A Fall from Grace

Solomon for a time honored God by reverently pointing them [the kings of the earth] to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Ruler of the universe, the All-wise. “Had Solomon continued in humility of mind to turn the attention of men from himself to the One who had given him wisdom and riches and honor, what a history might have been his! But while the pen of inspiration records his virtues, it also bears faithful witness to his downfall. Raised to a pinnacle of greatness and surrounded with the gifts of fortune, Solomon became dizzy, lost his balance, and fell. . . . He finally permitted men to speak of him as the one most worthy of praise for the matchless splendor of the building planned and erected for the honor of ‘the name of the Lord God of Israel.’ “Thus it was that the temple of Jehovah came to be known throughout the nations as ‘Solomon’s temple.’” Commercialism and greed took hold of the kingdom.

The demand for high wages resulted in extravagance.

Heavy taxes were imposed in order to surpass all other nations in glory.

“The conscientious, considerate spirit that had marked his [Solomon’s] dealings with the people during the early part of his reign, was now changed. From the wisest and most merciful of rulers, he degenerated into a tyrant. Once the compassionate, God-fearing guardian of the people, he became oppressive and despotic.” Solomon wed hundreds of foreign women who worshiped idols. “Infatuated with their beauty, the king neglected his duties to God and to his kingdom. “His wives exerted a strong influence over him and gradually prevailed on him to unite with them in their worship. Solomon had disregarded the instruction that God had given to serve as a barrier against apostasy, and now he gave himself up to the worship of false gods. . . . “Solomon’s course brought its sure penalty. His separation from God through communication with idolaters was his ruin.” “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).