‏ 1 Kings 11

* Solomon's wives and concubines, His idolatry. (1-8) God's

anger. (9-13) Solomon's adversaries. (14-25) Jeroboam's

promotion. (26-40) The death of Solomon. (41-43)

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. 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. 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. 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? 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?