michaelj
The Deceitfulness of Sin. "for it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father." 1 Kings 11:14. God richly endowed Solomon with a first-class mind, great wealth, and made him the undisputed ruler of his nation. This combination may have made him unique in the annals of history, but he began better than he ended. From his position of strength he thought he could compromise by marrying pagan wives. You can see how he rationalized taking foreign wives against the express command of God." You shall not make marriages with them, giving your daughters to their or taking their daughters for your sons." Solomon no doubt thought, " I am smarter than these foreign wives, and certainly am the head of my home. I will influence them, not vise versa. And besides, what do you suggest that I do? I can either make alliances through marriage or send our sons to die in battle." It was the smart thing to do, and it appeared as though Solomon got away with it. But he failed to factor into the equation that although people slow down in old age, sin never slows down. For years Solomon was able to run ahead of his sin, but as he slowed, the sin ran over him. I am sure he did not see it comming. Tragially, these pagan wives trained Solomon's children and they became the leadership of Israel in next generation. The seeds of idolatry were always present in Isreal, but after Solomon, idolatry became epidemic. You can easily rationalize breaking the commandments of God. There are many good reasons for not obeying the Bible. Learn two things from Solomon's example: You cannot run fast enough to stay ahead of sin, and you cannot foresee or anticipate the consequences of your disobedience. - Walter A. Henrichsen.
