Lesson 286: SOLOMON'S WIVES - AHIJAH'S PROPHECY

I Kings 11:1-13; 26-43

Full Lesson HERE

INTRODUCTION. Solomon began his reign humbly asking God for wisdom to rule his people. However, in his later years his heart was not perfect, and he turned away from God. 

In those times treaties were often sealed by awarding the most powerful ruler with a beautiful woman. As a result Solomon acquired many wives and concubines (secondary wives who were frequently purchased slaves) due to his many alliances with foreign nations. These wives turned his heart from God, and he built idols and places for them to worship their false gods. 

God appeared to Solomon a third time and said He would rend the kingdom from him, for he had not kept the covenant and statutes. Nevertheless, this division of the kingdom would not take place during Solomon's days, but during the days of his son.