But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
But King Solomon loved many foreign women, including Pharaoh's daughter and women from the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites.
This verse tells us that King Solomon married many women from nations outside of Israel, which went against God's instructions for his people.
📚 Historical Context
During the reign of King Solomon, Israel was at the peak of its power and wealth, following his father David's unification of the kingdom and Solomon's own wisdom in governing and building projects like the temple. Solomon's marriages to foreign women, including those from nations like the Moabites and Hittites, were often strategic alliances in ancient Near Eastern politics, but they directly violated God's earlier commands in Deuteronomy that warned against intermarrying with peoples who worshiped idols. This set the stage for Solomon's later spiritual downfall as described in the biblical narrative.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.