4 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Chapter 17

Book / 4 / 447 chapter - 17

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But he shall not multiply horses to himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses, since the Lord said to you, You shall never return that way.

And he shall not multiply wives to himself, that his [mind and] heart turn not away; neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

These two verses point out the reasons for the downfall of Solomon - one of the greatest kings that ever lived on this earth.

He not only accumulated many wives (especially foreign wives), but he “loved” them and they led him astray after foreign gods.

What is the difference between David’s polygamy and Solomon’s?

All of David’s wives were Israelites. Solomon loved “foreign” women.

What is the relationship between the sins of the father here (see Exodus 20:5)

David sinned by committing polygamy. Solomon committed this same sin to a much greater degree with foreign women, women of spiritually bad influences.

Was Solomon a sincere believer in the Lord?

Absolutely. [See 1 Kings 8:22-61, Solomon’s great prayer.]