Old Testament
1 Kings 11:2
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The LORD had told the people of Israel, "You shall not intermarry with these nations, and they shall not intermarry with you, because they will surely turn your hearts toward their gods." Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.
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Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
What 1 Kings 11:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God warns the people of Israel against marrying individuals from other nations. The reason is clear: these foreign partners could lead them away from their faith and towards the worship of other gods. Despite this warning, King Solomon chose to pursue relationships with these women, demonstrating a deep emotional attachment. His love for them overshadowed the caution given by God. This situation highlights the struggle between following divine guidance and personal desires. Solomon's choice serves as a reminder of how easily one can be swayed by love and attraction, even when it contradicts wise counsel. The consequences of such decisions can be profound, affecting not just the individual but the entire community. Ultimately, this story illustrates the importance of staying true to one's values and the potential pitfalls of ignoring wise advice in favor of personal feelings. It challenges us to consider how our relationships can influence our beliefs and priorities.
How to apply 1 Kings 11:2 to your life
Reflect on your relationships and how they align with your values. Are there influences in your life that lead you away from what you believe? Surround yourself with people who support your beliefs and encourage you to stay true to your principles. Choose wisely in your connections to maintain your integrity and faithfulness. Remember, love should not compromise your core values.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: His Heart Turns Away (1 Kings 11:1–13)
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Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 11:2 mean?
1 Kings 11:2 warns the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations, as these relationships could lead them away from their faith in God. Despite this warning, King Solomon chose to pursue love with these women, showing the conflict between divine guidance and personal desires.
What is the significance of Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 11:2?
Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 11:2 highlight the dangers of ignoring wise counsel in favor of personal feelings. His love for foreign women ultimately led him away from his faith, illustrating how relationships can impact one's beliefs and values.
What does 'clave unto these in love' mean in 1 Kings 11:2?
The phrase 'clave unto these in love' means that Solomon formed a strong emotional attachment to these foreign women, prioritizing his feelings for them over the warning from God. This choice reflects the struggle between love and adherence to one's faith.
How does 1 Kings 11:2 relate to modern relationships?
1 Kings 11:2 serves as a reminder to evaluate how our relationships align with our values. It encourages individuals to be mindful of influences that may lead them away from their beliefs, emphasizing the importance of choosing partners who support one's principles.
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