Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about Solomon's building projects; it highlights how his spiritual compromises were physically located just east of Jerusalem, the very heart of God's presence. It's a stark visual of his heart drifting away from God, placing detestable idols in plain sight of where God's glory was meant to shine. This wasn't a hidden sin, but a brazen defiance positioned in the shadow of God's dwelling.
Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon, once known for his wisdom and devotion, is now in his later years leading Israel astray. This act of building shrines for foreign gods directly follows a description of his many foreign wives influencing him to worship their deities. It's a stark turning point, revealing the deep compromise and spiritual decay that has taken root in the heart of Israel's greatest king.
Even the wisest king could fall prey to what seemed harmless, but led to ruin. What made these foreign gods so appealing to Solomon?
Solomon's descent into idolatry wasn't a sudden plunge, but a gradual compromise. He allowed foreign wives, and with them came their gods and worship. These pagan practices, like worshiping Chemosh and Molech, offered perceived benefits – perhaps fertility, success in battle, or simply appeasing his many wives. But God had explicitly forbidden such alliances and worship. It's a stark reminder that 'harmless' associations and seemingly small compromises can pave the way for significant spiritual drift. The 'high place' built wasn't just a physical structure; it symbolized a shift in Solomon's heart, prioritizing political alliances and personal desires over divine commands.
Solomon didn't just worship elsewhere; he brought the worship of detestable gods right next to the holy city. What does this proximity signify?
The specific location – 'on the mountain east of Jerusalem' – is critical. This wasn't some distant land; it was an area geographically close to Mount Zion, where God's presence was centered. These gods, called 'abominations' (a strong word signifying disgust and revulsion to God), were given a place of prominence. This act was a direct affront to God's holiness and exclusivity. It demonstrated a willingness to mingle the sacred with the profane, showing that God’s commands and His unique place of worship were no longer paramount in Solomon's heart. It created a spiritual pollution right on the doorstep of where God dwelt.
Understand the original words
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bamah · Hebrew Noun
A place of worship, usually on a hill or elevated ground. While sometimes used for Yahweh worship, they became closely associated with idolatry and pagan practices in Israel.
shiqquwts · Hebrew Noun
A detestable thing, especially an idol or an act related to idolatry. It denotes something that is morally or ritually repugnant to God.
Solomon's shocking turn to worshiping foreign gods, right in the heart of Israel's territory, demonstrates how personal relationships and political alliances can tragically lead even the wisest away from devotion to the Lord.
c. 1070 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon successively rule over a united Israel and Judah. David captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital.
c. 1015 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon inherits the throne from David, inheriting a prosperous and stable kingdom. He is known for his wisdom and building projects.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Foreign Marriages
Solomon marries numerous foreign women, including Moabite and Ammonite princesses, violating God's commands. These marriages begin to influence his later spiritual decline.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Solomon's Sin and Apostasy
Influenced by his foreign wives, Solomon builds shrines and offers sacrifices to their gods, including Chemosh of Moab and Molech of the Ammonites. This act deeply grieves the Lord.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divided
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (two tribes). This division is partly a consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness.
c. 931 BC
Prophetic Judgment Begins
The division of the kingdom signals the beginning of a period of spiritual decline and political instability, marked by ongoing prophetic warnings and judgments.
This passage warns against inquiring about the detestable practices of the nations Israel is displacing, directly foreshadowing Solomon's later embrace of such idolatry.
Judges 2:11-13This shows a recurring pattern in Israel's history where they abandoned God to worship other gods, leading to God's displeasure, just as Solomon did.
Ezekiel 14:3-4The prophet Ezekiel confronts the elders of Israel who are seeking him while still holding onto idols, highlighting the seriousness of turning to other gods even in seeking God's word.
2 Kings 23:13This verse describes King Josiah's efforts to tear down and defile the very high places Solomon built for foreign gods, showing the lasting negative impact of such idolatry.
This verse isn't just about Solomon's building projects; it highlights how his spiritual compromises were physically located just east of Jerusalem, the very heart of God's presence. It's a stark visual of his heart drifting away from God, placing detestable idols in plain sight of where God's glory was meant to shine. This wasn't a hidden sin, but a brazen defiance positioned in the shadow of God's dwelling.
Solomon, once known for his wisdom and devotion, is now in his later years leading Israel astray. This act of building shrines for foreign gods directly follows a description of his many foreign wives influencing him to worship their deities. It's a stark turning point, revealing the deep compromise and spiritual decay that has taken root in the heart of Israel's greatest king.
Solomon, once known for his wisdom and devotion, is now in his later years leading Israel astray. This act of building shrines for foreign gods directly follows a description of his many foreign wives influencing him to worship their deities. It's a stark turning point, revealing the deep compromise and spiritual decay that has taken root in the heart of Israel's greatest king.
"Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem." — This verse isn't just about Solomon's building projects; it highlights how his spiritual compromises were physically located just east of Jerusalem, the very heart of God's presence. It's a stark v…
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Last reviewed October 2026