The story of Solomon as king starts with the words “Solomon loved the Lord” (1 Kings 3:3). Not a bad way to start! He loved God by walking in God’s way and by wanting to build a big temple where God’s people could worship.

God was pleased with Solomon. So one night “the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream,” and he said, “Ask for whatever you want and I will give it to you” (see 3:5–6). What do you think Solomon asked for? Money? Fame? To live until age 250? No—none of those things! A trip to Disneyland? A waterslide in his room? A double cheeseburger, hold the mayo? Now don’t be silly. He asked for wisdom. Yes, as a new and young king, he knew he needed “an understanding mind” to lead God’s people (3:9). Well guess what? God gave him wisdom, that’s for sure. “God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore” (4:29). That’s a big brain! But God also gave him riches and honor. “No other king,” the Lord said, “shall compare with you, all your days” (3:13). Solomon would use his wisdom, riches, and honor to grow the kingdom, keep peace in the land, and build God’s temple in Jerusalem. Everyone was so happy that Solomon was king!

End of story.

Sorry, not end of story. This wise king made some big-time foolish moves. His biggest big-time foolish move was to marry more than one wife. He married two, then three, then four, then (as time went on, day after day and year after year) seven hundred! No joke. And no joking matter. You see, the problem wasn’t just that Solomon had 699 wives too many but also that his wives didn’t worship the true and living God. They worshiped false and dead gods. And, because he loved his wives, he started to love their gods too. Solomon was still a success in the world’s eyes, but not anymore in God’s eyes. “The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord” (11:9). God would soon take away the riches, honor, and peace of Solomon’s kingdom. His kingdom would be torn apart.