מלכים א, פרק י״א, פסוק ט׳

The turning point in King Solomon's life marks a steep decline from the heights of spiritual revelation to a tragic reality of divine anger. After years of extraordinary closeness to God, a deep disconnect forms, leading to a severe reaction of profound wrath [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This level of anger represents the absolute limits of divine fury, a destructive force reserved specifically for sins related to idolatry [מלבי״ם]. The root of this anger lies in Solomon turning away from God. In practical terms, Solomon did not actually worship idols himself, and his personal faith remained completely intact. Instead, his failure was one of inaction and a lack of devotion. In his old age, he failed to protest against his foreign wives who worshipped the host of heaven. He neglected his royal duty and did not eradicate idolatry from his land [אברבנאל].

God holds Solomon to an exceptionally high standard because He had appeared to him twice [רד״ק]. The primary approach among commentators is that these two direct revelations occurred first in a dream at Gibeon following his coronation, and again after his prayer at the dedication of the Temple. Any other prophecies he received were delivered through a prophet [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The fact that God appeared to him twice carries a dual significance. First, a repeated revelation creates a stronger spiritual foundation and a much deeper level of commitment. Second, because God commanded Him directly and privately not to follow other gods, there was absolutely no room for error or for being led astray [חומת אנך]. A person who merited such intimate prophetic closeness was fully expected to prevent idolatry from taking place in his immediate surroundings [אברבנאל].

Solomon's punishment operates on the principle of measure for measure. Since he allowed his wives to worship mere servants, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars, rather than the King of Kings, his consequence is that the kingdom will be torn from him and given to his own servant. However, because Solomon never personally engaged in idolatry and maintained his internal faith, the punishment was delayed. It would not materialize during his own lifetime, but was instead pushed off to the days of his son Rehoboam [אברבנאל].