What does 1 Kings 3:2 Mean?

Study Notes

high places
Cf. Leviticus 26:30 ; Deuteronomy 12:11-14 . The use of commanding elevations for altars seems to have been immemorial and universal. In itself the practice was not evil; Genesis 12:7 ; Genesis 12:8 ; Genesis 22:2-4 ; Genesis 31:54 ; Judges 6:25 ; Judges 6:26 ; Judges 13:16-23 . After the establishment of Mount Moriah and the temple as the centre of divine worship; Deuteronomy 12:5 ; 2 Chronicles 7:12 the pentateuchal prohibition of the use of high places Deuteronomy 12:11-14 which had looked forward to the setting up of such a centre, came into effect, and high places became identified with idolatrous practices. The constant recurrence to the use of high places, even for Jehovistic worship and after the building of the temple, proves how deeply rooted the custom was.

See 2 Kings 18:4-22 ; 2 Kings 23:1-37 ; 2 Chronicles 33:3 ; 2 Chronicles 33:17 ; 2 Chronicles 33:19 Note below refers to "Groves." .

Cf. 2 Chronicles 14:3 . It appears that local sacrifices to Jehovah (though not according to the divine order) were offered in the times of the kings upon "high places" (cf) 1 Samuel 9:12 . Apparently Asa's mother had defiled one of these with an idol, 1 Kings 15:13 . Asa destroyed the idol and the idolatrous (but not the Jehovistic) "high places." But see "high places," (See Scofield " 1 Kings 3:2 ") .

Groves

Groves, like high places, have been associated with idolatrous worship from time immemorial. The Heb. asherah, trans. grove means also the idol enshrined there. Deuteronomy 16:21 . This idol seems often to have been a sacred tree, the figure of which is constantly found on Assyrian monuments. In apostate Israel, however, such groves were associated with every form of idolatry, e.g. 2 Kings 17:16 ; 2 Kings 17:17 .

(See Scofield " 1 Kings 3:2 ") and Ashtaroth See Scofield " Judges 2:13 ".

Context Summary

The chapter opens doubtfully. The affinity with Pharaoh, and the two onlys of 1 Kings 3:2-3 are not promising. See Deuteronomy 12:13-14. Yet there were hopeful features in Solomon's love for God, and the devotion and obedience by which it was proved. It remained, however, to be seen, which of these influences was to triumph in the outworking of his character. That is always the most urgent, question in life. With too many the early dew and morning cloud pass away, leaving no trace, Hosea 6:4.

There is an inner wisdom which is of the heart rather than of the head, and which God's Spirit bestows on those who love Him. Having this, we possess the key to all things in heaven and on earth. See 1 Corinthians 2:5, etc. When a man seeks first the Kingdom, all else is added, Matthew 6:33. Only the man who delights in God can be trusted with the gratification of his heart's desires, Psalms 37:4.

Live deep in God. Do not be dazzled or fascinated by outward things. Be concerned to know God's will and become the organ of His purpose. He will add to you all else that is needful for the fulfillment of your life-course. From a worldly point of view Naboth might have done a good stroke of business by selling his estate to. Ahab. A royal price and assured favor might have been his-but he had a conscience! Above the persuasive tones of the monarch's offer sounded the voice of God: "The land shall not be sold for ever, for the land is mine." See Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:7; Ezekiel 46:18.

Ahab knew perfectly well that Jezebel could not give him the property of another except by foul means, but he took pains not to inquire. Though the direct orders for Naboth's death did not come from him, yet, by his silence, he was an accomplice and an accessory; and divine justice penetrates all such specious excuses. God holds us responsible for wrongs which we do not arrest, though we have the power. The crime was blacker because of the pretext of religion, as suggested by a fast. See also 2 Kings 9:26. The blood of murdered innocence cries to God, and his requital, though delayed, is inevitable. See Revelation 6:9-10. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Kings 3

¹  Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter
²  High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon
⁵  Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him,
¹⁰  preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor
¹⁶  Solomon's judgment makes him renowned