מלכים א, פרק י״א, פסוק ב׳

God established a strict boundary against marrying foreign women to protect the Israelites from the dangerous influence of idol worship. Yet, in the face of this clear warning, Solomon formed intense attachments to foreign wives. The restriction specifically targets groups like the Hittites, who belong to the seven Canaanite nations explicitly forbidden for marriage [מצודת דוד]. However, this rule extends far beyond those seven groups to include all idol-worshipping nations. The original laws highlighted the Canaanite nations simply because the Israelites were on the verge of entering their territory.

Marrying women from these nations is only forbidden as long as they hold onto their original beliefs. If they sincerely convert, driven by true conviction rather than fear or a desire for marriage, the union is allowed. Whether Solomon's wives actually underwent a proper, sincere conversion remains a subject of debate [רד״ק].

The core reason behind this strict ban is the absolute certainty that foreign wives will eventually draw their husband's heart toward their own gods [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Knowing this undeniable risk, Solomon's actions were particularly severe. His failure was not merely in the act of marriage itself, but in the overwhelming intensity of his feelings. Rather than maintaining a standard household where he guided the spiritual direction of his family, he became deeply entangled with these women. He clung to them with a fierce love and burning desire, much like the unrestrained passion of young men [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].