Solomon’s Unfaithfulness to God
Open Your Bible
1 Kings 10:1-29, 1 Kings 11:1-43, Matthew 1:1-16
BY Claire Gibson
I recently discovered a website that sells bona fide designer items at discounted prices. (However, even at a “discount,” everything is still way out of my price range.) Surfing this site is like taking a sneak peek into a famous, wildly wealthy person’s closet. I’m not actually indulging. I’m just browsing! But the slope is steep. I know from past experience that I can easily go from browsing, to buying, to justifying in about two-point-five seconds flat.
Our culture is obsessed with wealth, beauty, and sexuality. Social media influencers attempt to sell me expensive clothes, face oils, and procedures, showing me what life could look like if I had access to more—more money, more freedom, more of everything. And yet, for all their photos of fancy clothes, private jets, and exotic places, no one has risen to the level of King Solomon at the height of his wealth and influence. It was out of control and unfathomable.
Long story short? Solomon got caught up in the things of this world, not only in the trappings of his wealth, but in the sexual power it gave him over women. The numbers are staggering: seven hundred wives, three hundred concubines— I mean, how would one even have the time for a thousand lovers? It’s safe to say that many of these women weren’t there by choice. The evil in many of Solomon’s actions would be hard to calculate in terms that would translate to today’s world. At the very least, he was an idolator and an adulterer to the highest degree. In the beginning, wealth gave Solomon freedom. In the end, it enslaved him.
Every time he added possessions and people to his entourage, Solomon believed he was gaining power. In reality, he was giving himself away. Bit by bit, the wisdom and character that had made him famous faded as his unfaithfulness to a faithful God grew. But it wasn’t wisdom and character or wealth that had built his kingdom—the Lord did all of that. While He did bless Solomon with “a wise and understanding heart” and even the “riches and honor” he hadn’t asked for, the blessing was always tied to Solomon’s commitment to walk in God’s “ways and keep [His] statutes” (1 Kings 3:12–14). In other words, Solomon would have to choose God’s wisdom over his own—every single day. Instead, “Solomon did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, and unlike his father David, he did not remain loyal to the LORD” (1 Kings 11:6).
Wealth has a way of making me believe the absolute lie that I don’t need God. I know the slippery slope firsthand. And while Solomon’s actions are unfathomable, if I had been given all the wealth in the world, I hope that my heart would remain pure. But I don’t know for sure. Solomon lost sight of his need for God. It’s easy for me to do the same.
Jesus, help me to fix my eyes on You. Close my eyes to anything that would give me the illusion of power, pleasure, or position. May my life remain fully dependent on You, the One who creates all, gives all, and has within Him the power, wisdom, and the right to take it all away.
27 thoughts on "Solomon’s Unfaithfulness to God"
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I think based on these readings so far, we see how important it is to keep Gods commandments. Yet there are times in my life where I choose to do the opposite. We live in a sinful world and turning away from sin, from sexual desires, the need for more, is really difficult. I recently started working as a nurse and it has given me financial security but in these past couple of months, I’ve seen my credit card bills go up because of this need for wanting more. Please pray for me ladies! Thanks!
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I’m a little confused on the story of Ahijah and Jeroboam. He tore the cloak in 12 pieces and told Jeroboam to take 10 for himself and God would give one tribe to Solomon’s son. But that’s only 11. Where’s the 12th tribe?
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I’m wondering that too
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So good!!!!
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The first thought that came to mind when I started reading 1 Kings 10 is that God graciously and generously gives us His wisdom freely!! As contrasted by the Queen of Sheba who felt an obligation perhaps to pay for it in some way. The God who lives only seeks those who will receive Him. This another wave of amazing grace for me.
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There were times when I thought what if I had riches. What if I was wealthy and didn’t have to worry about getting this or getting that.
I could just go get it or not have to worry about how my children’s college education is going to get paid for. If I had riches I often thought I would share. I would give. But would I really? I am middle aged and children are still young. My son is a freshman in college and my daughter eighth grade. During the 20+ years when I was married to their dad God was faithful! We always have what we needed. Very few times was there extra and trust me I was so grateful! But sometimes my ungrateful heart felt angry as there was never a whole lot of extra to do this or get that. But even during those times God remained faithful! Our church came alongside us to give us a hand and I am forever grateful! And even now as I’ve been single parenting God is providing for my needs. I don’t have a whole lot of extras but I have what I need. I want to think that during those hard times God was preparing me for where I am today. I’m totally dependent the God knows and WILL meet my needs.-
I have always said to my children God is faithful even when we’re not.
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A job in a congressman’s office brought us to Washington DC about 20 years ago. I remember that at that time, a couple we met who ministered to congressmen and their staff said how difficult it was for even the godliest of them to remain devoted to God. Even my husband’s boss, a professing, committed Christian, was caught in some questionable moral behavior and ultimately resigned from office. Thankfully, my husband was long gone from that job and didn’t suffer the consequences of his former boss’ sins. But it has brought home the lesson of Solomon’s downfall, albeit on a smaller scale, that no one is immune from the allure of sin in the context of the halls of power. In Proverbs 30, ironically, Solomon prays, “…give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”…Even Solomon was drawn away from his close walk with God. Keep our hearts steadfastly on You, dear Lord. Help us to remember our own frailties so that we never forget our desperate need for You.
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Only by the Grace of God can we hope to follow Him. Solomon in 1Kings 4:29 had wisdom and understanding beyond measure. That would have included wisdom and understanding of scripture. He knew more than anyone about God. Yet he walked away.
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Shawn, I’m so happy that you are being recognized for your faithful commitment to your profession! I’m praying that your example will be an inspiration and encouragement to others to stay the course, work diligently and pursue excellence. I pray they will see that your talent is God-given and that you are His faithful steward. Enjoy the celebration!
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