1 Kings 11:4
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Solomon's seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (11:3) primarily resulted from political marriages sealing alliances with surrounding nations. Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy regularly used royal marriages to cement treaties and ensure peace. Each wife likely brought her household gods and religious practices, expecting accommodation for her worship. Solomon's construction of high places for Chemosh (Moabite god) and Molech (Ammonite god) near Jerusalem (11:7) demonstrates the extent of his compromise.
The timing 'when Solomon was old' suggests this occurred later in his 40-year reign, perhaps in the final decade (c. 940-930 BCE). The gradual accumulation of foreign wives and the subtle shift in priorities demonstrate how spiritual decline often happens imperceptibly over years. What began as political pragmatism evolved into personal participation in idolatry. Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon's later life, may reflect his disillusionment after pursuing wisdom, pleasure, and achievement apart from exclusive devotion to God.
This apostasy violated explicit biblical warnings. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlined kingship regulations prohibiting multiple wives specifically because they would 'turn away his heart' (17:17). Solomon knew these commands but rationalized disobedience through political necessity and personal desire. His case demonstrates that knowledge without obedience leads to spiritual disaster. The wisest man who ever lived became an idolater through gradual compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of gradual compromise or tolerated disobedience in your life might become footholds for greater spiritual decline if left unaddressed?
- How do your closest relationships either strengthen or weaken your devotion to God, and what changes might be necessary to guard your heart?
- What practices of spiritual vigilance and self-examination can help ensure your heart remains 'perfect' (whole, undivided) toward God throughout life's stages?
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Analysis & Commentary
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. This tragic verse marks Solomon's spiritual decline after decades of wisdom and faithfulness. The phrase 'when Solomon was old' (le'et ziknat Shlomoh, לְעֵת זִקְנַת שְׁלֹמֹה) suggests that apostasy often comes through gradual compromise rather than sudden rebellion. The verb 'turned away' (natah, נָטָה) describes a bending or inclining, indicating subtle drift rather than abrupt rejection.
The role of Solomon's foreign wives in his apostasy fulfills the warning of Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and demonstrates the spiritual danger of intimate relationships with those who don't share covenant faith. These marriages, often political alliances to secure peace with neighboring nations, brought pagan worship practices into Solomon's household and eventually into Israel's religious life. Love and influence intertwined with political convenience created conditions for compromise.
The comparison with David's heart reveals the standard: wholehearted devotion to Yahweh. The phrase 'perfect with the LORD' (shalem im-YHWH, שָׁלֵם עִם־יְהוָה) means complete, undivided, fully devoted. Though David sinned grievously, he never served other gods or sponsored idolatry. Solomon's divided heart—attempting to honor both Yahweh and foreign deities—violated the first commandment and the Shema's call for exclusive love of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This apostasy would lead directly to the kingdom's division under Rehoboam.