The Fall of Solomon — The Danger of Divided Hearts
Key Scriptures
1 Kings 11:4 (CSB)
“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been.”
1 Kings 11:9–11 (CSB)
“The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. He had commanded him about this, so that he would not follow other gods, but Solomon did not do what the Lord had commanded. Then the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Since you have done this and did not keep my covenant and my statutes, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.’”
1 Kings 11:13 (CSB)
“However, I will not tear the entire kingdom away from you; I will leave one tribe for your son for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem that I chose.”
James 1:14–15 (CSB)
“But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”
Matthew 6:24 (CSB)
“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Reflection Questions
What are the “foreign alliances” in my life—relationships, habits, or influences—that compete with my devotion to God?
Have I allowed success or comfort to draw my heart away from full obedience?
Am I discerning the subtle idols (approval, control, money, relationships) that try to take God’s place in my heart?
What steps can I take today to return to undivided devotion?