1 Kings 11:1
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
1 Kings 11:1
Solomon’s heart is pictured as turning toward “strange women” and foreign wives from Egypt, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and Hittite territories. The immediate historical context is political: marriages were often political alliances to secure peace and loyalty. However, the phrase “loved many strange women” signals a shift in allegiance, as intermarriage with pagan neighbors introduced religious syncretism and challenges to exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The narrative uses this as a turning point, foreshadowing the moral collapse that follows in subsequent chapters.
This verse highlights the danger of compromising worship for political gains. Theologically, it underscores the covenantal call to be distinct from neighboring nations—set apart in worship and allegiance. It foregrounds how alliances can become spiritual compromises, leading the nation away from covenant faithfulness and toward idolatry.
Today, the warning translates into guarding our nearest relationships—romantic, political, and cultural—from becoming avenues of spiritual drift. Ask: Do closeness and influence with others threaten your primary allegiance to God? Practical steps: regularly examine influences—media, friendships, and entertainment—for themes that push you away from faithfulness. If you lead a family or community, establish boundaries and shared commitments that prioritize worship, scripture, and ethical integrity over cultural prestige or political alignment.
Cross-References
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
- Joshua 23:12-13
- Exodus 34:12-15
- Romans 12:2