1 Reis 11
Ishodad of Merv
1 Reis 11:3
The words "the wives turned away his heart" do not mean that Solomon himself apostatized and worshiped the idols but that he gave [his wives] freedom to worship their idols without preventing them or converting them, as his father David [had done]. Therefore, since "man and wife become one flesh," and the Scripture usually attributes to them both the action of one because of their union … this is why [Solomon] is justly rebuked for allowing his wives to adore [the idols]. Silence, as they say, expresses consent. Other commentators assert that [Solomon] worships the idols but is not punished, even though he deserved it, thanks to his father and all his merits and toil in building the house. — BOOKS OF SESSIONS 1 KINGS 11:3
1 Reis 11:31-32
Here God's mercy is absolutely evident. Even though he knew how wicked Jeroboam was, [God] appoints him king in order to show that, as far as it depends on him, his gifts are never denied but showered on everyone. Humans themselves, however, refuse them deliberately. — BOOKS OF SESSIONS 1 KINGS 11:31
1 Reis 11:36
The words "so that David may always have a lamp" refer to that small part of the kingdom which was like the sun in the abundance of its light: "Your throne will be like the sun before me." Moreover, as we light many firebrands from a lamp, so a large number [of kings] will descend from the royal lineage of David "until he, to whom kingship belongs, comes." — BOOKS OF SESSIONS 1 KINGS 11:36