Question 1

Why did Solomon’s foreign wives turn his heart away from God?

Accepted Answer

The passage says Solomon loved many foreign women from nations God had warned Israel about. God had clearly said that marrying from those nations would turn their hearts after other gods. As Solomon grew older, he clung to these wives in love, built high places for their gods, and even joined in the worship of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech. Instead of leading his household toward the Lord, he let his relationships pull him away. This shows how powerful close ties can be in shaping our hearts, especially when we ignore God’s clear commands.

Question 2

What does it mean that Solomon’s heart was not perfect with the Lord?

Accepted Answer

When the passage says Solomon’s heart was not perfect with the Lord, it means his loyalty was divided. Earlier in life he had asked God for wisdom and built the temple, but later he no longer followed God with a whole, undivided heart. He still knew who the true God was, yet he tolerated and even supported the worship of other gods. Unlike David, who turned back to God when he sinned, Solomon allowed ongoing compromise. The phrase points to a mixed heart, where God no longer has first place.

Question 3

Why did God promise to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s house?

Accepted Answer

God promised to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s house because Solomon broke God’s covenant and commands. God had warned him personally not to go after other gods, yet Solomon still followed idols and built high places for them. This was not a small slip but a settled turning of his heart. In response, God said He would give most of the kingdom to a servant, Jeroboam. The judgment shows that even a wise and blessed king is not above God’s word. At the same time, God delayed the full punishment until after Solomon’s life, out of regard for David.

Question 4

Who are Hadad the Edomite and Rezon in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Hadad and Rezon are described as adversaries whom God raised up against Solomon. Hadad was an Edomite from the royal line who had escaped to Egypt when Joab destroyed the males of Edom. He grew up favored in Pharaoh’s house and later chose to return to oppose Israel. Rezon had fled from his master, Hadadezer of Zobah, gathered men, and settled in Damascus, where he ruled and troubled Israel. Their rise shows that when Solomon turned from God, peace and safety began to slip away, and God used these enemies as part of His judgment.

Question 5

Who is Jeroboam and why did God choose him to receive ten tribes?

Accepted Answer

Jeroboam was an industrious, capable servant of Solomon from the tribe of Ephraim. Solomon put him in charge of the work of the house of Joseph, which shows he trusted his skill. On the road one day, the prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam, tore a new garment into twelve pieces, and gave him ten. This sign showed that God would give Jeroboam rule over ten tribes because Solomon and Israel had forsaken God and worshiped idols. Jeroboam did not earn this by goodness, but God used him as His instrument to carry out the announced division of the kingdom.

Question 6

What is the meaning of Ahijah tearing the new garment into twelve pieces?

Accepted Answer

Ahijah’s act of tearing his new garment into twelve pieces is a picture of what God would do to the kingdom. The twelve pieces match the twelve tribes of Israel. By giving Jeroboam ten pieces, Ahijah showed that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes, while one tribe would stay with Solomon’s son for David’s and Jerusalem’s sake. This simple act made the message clear and unforgettable. It showed that the division of the kingdom was not just politics but something God Himself was bringing about because of idolatry.

Question 7

Why did God leave one tribe to Solomon’s son instead of taking everything?

Accepted Answer

God left one tribe to Solomon’s son for two reasons that the passage repeats: for David’s sake and for Jerusalem’s sake. God had made promises to David about his line and had chosen Jerusalem as the place for His name. Even though Solomon turned to idols, God did not cancel those earlier promises. So He did not wipe out David’s family line or remove their rule completely. Instead, He kept a small part of the kingdom with them. This shows both God’s justice in dealing with sin and His faithfulness in keeping His word.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s anger and mercy together?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God takes sin seriously but is also patient and faithful. God is angry because Solomon turned from Him after being warned and blessed, so He announces that the kingdom will be torn away and raises up enemies. That is real judgment. Yet God delays the full split until after Solomon’s death, and He keeps one tribe for David’s sake and for Jerusalem. So we see both sides: God does not ignore disobedience, yet He remembers His promises and does not bring the punishment to the fullest extent He could.

Question 9

How can Solomon’s fall into idolatry warn believers today?

Accepted Answer

Solomon’s story warns that no one is too wise or too blessed to fall if they drift from God’s commands. His turning began with choices that seemed normal for a king, like marriages and alliances, but they went against God’s clear word. Over time these choices shaped his heart until he accepted and joined in idol worship. For believers today, it is a reminder to guard the heart, take God’s word seriously, and not excuse sins just because life is comfortable or successful. Small compromises can slowly move a person far from God.

1 Kings 11:1

But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

Solomon’s Foreign Wives

God’s Anger against Solomon

Hadad’s Return

Rezon’s Hostility

Jeroboam’s Rebellion

The Death of Solomon

Solomon’s Foreign Wives

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1 Kings 11:1

But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

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Solomon’s Foreign Wives

God’s Anger against Solomon

Hadad’s Return

Rezon’s Hostility

Jeroboam’s Rebellion

The Death of Solomon

Solomon’s Foreign Wives

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