1 Kings 11:7-8
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. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Solomon didn't just tolerate these foreign gods; he built them shrines. The word translated as "abomination" highlights how utterly detestable these practices were to God, making Solomon's actions not just a personal failing, but a profound betrayal of his covenant with the Lord.
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, has begun a heartbreaking descent. After his great prayer dedicating the temple and despite God's repeated warnings, he's made alliances through marriage with foreign women who turn his heart away from the Lord. This verse marks a stark low point, showing him actively building pagan shrines for the gods of the surrounding nations, right on the outskirts of Jerusalem, directly defying God's commands.
Solomon, the wisest man alive, built places for gods who demanded terrible things. How does this happen?
This verse is a stark picture of spiritual decline. Despite receiving incredible wisdom and blessings from God, Solomon allowed himself to be drawn away by his foreign wives and their gods. He didn't just tolerate these practices; he built high places for them. This wasn't a passive drift; it was an active rebellion. The altars to Chemosh and Molech weren't just symbols; they were places where horrific rituals, including child sacrifice, were practiced. This shows how deeply sin can penetrate even the most blessed lives when we compromise our devotion to God.
Why does the Bible call these gods 'abominations'? What was so offensive about them?
The term 'abomination' in Scripture signifies something deeply offensive to God's character and commands. Chemosh and Molech were associated with fertility cults that often involved sexual immorality and, most horrifically, child sacrifice. Solomon's decision to build places for these deities was not a minor cultural concession; it was a direct affront to the One God who had uniquely chosen Israel and demanded their exclusive loyalty. This act carried a tremendous spiritual cost, foreshadowing the division of the kingdom and the eventual exile of his people.
Understand the original words
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.
zabach · Hebrew Verb
The act of presenting an offering or gift, often associated with slaughtering animals for the purpose of worship, atonement, or communion with a deity.
Solomon's decision to build high places for foreign gods, directly overlooking the Temple he built for Yahweh, demonstrates a profound spiritual compromise that ultimately contributed to the kingdom's division.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon becomes king of Israel after his father David, inheriting a united kingdom and a period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon begins the monumental task of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for Yahweh.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Solomon's Downfall and Death
Towards the end of his long reign, Solomon's heart turns away from God due to his many foreign wives and their influence, leading to idolatry and religious compromise.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divided
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, largely due to the oppressive policies of Solomon's son, Rehoboam.
This passage commands Israel to destroy the idols and altars of the nations they conquer, highlighting the detestable nature of these practices that Solomon ignored.
Judges 2:11-14This shows the consequence of Israel's repeated turn to worshipping other gods, just as Solomon did, leading to God's anger and their downfall.
Nehemiah 13:26This verse recounts Solomon's sin centuries later, showing how his actions in building high places deeply troubled future generations and led them astray.
Psalm 106:35-39This psalm explicitly describes Israel mixing with nations and learning their ways, including sacrificing to their gods and defiling the land, mirroring Solomon's actions.
Solomon didn't just tolerate these foreign gods; he built them shrines. The word translated as "abomination" highlights how utterly detestable these practices were to God, making Solomon's actions not just a personal failing, but a profound betrayal of his covenant with the Lord.
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, has begun a heartbreaking descent. After his great prayer dedicating the temple and despite God's repeated warnings, he's made alliances through marriage with foreign women who turn his heart away from the Lord. This verse marks a stark low point, showing him actively building pagan shrines for the gods of the surrounding nations, right on the outskirts of Jerusalem, directly defying God's commands.
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, has begun a heartbreaking descent. After his great prayer dedicating the temple and despite God's repeated warnings, he's made alliances through marriage with foreign women who turn his heart away from the Lord. This verse marks a stark low point, showing him actively building pagan shrines for the gods of the surrounding nations, right on the outskirts of Jerusalem, directly defying God's commands.
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"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. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their go…" — Solomon didn't just tolerate these foreign gods; he built them shrines. The word translated as "abomination" highlights how utterly detestable these practices were to God, making Solomon's actions…
