👉 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 11:5. It’s a really significant and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a very unusual and potentially dangerous religious practice. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Solomon Builds a Temple: The story begins with Solomon, King of Israel, building a magnificent temple to God – the most impressive structure ever built at the time. Seeking Goddesses: After building the temple, Solomon decided to make it even more powerful and appealing by bringing other gods to worship alongside him. He went to Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Zidon River (a major river in Lebanon), and Milcom, the abomination of the Ammonites – a strange and controversial deity. What’s the Point? This is where it gets tricky. The verse basically says that Solomon invited other gods into his temple. It's a huge deviation from the traditional practice of worshipping only one God, Yahweh (God). Why is this significant? Loss of Divine Favor: The Bible describes this as a serious offense to God. It shows that Solomon wasn’t truly worshiping Him , but rather seeking to gain popularity and power through the adoration of foreign deities. Challenge to God's Authority: It raises questions about whether Solomon was truly following God’s instructions or simply trying to manipulate him. A Warning About Worship: The verse is often seen as a warning against idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. It highlights that true devotion comes from loving and obeying the one true God, not seeking favor through false idols. In short, it’s a story about a king who prioritized his own desires over honoring the one true God. Important Note: The exact meaning of these gods and their relationship to Solomon is debated among scholars. It's a complex passage that speaks to a challenging time in Israel's history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings? Discuss the context of this story in more detail?

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The Answer to All Your Suffering: Exploring the Deep Secrets of the Hebrew Bible's King 1 Chronicles 11:5

In the book of Kings, a phrase often associated with divine providence and spiritual fulfillment is found in chapter 11:5: "1 Kings 11:5 - The Prophetic Word of God" Example sentence : "The prophet David spoke this to his servant Solomon; 'For you are like a man who builds a house, but not as an eye for an eye. You build a roof and do not cover the inside.'" This verse, though deeply metaphorical in its interpretation, is a chilling reminder of how easily we can be deceived by spiritual promises and the way they might seem too good to be true. This verse underscores God's strictures on us as men, saying that even those who claim to have divine powers cannot rely solely on their own knowledge or ability. The metaphorical reference in this scripture is a potent reminder of the danger we all face when we do not listen to what God says and does. Note : While "1 Kings 11:5" may be a common idiom, its true meaning varies greatly depending on cultural context and historical context. For instance, it is often used in a negative way to describe false or misleading promises made by those in power. This interpretation highlights the dangers of relying too heavily on spiritual or political leaders without questioning their words and deeds.