1 Kings 11:3 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments

Seven hundred wives, &c. — God had particularly forbidden the kings to multiply either horses or wives, Deuteronomy 17:16-17, we saw 1 Kings 10:29, how he broke the former law, multiplying horses: and here we see, how he broke the latter, multiplying wives. David set the example. One ill act of a good man may do more mischief than twenty of a wicked man. Besides, they were strange women, of the nations which God had expressly forbidden them to marry with. And to compleat the mischief, he clave unto these in love; was extravagantly fond of them, Solomon had much knowledge. But to what purpose, when he knew not how to govern his appetites?

1 Kings 11:3

3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.