Wesley Corpus

Chapter XI Solomon's many wives turn his heart from God, ver. 1 - 8. God reproves and threatens him, ver. 9 - 13. Stirs up Hadad and Rezon against him, ver. 14 - 25. An account of Jeroboam, ver. 26 - 40. Solomon's death and burial, ver. 41 - 43. Seven hundred wives, &c. - God had particularly forbidden the kings to multiply either horses or wives, Deut 17:16,17, we saw chap.1Ki 10:29, how he broke the former law, multiplying horses: and here we see, how he broke the latter, multiplying wives. David set the example. One ill act of a good man may do more mischief than twenty of a wicked man. Besides, they were strange women, of the nations which God had expressly forbidden them to marry with. And to compleat the mischief, he clave unto these in love; was extravagantly fond of them, Solomon had much knowledge. But to what purpose, when he knew not how to govern his appetites Was old - As having now reigned nigh thirty years. When it might have been expected that experience would have made him wiser: then God permitted him to fall so shamefully, that he might be to all succeeding generations an example of the folly, and weakness of the wisest and the best men, when left to themselves. Turned his heart - Not that they changed his mind about the true God, and idols, which is not credible; but they obtained from him a publick indulgence for their worship, and possibly persuaded him to join with them in the outward act of idol - worship; or, at least, in their feasts upon their sacrifices, which was a participation of their idolatry. Milcom - Called also Moloch. Did evil - That is, did not worship God wholly, but joined idols with him. An high place - That is, an altar upon the high place, as the manner of the Heathens was. The hill - In the mount of olives, which was nigh unto Jerusalem, 2Sam 15:30, and from this act was called the mount of corruption, 2Kings 23:13. As it were, to confront the temple. And sacrificed, &c. - See what need those have to stand upon their guard, who have been eminent for religion. The devil will set upon them most violently: and if they miscarry, the reproach is the greater.