Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible associated with polygamy. As the third king of Israel, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, his reign is also marked by his numerous marriages and concubines, which played a significant role in his spiritual and political life.Biblical Account The Bible records that Solomon had an extraordinary number of wives and concubines. In 1 Kings 11:3 , it states, "He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away." This vast number of marital alliances was not merely for personal pleasure but also served as strategic political alliances with surrounding nations. These marriages were often used to secure peace and strengthen political ties. Spiritual Implications Solomon's polygamy had profound spiritual consequences. Despite his God-given wisdom, Solomon's heart was led astray by his foreign wives, who influenced him to worship other gods. 1 Kings 11:4 notes, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." This deviation from exclusive worship of Yahweh was a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel, which prohibited the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3). Divine Displeasure and Consequences God's displeasure with Solomon's polygamy and idolatry is evident in the biblical narrative. In 1 Kings 11:9-11 , the LORD's anger is described: "Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although He had warned Solomon explicitly not to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. Then the LORD said to Solomon, 'Since you have done this and have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.'" As a result of Solomon's actions, the kingdom of Israel was eventually divided after his death, with only a portion remaining under the rule of his son, Rehoboam. This division marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Israel's history. Theological Reflections Solomon's polygamy serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative. While polygamy was culturally accepted in ancient times, the Bible consistently portrays it as leading to familial strife and spiritual compromise. Solomon's life illustrates the dangers of allowing cultural practices to supersede divine commandments. His account underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the perils of divided loyalties. In the broader biblical context, the ideal of monogamous marriage is affirmed in the creation narrative, where God establishes the union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). The New Testament further reinforces this ideal, with Jesus and the apostles upholding the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital relationship (Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-33). Solomon's legacy, therefore, is a complex one, marked by both extraordinary achievements and significant failures. His polygamy and its consequences serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the dangers of allowing worldly influences to lead one's heart astray. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:1-8But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Nave's Topical Index Library The Fall of Solomon Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. Perseverance of Saints. Pride of Prosperity The Reign of David. The People among whom we Labour. The Power of Christianity. David's Deserts The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... The Israelites Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgHow many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Why did the early Mormons believe in plural marriage? | GotQuestions.org Polygamy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Abraham's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Elkanah's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Jacob's Family Polygamy: Mosaic Law Respecting the Firstborn In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Elkanah's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Husband's Favoritism In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Jacob's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Rehoboam's Related Terms |
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