Solomon: Wisdom and Folly
You would hardly expect a wise king to embrace madness in his search for meaning, yet this enterprise was part of Solomon’s extraordinary life story (Eccl. 2:12). The second son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon chose two directions for his role as king. One involved securing his reign through marriage alliances, with disastrous consequences. The other demonstrated his love of God.
When young Solomon ascended to the throne, God offered to give him whatever he asked. Rather than asking for power or wealth, Solomon chose “an understanding heart to judge” God’s people (1 Ki. 3:9). In response, God granted his request, along with “riches and honor” (v. 13).
The queen of Sheba, who later visited Solomon, stated “the half was not told,” so extensive were his wisdom and wealth (10:7; cf. 2 Chr. 9:1–12). Especially impressive was the Temple he built. In response to the Temple’s dedication, God reiterated His promise of an enduring kingdom but also warned Solomon to remain obedient and abstain from pursuing other gods (1 Ki. 9:1–9).
Unfortunately, the marriage alliances resulted in Solomon taking numerous wives from pagan nations, including from the Hittites and the nations of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, which God had forbidden (Dt. 7:3–4; cf. 1 Ki. 11:2). The Lord wanted to prevent His people from defecting to idols. Not only did Solomon take 700 foreign wives, but he also had 300 concubines (wives of lower status). Scripture says they turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Ki. 11:3).
The Bible records, “King Solomon loved many foreign women” and “clung to these in love” (vv. 1–2). These marriages exerted powerful influence; and soon Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of Sidon, and Milcom, the god of Ammon (v. 5). He also built high places on the Mount of Olives for Chemosh, the god of Moab, and Molech, another god of Ammon (v. 7). These foreign gods were abominations to the God of Israel. Worship of Molech even involved child sacrifice (2 Ki. 23:10).
Solomon’s foreign wives stayed true to their false gods, whereas Solomon defected from the only true God. It is said that good health cannot be caught, but disease spreads rapidly. Solomon caught the disease of idolatry, and God was angry with him (1 Ki. 11:9).
Despite all his wisdom, Solomon acted foolishly. His idolatry brought devastating consequences on him and his kingdom. God judged him by dividing the nation. He removed 10 tribes from Solomon’s son and successor, Rehoboam (vv. 11–13; cf. 12:16–24), leaving him with Judah and Benjamin. Only for David’s sake did God spare Solomon the bitter experience of this judgment in his lifetime. Yet, He did raise up adversaries in Hadad the Edomite, Rezon, and Jeroboam, who disturbed the peace the kingdom had enjoyed (11:14–40). Jeroboam would become king of the 10 northern tribes.
Despite his folly, Solomon made two significant contributions to the Bible: the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Ironically, he failed to take his own advice concerning the influence of wicked women (Prov. 5—7).
Ecclesiastes investigates the meaning of life, which may express Solomon’s loss of direction because of his defection from God. Perhaps his search for meaning resulted from the confusion that a divided heart produces. Ecclesiastes concludes by affirming the need to fear God and keep His commandments. Solomon learned that God judges all things; so, above all, one should remain obedient to God’s commands in reverence to Him.
God used Solomon to provide practical wisdom for everyday life. He continues to use Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to guide people through the maze of human experience to a solid foundation for a meaningful life. Solomon’s gift of wisdom and his experience of failure produce helpful, practical insights from which all can learn.
By God’s sovereign choice, imperfect though he was, Solomon is in the Messianic line (Mt. 1:6–7). He did not earn this privileged position, which is obvious from his disobedience to God. Some might argue that his sinful behavior should have disqualified him; but if personal perfection were the standard, no one would be qualified. No one is perfect. God’s grace, not human performance, is the foundation of the Messianic line.
Solomon’s life is a warning against divided allegiance. Trying to accommodate opposing influences produces disastrous consequences. So, take Solomon’s instruction: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).
His life testifies to God’s faithfulness in remembering His promises to King David and sparing Solomon the severity of judgment in his lifetime. Solomon’s life also demonstrates God’s capacity to use imperfect people, which applies to every one of us. Be thankful that God overrules human failure for His glory and our good.
