1 Kings 11:1

Many strange women. Thus far in the record of Solomon’s wealth and glory many indications of moral weakness have become apparent. The excessive accumulation of silver and gold and the multiplication of horses were in violation of the warnings given by Moses (Deuteronomy 17:16, 17). Solomon’s shortcomings along these lines have not been specifically mentioned as such. Facts are simply set forth as facts, to be interpreted by the reader as evidences of success and glory, or as winnings of trouble to come. But in regard to the multiplication of wives, the excesses of Solomon were so outstanding that particular attention is called to the monarch’s failings along this line. The multiplication of wives is mentioned by Moses in the same connection with the multiplication of horses and silver and gold (Deuteronomy 17:16, 17). Though the defection of Solomon here is distinctly traced to “strange women,” the part played by other factors in bringing his downfall must not be overlooked.