The Sin of Solomon

But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites- from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, "You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love.  And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David (I Kings 11:1-4).

It’s hard to believe that this is the same man that earlier in his life uttered such beautiful prayers, manifested a touching humility, and exemplified obedience to Jehovah (I Kings 3, 8).

I often have wondered how the wisest man (I Kings 3:12; 4:29-31) could make such foolish decisions so late in his life. First Kings 1-11 relates to us the reign of Solomon, much of it glorious and amazing. But chapter 11 discloses the details of his sad and tragic fall from God’s favor and fellowship (I would encourage the readers to also examine verses 5-13 of this passage).

Who did Solomon love? The text above reads, “King Solomon loved many foreign women” and that “Solomon clung to these in love.” These two statements reveal the true nature of a mighty king’s downfall. Although he once loved his LORD the most (3:3), he now loved these foreign women more. Instead of continuing to cling to the Law of God he now clung to his wives, princesses, and concubines. His selfish, fleshly desires replaced his once unselfish, spiritual desires.

The wisest man that turned foolish, callously cast aside God’s clear command not to intermarry with the surrounding nations. The reason for that particular law, was the threat and danger of religious apostasy. Foreign women did not serve Jehovah. Foreign women did not know, respect, or follow God’s Law. Foreign women worshiped false gods that were accompanied by very corrupt and immoral practices. And thus Solomon’s love for and marriage of these foreign women naturally led to his apostasy. These women he so adored “turned his heart” away from serving Jehovah to serving “other gods.”

The great king that faithfully labored seven years to build the temple, the house of the LORD, and poured into its construction every luxury and expense. The great king that offered to the LORD “twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (8:63) at its dedication. This same king “went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidnonians, and after Molech the abomination of the Ammonites” (11:5). This once righteous king “built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab” (11:7). What a disturbing and stark contrast!

So what lessons can we learn from the sin of Solomon?

1. We must be very careful when it comes to who and what we love. Does our love for that person or object put us at odds with serving the Lord faithfully (Matt. 6:24, 33)? If it does, change must occur until there is no conflict or hindrance. Too many brethren have ended up like Demas who “loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Specifically, Solomon loved the women of this world. Others love the fame and notoriety of this world, their worldly friends, material wealth, or religious compromise. Jesus declared: “For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21). Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind (Mt. 22:37)? Or has your heart strayed from the Savior because of your love for other things?

2. It matters a great deal whom we or our children marry. It doesn’t require 700 wives and 300 concubines to turn a heart away from serving the Lord. It takes only one ungodly spouse to do so. Be as certain as possible that the man or woman that you are considering to marry is the person that will help you reach the eternal goal of heaven. Ask yourself, “will this individual draw my heart away from God or closer to Him?” The choice of one’s spouse can often make the difference of where one will spend eternity. Whom a person marries will often determine whether the children will grow up to serve the Lord or the devil. Don’t make the same grave mistake Solomon did and marry a worldly spouse. But rather marry a faithful Christian whose heart is in the same exact place as yours!  

3. Even a very wise and righteous man can go astray from God. I really enjoy reading about the early and middle portions of Solomon’s life. I enjoy reading about his words of love and loyalty expressed towards his Lord. But it is rather depressing to read about his idolatrous ending. You know, if someone like Solomon can walk away from serving the Lord, then surely so can you and I. Yes, a child of God can fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). A Christian can walk in the light for most of his life, and then tragically leave the light to walk in and practice darkness (I John 1:5-7). Let us then all continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith all the days of our lives (2 Timothy 4:7). “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). Let us not foolishly think that apostasy is an impossibility in our lives. Let us carefully listen to the inspired apostle. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).

That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
- Ecclesiastes 1:9

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