Topical Bible: Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives

◄ Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives ►

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Introduction

The narrative of King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is one of wisdom, wealth, and ultimately, spiritual decline. Solomon's reign is marked by his extraordinary wisdom, which he famously requested from God, and his subsequent prosperity and influence. However, his account also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and the consequences of yielding to it, particularly through the influence of foreign wives who led him into idolatry.

Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth

Solomon's early reign was characterized by his devotion to God and his desire to lead Israel with discernment. 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).

Under Solomon's rule, Israel experienced unprecedented peace and prosperity. The king's wisdom attracted dignitaries from all over the world, including the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his knowledge and the splendor of his court (1 Kings 10:1-7).

The Temptation and Influence of Foreign Wives

Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was led astray by his marriages to foreign women. 1 Kings 11:1-2 states, "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, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.'"

Solomon's marriages were often politically motivated, intended to secure alliances with surrounding nations. However, these unions came with spiritual consequences. The foreign wives brought with them their own religious practices and deities, which gradually influenced Solomon.

Solomon's Idolatry

As Solomon aged, his wives turned his heart toward other gods, leading him into idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4 records, "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's idolatry included the worship of Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom, the abomination of the Ammonites (1 Kings 11:5). He even built high places for these deities, allowing his wives to offer sacrifices and burn incense to their gods (1 Kings 11:7-8).

Consequences of Yielding to Temptation

The consequences of Solomon's idolatry were severe. 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 from Solomon's son, though not during Solomon's lifetime, out of respect for David (1 Kings 11:11-13).

Solomon's failure to remain faithful to God despite his wisdom serves as a powerful reminder of the insidious nature of temptation and the importance of spiritual vigilance. His account underscores the biblical principle that even the wisest and most blessed individuals are susceptible to falling away if they do not guard their hearts and remain steadfast in their devotion to God.

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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.
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Nehemiah 13:26
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
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Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... truly, I do not know what had become of me ... Gospel comes in the sweet and precious
influences thereof to ... and subdued, and the soul made clean, through the faith ...
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