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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 11 - Verse 5

11:5
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Meaning

Within the context of the Bible, this verse (1 Kings 11:5) describes King Solomon's downfall as he turned away from the one true God and began worshiping foreign gods. Ashtoreth was a pagan goddess worshiped by the people of Sidon, while Milcom (also known as Molech) was an Ammonite god associated with child sacrifice. By following these false deities, Solomon displeased the Lord and strayed from His commandments. This verse serves as a warning against idolatry and the dangers of turning away from God. It demonstrates the consequences of forsaking the worship of the Lord in favor of following other gods. It also highlights the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's teachings, as straying from His path can lead to spiritual destruction and separation from Him.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see King Solomon's descent into idolatry by worshipping the false gods of the surrounding nations. Ashtoreth was a pagan goddess worshipped by the Zidonians, while Milcom was an abomination worshipped by the Ammonites. The theological interpretation of this verse is a stark warning against the dangers of compromising one's faith by following after the gods of the world. It serves as a reminder for believers to stay true to the one true God and not be swayed by the temptations of the world. Word studies on 'Ashtoreth' and 'Milcom' provide additional insight into the practices and beliefs associated with these false deities, shedding light on the cultural context in which Solomon was influenced to turn away from God. By delving into the theological implications and word studies of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of straying from God's commands and the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith.

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