Solomon's Apostasy
In the later years of his reign, King Solomon's numerous marriages to foreign women caused him to turn away from exclusive worship of the Lord and toward the idols of his wives, including Ashtoreth and Molech. This apostasy angered God, who had appeared to Solomon twice and warned him against such idolatry, resulting in the divine decree that the united kingdom of Israel would be divided after his death. Although the full judgment was delayed for the sake of David, ten tribes were ultimately given to Jeroboam while only Judah remained with Solomon's son Rehoboam. This event underscores the biblical theme that even the wisest of leaders are vulnerable to spiritual compromise, marking a pivotal turning point that led to the split between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Did You Know?
This apostasy angered God, who had appeared to Solomon twice and warned him against such idolatry, resulting in the divine decree that the united kingdom of Israel would be divided after his death.
Although the full judgment was delayed for the sake of David, ten tribes were ultimately given to Jeroboam while only Judah remained with Solomon's son Rehoboam.
This event is dated to approximately c. 940 BC in biblical chronology.
This took place at or near Jerusalem.
Key Passage
Solomon's Apostasy
1 Kings 11:1-13
1ut king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Meanwhile in the World
Egypt is in decline (Third Intermediate Period). Phoenicia dominates Mediterranean trade. The Greek Dark Age continues. Assyria is rising in Mesopotamia. Homer may be composing the Iliad and Odyssey. This is the era of the great Phoenician alphabet spreading.