What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:3? He had seven hundred wives – Scripture records this as literal history (1 Kings 11:3). – God’s original pattern is one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). – Solomon’s excess breaks the specific kingly warning, “He must not take many wives” (Deuteronomy 17:17). – Even great wisdom (1 Kings 3:12) does not exempt anyone from obeying God’s clear commands. of royal birth – These marriages were political alliances (1 Kings 3:1; 11:1). – Royal wives brought the customs and deities of their nations (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). – Earthly power tempted Solomon to trust diplomacy over dependence on the Lord (Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1). – Pursuing status through relationships still leads hearts away today (1 John 2:16). and three hundred concubines – Concubines were secondary wives who provided pleasure, prestige, and heirs (2 Samuel 5:13). – Though culturally accepted, this arrangement violated God’s created order and cheapened covenant marriage (Malachi 2:14-16; Hebrews 13:4). – Solomon’s tolerance for lesser commitments foreshadowed his later tolerance for lesser gods. —and his wives turned his heart away – What God predicted came to pass: “so that his heart will not turn away” (Deuteronomy 17:17) becomes “his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD” (1 Kings 11:4-8). – Idolatry followed intimacy; misplaced affections produced divided worship (Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:24). – Solomon’s story warns that great starts (1 Kings 3:3-4) can end poorly when the heart drifts (Proverbs 4:23; James 1:14-15). – Believers guard their hearts by clinging to Christ, not compromising with culture (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Jude 20-21). summary 1 Kings 11:3 shows the tragic progression from multiplying wives to multiplied idolatry. Solomon’s staggering harem—700 royal wives and 300 concubines—reflects human ambition unrestrained by God’s word. The alliances looked wise but proved fatal to faith, turning the wisest king’s heart away from the LORD. The verse stands as a sober reminder that obedience safeguards devotion, and that even subtle compromises in relationships can steer a heart off course. |
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