06/06/2026
1 Kings 11:4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods: and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.
I was reading in the book of Kings today and something stuck out to me for the first time ever. 1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon loved the Lord; walking in the statues of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.
Biblically speaking, we know that the high places was where the pagans would go to worship their gods. And although Israel did not have an "sanctuary" per say, there was an appointment place for them to offer offerings and that was the tabernacle. So, it begs the question? Why were the people of God in the high places worshipping with the heathens? Yes, they were worshipping God. But, they were in rebellion while doing so. What was drawing them to a place that God had not called them to? Was it a sound? Was it the atmosphere? Was it a feeling? The Bible does not say why they were up there. It does make a point to say that Solomon loved God, and obeyed God just like David; except.... In the location that he decided to seek God and we can throw in the marriage as well. And for many years this didn't seem to bear any negative fruit in his walk with God. However, when we break the laws of God we rarely see the damage early on. It didn't seem to be a issue with him yoking himself to unbelievers. It didn't seem to be a issue with him going up the mountain to worship God.
Most of our issues is that we forget that our adversary the Devil is patient and crafty. He will never disclose to us just how bad the fall is going to be as we indulge in his bait. It's like being fed poison in small increments over time. We keep getting sicker but it's so subtle that we have no clue of the damage until it's too late. Just a little smoke, just a little drink, just a little gossip, just a little grudge. Until, one day our eternity is sealed. Just one more day/night of fornication. Just one more moment of being outside of God's will. That is the lie that we tell ourselves. Before long we don't even bother to lie to ourselves anymore because we're so desensitized to our subtle rebellion.
Whatever, Solomons reasonings were is unclear. But, what is clear is that what ever you allow close enough will eventually get on you and in you. He allowed pagan/occult practices to be close to his worship with God. He allowed pagan/occult worshippers to be close to his heart through marriage. Eventually, his hurt was turned completely from God. The thing is he most like said that "Nothing could turn his heart from God". And he most likely truly believed it. However, Satan talk 1/3 of angels who were in the presence of God out of their position. So, how hard would it be for him to turn a man's heart. Especially when that man is already in disobedience. Disobedience, is another open door that we rarely speak about. Especially when there is no repentance. Solomon started off make wrong decisions. And those wrong decisions cost him much.
Self evaluation time:
What are some subtle things in your life that you know you need to change? It could be physical sin, mental sin, or character flaws. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal those things to you if you are unsure. Then repent.