For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that Solomon's heart wasn't "wholly true" even when he was younger. The verse points to a gradual drift, not a sudden fall, showing how even a man as wise as Solomon could be subtly led astray by compromising relationships over time.
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, begins to stray from God in his later years. This verse highlights the tragic turning point where his many foreign wives, whom he married for political alliances, lead him to worship their gods. This deviation marks a significant decline from his father David's steadfast faithfulness and sets the stage for the division of the kingdom that follows.
Solomon, the wisest man alive, made a choice that ultimately fractured his kingdom and his faith. What happened?
Solomon’s deep spiritual decline wasn't sudden; it was a gradual slide driven by his relationships.
The Danger of Foreign Wives
The text explicitly states that 'when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods.' This wasn't about casual dating; these were political marriages, often hundreds of wives and concubines, each bringing their own deities and practices into Solomon's life and palace. His heart, meant to be wholly devoted to God, became entangled.
Not Wholly True
The phrase 'not wholly true to the LORD' is crucial. It points to a divided allegiance. His love for God wasn't extinguished, but it was no longer his exclusive focus. He served God, yes, but he also appeased and participated in the worship of foreign gods for the sake of his many wives and the alliances they represented. This compromise eroded the integrity of his devotion.
The Bible often contrasts characters to reveal God's heart. Here, Solomon is measured against his father, David.
The comparison to David is sharp and intentional. David, despite his significant failures (like with Bathsheba), is repeatedly described as a man 'after God’s own heart' because of his fundamental devotion and repentance.
A Steadfast Heart
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David’s heart, while flawed, was characterized by a deep and abiding loyalty to Yahweh. When he sinned, he grieved, confessed, and turned back to God. His life, though marked by struggles, was a testament to a heart that, in its core, belonged to God.
Solomon's Decline vs. David's Standard
Solomon’s descent into idolatry stands in stark contrast. While David’s sins were grievous, they didn't fundamentally redefine his relationship with God. Solomon’s actions, however, show a shift in his ultimate allegiance. The standard set by David – a heart wholly devoted to God – is presented here as the ideal that Solomon failed to maintain.
Understand the original words
šālēm · Hebrew Adjective
To be entirely devoted, sincere, or undivided in one's commitment; in a religious context, it refers to a life fully consecrated to God without wavering.
This verse highlights how even a king known for his wisdom and initial devotion could fall prey to compromise in his later years, demonstrating that spiritual faithfulness requires ongoing commitment, not just a strong start.
c. 1011 BC
David's Reign Begins
David becomes king over all Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and uniting the tribes. His reign is marked by military success and a deep devotion to God, though not without personal failures.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Upon David's death, Solomon inherits a prosperous and stable kingdom. He is initially known for his wisdom, his devotion to God, and his magnificent temple-building project.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon begins building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental project that takes seven years to complete. This is a high point of Israelite worship and national identity.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Solomon's Later Years and Downfall
In his old age, Solomon's many foreign wives lead him to worship their gods, turning his heart away from the LORD. This influences his later reign and sows the seeds of division in the kingdom.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divided
Following Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam's harsh policies lead to the northern tribes revolting, splitting the united kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south). This division is a direct consequence of Solomon's later actions and idolatry.
This passage warns kings against accumulating many wives and wealth, which is exactly what contributed to Solomon's downfall here.
Judges 2:11-13It shows the pattern of Israel turning to other gods after a generation that knew the Lord, highlighting the recurring danger of spiritual compromise.
Nehemiah 13:26This passage directly references Solomon's sin, showing how his example of marrying foreign women who led him astray was still remembered as a warning centuries later.
1 Corinthians 10:11-12Paul warns the Corinthians about falling into similar traps, urging them to stand firm because those who think they are strong can easily fall into sin and idolatry.
What's easy to miss here is that Solomon's heart wasn't "wholly true" even when he was younger. The verse points to a gradual drift, not a sudden fall, showing how even a man as wise as Solomon could be subtly led astray by compromising relationships over time.
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, begins to stray from God in his later years. This verse highlights the tragic turning point where his many foreign wives, whom he married for political alliances, lead him to worship their gods. This deviation marks a significant decline from his father David's steadfast faithfulness and sets the stage for the division of the kingdom that follows.
Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom and devotion, begins to stray from God in his later years. This verse highlights the tragic turning point where his many foreign wives, whom he married for political alliances, lead him to worship their gods. This deviation marks a significant decline from his father David's steadfast faithfulness and sets the stage for the division of the kingdom that follows.
"For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." — What's easy to miss here is that Solomon's heart wasn't "wholly true" even when he was younger. The verse points to a gradual drift, not a sudden fall, showing how even a man as wise as Solomon c…
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Last reviewed October 2026