of the nations concerning which the LORD said to the children of Israel, “You shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon joined to these in love.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Gods. See Exodus 34:16. Deuteronomy 7:4. The law only forbids expressly the marrying of the women of Chanaan. But is was easy to discern, that the spirit of the law equally prohibited connexions with others who were addicted to idol-worship. See 1 Ezra 10:3. Such alliances are always dangerous, and generally prove fatal; ( Calmet.) unless there be good reason to believe that the parties are sincerely converted: in which case the prohibition ceases. Bible.—Love. Thus, nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata; and, stolen waters are sweeter, says impure love; but her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverbs 9:17. 18.