SOLOMON LET HIS WIVES LEAD HIM ASTRAY

PROCLAMATION

“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.”  1 Kings 11:4 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  It is revealed that King Solomon loved many women in addition to his wife the daughter of Pharaoh.  He is said to have had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. (1 Kings 11:1-3)  In his old age Solomon let his wives turn his heart to other gods and he did not perfect in worship of The Lord.  He even began to do evil in the sight of The Lord and He became very angry with him. (1 Kings 11:4-10)  The Lord God told Solomon that because of what he had done that He was going to take the kingdom away from him.  He would leave him with one tribe for his father David’s sake. (1 King 11:11-13)  Then The Lord God stirred up adversaries for Solomon among the enemies that David had made while he was king and He took the kingdom away from him.  He took ten of the tribes and gave the to Jeroboam to rule over. (1 Kings 11:14-35)  King Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over Israel for forty years before he died and was buried in the city of David.  His son Rehoboam reigned after him over one tribe. (1 Kings 11:36-43)

 

APPLICATION

All too often we listen to and follow the people instead of following The Word of God.  It has been that way since Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:5-6)  As smart as he was, in his old age even Solomon listened to his wives and disobeyed God. (1 Kings 11:4)  While a man and his wife are to be as one flesh, (Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:8, and Ephesians 5:31) he is not to put her above God.  “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness …” (Matthew 6:33)  The advice from a spouse, family member, friends or anyone else should never be put above The Word of God.