Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Kings Ch.11 / 22 Ch.s
1KI:11
* Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry. (1-8) God's
anger. (9-13) Solomon's adversaries. (14-25) Jeroboam's
promotion. (26-40) The death of Solomon. (41-43)
#1-8 There is not a more melancholy and astonishing instance of
human depravity in the sacred Scriptures, than that here
recorded. Solomon became a public worshipper of abominable
idols! Probably he by degrees gave way to pride and luxury, and
thus lost his relish for true wisdom. Nothing forms in itself a
security against the deceitfulness and depravity of the human
heart. Nor will old age cure the heart of any evil propensity.
If our sinful passions are not crucified and mortified by the
grace of God, they never will die of themselves, but will last
even when opportunities to gratify them are taken away. Let him
that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. We see how weak
we are of ourselves, without the grace of God; let us therefore
live in constant dependence on that grace. Let us watch and be
sober: ours is a dangerous warfare, and in an enemy's country,
while our worst foes are the traitors in our own hearts.
#9-13 The Lord told Solomon, it is likely by a prophet, what he
must expect for his apostacy. Though we have reason to hope that
he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost did not
expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to
others not to sin. The guilt may be taken away, but not the
reproach; that will remain. Thus it must remain uncertain to us
till the day of judgment, whether or not Solomon was left to
suffer the everlasting displeasure of an offended God.
#14-25 While Solomon kept close to God and to his duty, there
was no enemy to give him uneasiness; but here we have an account
of two. If against us, he can make us fear even the least, and
the very grasshopper shall be a burden. Though they were moved
by principles of ambition or revenge, God used them to correct
Solomon.
#26-40 In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the
house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning
away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported;
out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his
successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are
in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he
himself thinks to defeat that counsel. Jeroboam withdrew into
Egypt, and was content to live in exile and obscurity for
awhile, being sure of a kingdom at last. Shall not we be
content, who have a better kingdom in reserve?
#41-43 Solomon's reign was as long as his father's, but his life
was not so. Sin shortened his days. If the world, with all its
advantages, could satisfy the soul, and afford real joy, Solomon
would have found it so. But he was disappointed in all, and to
warn us, has left this record of all earthly enjoyments, "Vanity
and vexation of spirit." The New Testament declares that one
greater than Solomon is come to reign over us, and to possess
the throne of his father David. May we not see something of
Christ's excellency faintly represented to us in this figure?