Justin Houtz

1 Kings 11, Mark 14

DateVersionReading Plan
October 29, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

1 Kings 11

Observation & Interpretation

1 Kings 11:8 – Solomon built high places for his wives to make offerings and sacrifices to pagan gods.

  • Solomon’s heart was turned away after other gods by his foreign wives (v. 4) and he also provided for them the means by which they could continue in pagan worship.
  • …Solomon’s own idolatrous tendencies (which include but not exhausted by worshiping foreign gods) are fueled by those of the wives he has chosen. (ESVEC – Comment)

1 Kings 11:13 – The LORD told Solomon that He would not tear away all of the kingdom, but would give one tribe to Solomon’s son.

  • The tribe given to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, would be Judah and was later specified in 1 Kings 12:20

1 Kings 11:28 – Solomon gave Jeroboam charge over the forced labor of the house of Joseph.

  • Jeroboam would eventually come to reign the northern kingdom after the division.
  • Solomon is using Jeroboam against his own people (the tribes of Joseph) as part of his scheme to use his own people (all of Israel) to further his kingdom. (ESVEC – Comment)

Mark 14

Observation & Interpretation

Mark 14:4-5 – Some spoke out indignantly that it was a waste to break the alabaster flask of ointment and pour it on Jesus’ head.

  • Mark does not mention that it was Judas Iscariot who said this (cf. John 12:5).

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