Problem: When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:4). This verse contrasts Solomon and David by asserting that Solomon’s heart was not loyal to the Lord his God as David’s heart was. However, in light of David’s sin of adultery with Bathsheba, and his killing of her husband Uriah, how can this text say that David’s heart was loyal?

Solution: It must always be remembered that a person’s relationship with God depends on His grace and our faithful response, including repentance. David was a man after God’s own heart not because he was sinless, but because of his deep repentance and faith in God. The verse literally says, “and his [Solomon’s] heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father.” The contrast between Solomon and David is found in the fact that, while Solomon was enticed by his wives to worship other gods, David worshiped only the God of Israel. Although David had committed some very grievous sins, he never worshiped or served other gods. His heart was completely loyal to the Lord, and his faith was reckoned unto him as righteousness.