For 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.
Ver. 4. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old.] And therefore the less to be excused, because his soul had had so long communion with God and experience of his goodness: as also because his body had now despumed, and was declining, so that his lust was the more monstrous, like as it is to behold green apples on a tree in winter. Augustine inveigheth against those - and worthily - who consecrate the flower of their youth to the devil, and reserve for God the dregs of their old age: Solomon offended on the contrary part. Let every man look to what lord he dedicateth both his youth and his age: for it sometimes falleth out, that Satan preyeth upon those when old, whom he could not prevail with when they were young; and it is not for nothing that the heathen sages say, that old age is to be feared, as that which cometh not alone, but is itself a disease, and bringeth with it not a few diseases both of body and mind.
That his wives.] Working upon his impotencies, and having him wholly in their power, as it was said of the Persian kings, that they were captivarum suarum captivi, a slaves to their concubines, though lords of many nations.
And his heart was not perfect.] Magnae artis magnaeque sapientiae est, saith one, b It is a high point of heavenly skill, to take heed by Solomon's example, that thou use not thy happiness and welfare otherwise than well, and to thy spiritual disadvantage.
a Plutarch.
b Bucholcer.