1Kings:11

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* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 ? * Verse 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 ? Henry ' _1__12 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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