I Kings 11-12

"Now King Solomon loved many foreign women ..." (11:1). Solomon's obsession with his 700 wives and 300 concubines obscured God's warnings. Solomon's world-famous wisdom, his peaceful, wealthy kingdom, and his relationship with God were all jeopardized by the idolatry he participated in with his pagan wives. God withdrew His protection, saying, "I will surely tear the kingdom from you" (11:11). In the next generation, united Israel was split, leaving Solomon's son reigning over only the tribe of Judah.

The impossible had happened: the most wonderful, blessed, prosperous kingdom in the world had destroyed itself. Sin destroys; only God heals and redeems.