The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 224

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-8.-The Fall of a King. Solomon was a king of men. Not only wu.s he supreme civil ruler of his nation, he was also chief in wisdom and know- ledge, and distinguished in the favour of God (Neh. xiii. 26). This moral royalty is open to all. The prize is nobler than that of the most glittering " corruptible crown." From this kingship Solomon fell, though he retained the throne of the nation. The rascal often lurks in the heart that is under an anointed face, Let us consider- !. THE OCCASION OF THIS DELINQUENCY. 1. Solomon had mamy wives. (1) This was an invasion of God's order. That order was exhibited in Eden, when Eve stood singly by the side of Adam. Lamech was the first polygamist (Gen. iv. 19). He was, ominously, the fifth in descent from the fratricide Cain. (2) Moses tolerated polygamy, as he also suffered divorcements, not with approval of these customs, but rather in judgment upon the people for the hardness of their hearts (see ]Hatt. xix. 3-9). (3) This principle will explain many Mosaic ordinations the observance of which wae a burdensome yoke, and from which, by the mercy of Christ, we are happily released (Acts x:v. 10, 11). Note: God's order cannot be invaded with impunity. It is our duty carefully to ascertain it, and faithfully to keep it. 2. His wives were strange women. (1) Not only were they foreigners, they were also idolaters. There is no proof that even Pharaoh's daughter was a proselyte. Solomon could have no spiritual sympathy with these without compromising his loyalty to Jehovah. (2) They were idolaters of those very nations against alliances with which the law of God was express (see ver. 2 ; Exod. xxxiv. 12-16; Deut. vii 3, 4). The sin was therefore most flagrant. (3) The spirit of this inhibition still binds (see 1 Cor. vii. 39 ; 2 Cor. vi. 14). The reason for it is in the nature of things e.nd must abide. Note ;.. Many a man has had his heart pierced and his head broken by his own rib. 8. David had too many wives. (1) The example of David may have injuriously influenced Solomon. A large harem may have been a sign of grandeur ; but these kings ought to have been superior to such fashions (see Deut. xvii. 17). (2) The evils in the examples of good men are especially mischievous, for they are liable to be condoned into harmlessness ; the more readily so when to follow them is agreeable to natural inclination. (8) They are liable to be carried farther. If David had many wives, Solomon had very many. David's wives were chiefly daughters of Israel, but Solomon's were daughters of foreign idolaters. Amongst his 700 wives and 800 concubines, not one was good (see Eccles. vii 28). Note : Good men should be especially watchful over their influence -parents, ministers, Sunday-school teachers, professors of religion. II. THE PROGRESS OF THE EVIL. 1. First th6 heart is set against the head. (1) The earliest record here is that Solomon's heart was turned away. His head at first seems to have been clear, as Adam's e.1110 was, who, though in the trans- gression, yet was "not deceived'' (1 Tim. ii. 14). :But his heart, like the.t of Adam, was fatally BUBceptible to female influence. (2) It is a- foolish thing in a wise mau, io 5rust hie head when he gives his heart to evil. "Mll,Il at hie best is vanity." OH, Kl. 1-18,] THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 227