1 Kings 11:1

EXPOSITION

SOLOMON 'S DEFECTION .—The observant reader will have already remarked in this history some intimations of Solomon's approaching fall. Among these are, first, the repeated warnings which are addressed to him, especially in 1 Kings 9:6-9 , and, second, his repeated transgressions of the law by which he ruled. We have already heard of the multiplication of silver and gold ( 1 Kings 10:14-25 ), in defiance of Deuteronomy 17:17 , and of the multiplication of horses ( 1 Kings 10:27-29 ), in disregard of Deuteronomy 17:16 of the same chapter. We now read how the rain of this great prince was completed by the multiplication of wives. The historian obviously had the words of Deuteronomy 17:1-20 . in his mind as he wrote. It is remarkable that the chronicler is altogether silent as to Solomon's fall, as he is also as to David's sin.

But [Heb. And . This chapter is a direct continuation of the preceding. LXX . κὰι ὁ βασιλεὺς κ . τ . λ . The polygamy was but a part of his worldliness, like the chariots, gold, etc.] king Solomon loved [The LXX . ἦν φιλογόνης . is misleading. It is perfectly clear that it cannot have been mere sensuality led to this enormous harem. This is evident from