have checked at least in a large measure the evil forces that his imprudence had
set in operation. But Solomon had begun to lose sight of the Source of his power
and glory. As inclination gained the ascendancy over reason, self-confidence
increased, and he sought to carry out the Lord’s purpose in his own way. He
reasoned that political and commercial alliances with the surrounding nations
would bring these nations to a knowledge of the true God; and he entered into
unholy alliance with nation after nation. Often these alliances were sealed by
marriages with heathen princesses. The commands of Jehovah were set aside for
the customs of surrounding peoples.
Solomon flattered himself that his wisdom and the power of his example
would lead his wives from idolatry to the worship of the true God, and also
that the alliances thus formed would draw the nations round about into close
touch with Israel. Vain hope! Solomon’s mistake in regarding himself as strong
enough to resist the influence of heathen associates was fatal. And fatal, too, the
deception that led him to hope that notwithstanding a disregard of God’s law on
his part, others might be led to revere and obey its sacred precepts.
The king’s alliances and commercial relations with heathen nations brought
him renown, honor, and the riches of this world. He was enabled to bring gold
from Ophir and silver from Tarshish in great abundance. “The king made silver
and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the
sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.” 2 Chronicles 1:15. Wealth,
with
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all its attendant temptations, came in Solomon’s day to an increasingly large
number of people; but the fine gold of character was dimmed and marred.
So gradual was Solomon’s apostasy that before he was aware of it; he had
wandered far from God. Almost imperceptibly he began to trust less and less in
divine guidance and blessing, and to put confidence in his own strength. Little
by little he withheld from God that unswerving obedience which was to make
Israel a peculiar people, and he conformed more and more closely to the customs
of the surrounding nations. Yielding to the temptations incident to his success
and his honored position, he forgot the Source of his prosperity. An ambition
to excel all other nations in power and grandeur led him to pervert for selfish
purposes the heavenly gifts hitherto employed for the glory of God. The money
which should have been held in sacred trust for the benefit of the worthy poor and
for the extension of principles of holy living throughout the world, was selfishly
absorbed in ambitious projects.
Engrossed in an overmastering desire to surpass other nations in outward
display, the king overlooked the need of acquiring beauty and perfection of
character. In seeking to glorify himself before the world, he sold his honor
and integrity. The enormous revenues acquired through commerce with many
lands were supplemented by heavy taxes. Thus pride, ambition, prodigality, and
indulgence bore fruit in cruelty and exaction. The conscientious, considerate
spirit that had marked his dealings with the people during the early part of his
reign, was now changed. From the wisest
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and most merciful of rulers, he degenerated into a tyrant. Once the
compassionate, God-fearing guardian of the people, he became oppressive and
despotic. Tax after tax was levied upon the people, that means might be
forthcoming to support the luxurious court.
The people began to complain. The respect and admiration they had once
cherished for their king was changed into disaffection and abhorrence.
As a safeguard against dependence on the arm of flesh, the Lord had warned
those who should rule over Israel not to multiply horses to themselves. But in
utter disregard of this command, “Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt.”
“And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.”
“Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and
four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the
cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:28; 1
Kings 10:26.
More and more the king came to regard luxury, self-indulgence, and the favor
of the world as indications of greatness. Beautiful and attractive women were
brought from Egypt, Phoenicia, Edom, and Moab, and from many other places.
These women were numbered by hundreds. Their religion was idol worship, and
they had been taught to practice cruel and degrading rites. 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
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now he gave himself up to the worship of the false gods. “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. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after
Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.” 1 Kings 11:4, 5.
On the southern eminence of the Mount of Olives, opposite Mount Moriah,
where stood the beautiful temple of Jehovah, Solomon erected an imposing pile
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
of buildings to be used as idolatrous shrines. To please his wives, he placed huge
idols, unshapely images of wood and stone, amidst the groves of myrtle and olive.
There, before the altars of heathen deities, “Chemosh, the abomination of Moab,”
and “Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon,” were practiced the
most degrading rites of heathenism. Verse 7.
Solomon’s course brought its sure penalty. His se
