BG
v.3 (NET) Concubines were slave women in ancient Near Eastern societies who were the legal property of their master, but who could have legitimate sexual relations with their master. A concubine’s status was more elevated than a mere servant, but she was not free and did not have the legal rights of a free wife. The children of a concubine could, in some instances, become equal heirs with the children of the free wife. The usage in the present passage suggests that after the period of the Judges concubines may have become more of a royal prerogative (cf. also 2 Sam 21:10–14).
Ob and In:
1. Repeated words:
shift your allegiance to their gods v.2, 4-The reason why God prohibited Israel to establish friendship with pagan country was to avoid their shifting of allegiance and that that was exactly how it happened in Solomon.
[Solomon] was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD His God, did not remain loyal to the LORD v.5-6
(BKC) Apparently he concluded that since he was a great king he should live like the other great kings of the world even though it meant disobeying God’s Word.
Reflection: Do I see myself to my outside of certain rules? If I am the ruler why am I ruled by Someone (God) else?
2. The trend:
God's warning: v.2 “You must not establish friendly relations with them
What Solomon did: The shifting of allegiance was not mentioned until his old age v.4. In v.3, "He had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines; his wives had a powerful influence over him.."
powerful influence=(BDB) turn,, influence, heart 2 S 19:15; turn (away) heart (cause to apostatize)
Reflection: Again what God had warned became true to Solomon. Change of allegiance did not happen overnight, but a gradual shifting of our hearts.
(EBC) First it was tolerated in his household. Once he became accustomed to it and comfortable with it, he also began to participate in idolatry with his wives. Solomon never renounced the Lord, but his heart was not entirely devoted to the Lord either. The syncretism that he began to display was a curse that plagued Israel through the years and ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and to the exile of the people.
(BKC) Solomon did not abandon Yahweh but he worshiped other gods as well. His heart was not fully devoted to the LORD; he compromised his affections.
3. 2nd repeated words:
fell in love v.1, was irresistibly attracted to them v.3 (NET) Heb “Solomon clung to them for love.”
Reflection: Be careful of our love. What we love we do not want to let go will eventually shift our allegiance. There is no such things as love the world (or anything opposing God) and show allegiance to God.
Girls meeting
What did God warn Isralietes about? There would be a cause and a result. What were they?
Do not intermarry with nations around them. they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.
What did Solomon choose?
befriends:Fell in love, held fast to them in love, (irresistibly attracted to them) (Solomon clung to them)v.1,2
What happened to Solomon?
result: turn his heart after other gods when he became old, not fulley devoted to God v.4, not follow God completely v.6
Did Solomon know the commandment of God? in v.2
Why did Solomon violate God?
#1 Apparently he concluded that since he was a great king he should live like the other great kings of the world even though it meant disobeying God’s Word.
Reflection: Do I see myself to my outside of certain rules? If I am the ruler why am I ruled by Someone (God) else?
How did his wives and concubines do that to him?
then: led him astray, (powerful influence) v.3 (turn away heart, cause to worship other gods)
When did that happen?
when he became old
What had happened in his young age?
First it was tolerated in his household. Once he became accustomed to it and comfortable with it, he also began to participate in idolatry with his wives. His heart was slowly change.
What percaution we need to have?
Once we love something or someone, we do not want to let go. What did he determine was just to love other women (not their gods) That seemed to have nothing to do with God. He held fast to them. Gradually his heart change. They eventually shift his allegiance. There is no such things as love the world (or anything opposing God) and show allegiance to God.
How did the Bible describe Solomon faith to God in v.4,6?
Solomon never renounced the Lord, but his heart was not entirely devoted to the Lord either.
What was the danger in that state of faith?
false sense of security.
How will that look like in our fellow Christians today?
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