8 February 2024

Then the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this matter, that he should not follow other gods; but he did not observe what the Lord commanded.

From 1 Kings 11:4-13, NRSV

In yesterday’s reading we heard of the great success and acclaim enjoyed by King Solomon and of how this was attributed to God’s fidelity towards the people of Israel. Today, however, we hear quite a different story about Solomon. As he grew older, his heart and judgement were swayed by some of his many wives towards the worship of other gods. The wisdom for which Solomon had been known seemed to have been overtaken by the superstition associated with pagan gods. Solomon went as far as erecting statues to these gods near to the Temple. Solomon’s lack of fidelity to God, about which he had been warned, brought consequences that would be far reaching. Solomon’s successor would have the kingdom “torn from him” and be left with just one tribe.

• • Do you think Solomon deliberately turned away from the Lord?
  • Are there consequences for us when we turn away from God?

Pray for the grace to withstand the temptation towards all that leads away from God.