Marriage and the Bible - Part 24 - Solomon's Marriage Downfall

1 Kings 11 is a telling chapter about the downfall of Solomon. Because he married so many women from so many lands, variety being the spice of polygamy after all, it lead to his spiritual downfall. He had so many wives that were foreign in their religion that eventually to make them happy he incorporated their idolatry into his own life making altars to all their gods. The majority of which were sexual/fertility gods. This was a direct violation of a command of God on two counts:idolatry and mixed marriage. David at least keep his marriages in the house of Israel.

This brings about a sad conclusion about Solomon and polygamy. How divided can one's heart get about God the more women a man has in his harem? Pretty divided. Not only does polygamy make it more difficult to have a one-flesh/truly intimate relationship with a woman, it also seems to create a God attention problem. You spend so much time pleasing all your wives, you have less or no time for God. There seems to be an ideal that Solomon strayed from that he mentions himself - 'rejoice in the wife of your youth'

One asks, "how is Solomon so wise, when he acts so foolishly?" The answer is one can have wisdom, but wisdom does not give you the dedication and will to follow it. Solomon knew and understood, but his wives robbed him of his will and dedication to God, the source of that wisdom.

If there is wisdom for us in Solomon, it is that marrying well means to keep an eye on the values and faith of the one who you wish to marry. You don't want your spouse to lead you from God.

Next: Rehoboam - A Pale Reflection of His Father.