In the event, foreseen by God, of Israel’s having a king, he was forbidden to multiply his wives or his riches, and to go down into Egypt to multiply horses (Dt. 17:16–17). Now, with whatever blessings we may be surrounded, we can never forsake the law of God with impunity. God had bestowed abundance of riches and honor on Solomon, who had only asked for wisdom; but the study of the law, which was prescribed to the king (vv. 19–20), should have prevented his using the means he did in acquiring his riches. These chapters in 1 Kings teach us that he did precisely that which the law forbade him to do. He multiplied silver and gold, he multiplied the number of his wives, and had a great number of horses brought from Egypt.

God’s promise was fulfilled. Solomon was rich and glorious above all the kings of his day; but the means he used to enrich himself showed a heart at a distance from God, and led to his ruin according to the just judgment and sure Word of God. Without sending for horses from Egypt and gold from Ophir, Solomon would have been rich and glorious, for God had promised it. By doing this he enriched himself, but he departed from God and from His Word. Having given himself up to his desires after riches and glory, he had multiplied the number of his wives also, and in his old age they turned away his heart.

The slippery path of sin is always trodden with accelerated steps, because the first sin tends to weaken in the soul the authority and power of the Word of God which alone can prevent our committing still greater sins. It also tends to weaken the consciousness of His presence, which imparts to the Word all its practical power over us.