Kgs 9:2) were pivotal moments where God offered Solomon wisdom, assured him of an enduring dynasty conditional on his faithfulness, and warned against turning to other gods. Solomon's disregard for these direct encounters elevates his sin beyond mere ignorance or weakness; it points to a knowing, intentional defection from the covenant. This passage contrasts sharply with the earlier narrative where Solomon devoutly built the Temple, demonstrating how far one can fall from initial commitment. It highlights the biblical theme that while God's promises are often unconditional concerning His ultimate plan (like the Davidic covenant's eternality in a broad sense), the specific blessings and experiences of individuals within that covenant are profoundly conditional on their obedience and fidelity. Solomon's trajectory serves as an enduring cautionary tale for all who are given much light and blessing: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Lk 12:48).
1 Kings 11 9 Commentary
1 Kings 11:9 encapsulates the profound spiritual tragedy of King Solomon. God's anger here is not an impulsive reaction but a righteous response to a deliberate breach of covenant. Solomon, chosen by God, uniquely blessed with wisdom, and having witnessed divine manifestations on two specific occasions, systematically abandoned the very God who had so favored him. The repeated phrase "his heart was turned from the LORD" emphasizes the deeply personal and willful nature of his apostasy, rooted in his innermost being, swayed by his numerous foreign wives and their idols (1 Kgs 11:1-8). This verse teaches the critical lesson that even great spiritual privilege and revelation do not inoculate one against the temptation to depart from God. In fact, such privilege heightens accountability, as seen in the intensified "anger" due to the two prior appearances. It warns against complacency and spiritual drift, reminding all believers that maintaining a singular, undivided heart towards the Lord is paramount.