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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 (sec-
ondary 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.