Solomon Turns From The Lord

It’s not easy to step up against the authorities. Let me illustrate: During his years as premier of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev denounced many of the policies and atrocities of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin. Once, as he reproached Stalin in a public meeting, Khrushche … More

Reproach

 

Solomon’s life ends in disaster. It seems that as he grew older, he got farther away from God. Riding the crest of power and prestige he apparently thought he was above reproach. The Law had clearly forbidden foreign marriages (Deut. 7:1-5). In addition to this, a king was also prohibited by God from marrying many wives “or his heart will be led astray” (Deut. 17:17).  Solomon completely disregarded this. His palace apparently included 700 wives and 300 concubines. His pagan wives led him into idolatry just as God had warned.

Solomon was never involved in complete rejection of God but he worshiped other gods as well (vv. 4-8). Three heathen gods were given prominence in the religious system promoted by the king. Ashtoreth was the goddess of sex. Molech worship was the national religion of the Ammonites, which involved the offering of human sacrifice. Chermosh was the national god of Moab and was equally cruel and licentious.

The reason for God’s judgment on Solomon is clear as his heart had turned away from the Lord (v. 11). This happened despite the fact God had revealed Himself to Solomon, making promises to him.  To satisfy his wives, the king threw away every important blessing of God. Verses 14-22 reveal how Hodad, the prince of Edom, left the security of Egypt to become Solomon’s foe. The final judgment was delayed until Solomon was dead and his son had taken over. This was a gracious act by God because of his love for David.

 

Application

When people ignore clear instructions from God, such as Solomon had concerning marriage, negative consequences result. He knew the right way to live, but he did not always have the will to do it.

 

I Kings 11:1-22 (English Standard Version)


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