# Day 127

# The Kingdom of Solomon

Part Two
1 Kings 10:14–11:13

There was a dark side to Solomon’s kingdom. All the beautiful buildings and the splendor of his palace cost money. These were paid for by high taxes on the people. Many men worked on buildings and became soldiers. Others worked in Solomon’s fields and were servants to him.

Solomon didn’t care about the poor people of Israel. Nor did he love God with his whole heart. His queen was the daughter of Egypt’s Pharaoh. She lived in a beautiful palace. Solomon had many other wives from foreign countries. Each of them worshiped idols in their homes. To make them happy, Solomon built a temple for idols. Images of false gods stood around Jerusalem. Solomon himself offered sacrifices to them.

All this made the Lord very angry. “I’m going to rip the kingdom from you,” God said. “I’ll give it to your servant. But not while you live. I’ll rip it from the hand of your son. One tribe will be left. Your son will rule it because your father David loved me.”

The people cried against Solomon. He had made their lives too hard.

Questions: Why was the Lord angry at Solomon? Why did God leave one tribe for Solomon’s family to rule?