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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 11 - Verse 7

11:7
Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Meaning

According to the biblical account in the book of 1 Kings, Solomon, the son of King David, built high places for the worship of Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, and Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. This action by Solomon was seen as a grave sin in the eyes of God, as it involved the worship of false gods. The worship of Chemosh and Molech typically involved child sacrifice, which was detestable to the Lord. By allowing the worship of these foreign gods in Israel, Solomon was going against the commandments of God and leading his people away from the true faith.

This verse serves as a cautionary tale, warning believers against the dangers of idolatry and the worship of false gods. It also highlights the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and following the practices of foreign nations. The story of Solomon's actions reminds us of the importance of staying steadfast in our faith and not being swayed by the temptations of the world. It serves as a reminder to always remain loyal to God and to worship Him alone, as He is the one true God who deserves our love, adoration, and obedience.

Theological Overview

1 Kings 11:7 recounts the distressing reality that King Solomon, despite his wisdom and early devotion to God, succumbed to the influence of his many foreign wives and allowed them to lead him astray. The mention of Solomon building high places for the gods Chemosh and Molech is a stark departure from the strict monotheism that Yahweh had established as the foundational belief of Israel. Chemosh was the god of the Moabites, while Molech was worshiped by the Ammonites, both neighboring nations known for their cruel and immoral practices, including child sacrifice. The construction of these high places symbolizes Solomon's compromise of his faith and the spiritual decline of the nation under his rule. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God.

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