Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, his reign is also marked by a significant period of backsliding, which serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God.Early Reign and Wisdom Solomon's early reign was characterized by his devotion to God and his request for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." Pleased with this request, God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom, as well as riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). Construction of the Temple One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a task his father David had desired to complete. In 1 Kings 6:1, the Bible records, "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." This monumental project was a fulfillment of God's promise and a central place of worship for the Israelites. The Beginning of Backsliding Despite his auspicious beginnings, Solomon's heart began to turn away from God. The seeds of his backsliding were sown through his marriages to foreign women, which were contrary to God's commands. In 1 Kings 11:1-2, it is written, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love." Idolatry and Disobedience Solomon's marriages led him into idolatry, as his wives turned his heart after other gods. 1 Kings 11:4-6 states, "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." Divine Judgment As a result of Solomon's disobedience, God pronounced judgment upon his kingdom. In 1 Kings 11:11-13, 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; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." Legacy and Lessons Solomon's backsliding serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God. Despite his wisdom and the blessings he received, Solomon's heart was led astray by his alliances and idolatry. His life underscores the biblical truth that wisdom and blessings are not enough to sustain a relationship with God; obedience and devotion are paramount. Solomon's account is a sobering example of how even the wisest can fall when they turn away from the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 11:3,4And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "When Solomon was Old. " A Greater than Solomon Solomon's Repentance Fruits of Recognized Union The History Books Hezekiah Jeremiah Letter iii. True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it ... "But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and ... Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth ... Resources Is a backsliding Christian still saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to backslide? | GotQuestions.org Salvation Clarified ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Backsliding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Backsliding is Departing from the Simplicity of the Gospel Backsliding is Leaving the First Love Backsliding is Turning from God Backsliding: A Haughty Spirit Leads To Backsliding: Afflictions Sent to Heal Backsliding: Blessedness of Those Who Keep From Backsliding: Brings Its own Punishment Backsliding: Endeavour to Bring Back Those Guilty of Backsliding: Exhortations to Return From Backsliding: God is Displeased At Backsliding: Guilt and Consequences of Backsliding: Hateful to Saints Backsliding: Healing of, Promised Backsliding: Liable to Continue and Increase Backsliding: Pardon of, Promised Backsliding: Pray to be Restored From Backsliding: Punishment of Tempting Others to the Sin of Backsliding: Sin of, to be Confessed Related Terms |
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