Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most renowned figures in the Bible, known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, one of the most striking aspects of Solomon's life was his large harem, consisting of seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. This aspect of Solomon's reign is recorded in 1 Kings 11:3: "He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away."Historical Context and Marital Alliances In the ancient Near Eastern context, royal marriages were often used as political tools to secure alliances, peace treaties, and trade agreements. Solomon's marriages to foreign princesses, including Pharaoh's daughter, were likely strategic moves to strengthen Israel's position among neighboring nations. These alliances brought wealth and influence but also introduced foreign customs and religious practices into Israel. Religious Implications The accumulation of wives and concubines had significant religious implications for Solomon and the nation of Israel. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was led astray by his foreign wives, who influenced him to worship other gods. This is explicitly stated in 1 Kings 11:4-6: "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. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely." Consequences of Disobedience Solomon's disobedience in marrying foreign women and turning to idolatry had severe consequences. The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice (1 Kings 11:9). As a result, God declared that the kingdom would be torn away from Solomon's son, leading to the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death. This judgment is recorded in 1 Kings 11:11-13: "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. Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom away from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.'" Moral and Theological Reflections Solomon's extensive harem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. Despite his wisdom and the blessings he received, Solomon's failure to remain faithful to the LORD led to personal and national turmoil. His life underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the perils of allowing worldly influences to lead one's heart astray. Solomon's account is a reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual integrity and the potential pitfalls of prioritizing political and personal gain over obedience to God's will. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:3And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 17:17 Library Trusting in These Resources, Solomon Set About Erecting a Temple ... Book 8 Footnotes The Historical Books. Against Jovinianus. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Iranian Conquest Resources Is Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? | GotQuestions.org Why didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences) |
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