Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, despite his early devotion to God, Solomon's reign is also marked by significant moral and spiritual failings, particularly in his role as a husband.Polygamy and Idolatry Solomon's marital practices are a primary area of concern. The Bible records that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). This extensive polygamy was not only a departure from the monogamous ideal established in Genesis 2:24 but also a direct violation of the Deuteronomic law, which warned against kings multiplying wives for themselves (Deuteronomy 17:17). Solomon's marriages were often politically motivated, forming alliances with surrounding nations. However, these alliances came at a spiritual cost. The influence of Solomon's foreign wives led him into idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4-6 states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father 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." This apostasy was a direct result of Solomon's failure to adhere to God's commandments regarding marriage and worship. Consequences of Disobedience Solomon's disobedience had far-reaching 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 11:9-10). As a result, God declared that the kingdom would be torn away from Solomon's son, leading to the division of Israel after Solomon's death (1 Kings 11:11-13). This division marked the beginning of a period of instability and decline for the nation. Failure in Leadership and Family Solomon's failure as a husband also reflected a broader failure in leadership. By allowing his heart to be led astray, Solomon set a poor example for the nation of Israel. His inability to maintain spiritual integrity in his personal life undermined his ability to lead the people in faithfulness to God. Furthermore, Solomon's domestic life, characterized by divided loyalties and spiritual compromise, likely contributed to the challenges faced by his successor, Rehoboam. Lessons from Solomon's Example Solomon's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and values for political or personal gain. His account underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments, particularly in the context of marriage. The New Testament reiterates the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), a standard that Solomon's life ultimately failed to meet. Solomon's example reminds believers of the need for spiritual vigilance and the consequences of allowing worldly influences to lead one's heart away from God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 11:1But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Two Degrees of Perfection with which this Commandment May be ... Fathers and Children' The Christian Home Post-Nicene Mothers A Compendious view of the Christian Life. Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Of Hell Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties. The Seventh Commandment Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Resources What is Christian domestic discipline (CDD)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a godly husband? | GotQuestions.org Do women have to remain silent in church? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Husbands: Duties of, not to Interfere With Their Duties to Christ Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: Not to Leave Them, Though Unbelieving Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To be Faithful to Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Comfort Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult With Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell With Them for Life Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Regard Them As Themselves Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Respect Them Husbands: Have Authority Over Their Wives Husbands: should Have But One Wife Related Terms |
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