Topical Bible: Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters

◄ Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters ►

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Biblical Context:

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace for the united kingdom of Israel. However, Solomon's political alliances, particularly through marriage, have been a subject of considerable discussion and analysis.

Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter:

One of the most significant political alliances Solomon formed was through his marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. This marriage is mentioned in 1 Kings 3:1: "Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem."

This alliance with Egypt, a powerful neighboring nation, was likely intended to secure peace and strengthen Israel's political standing. Marrying into the Egyptian royal family would have been seen as a prestigious and strategic move, enhancing Solomon's influence and the stability of his kingdom.

Religious Implications:

From a religious perspective, Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter is viewed with caution. The Mosaic Law, as outlined in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, warned the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations, lest they be led astray to worship other gods: "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods."

Solomon's marriage to an Egyptian princess, therefore, raised concerns about potential religious syncretism and the influence of foreign deities. This concern is later validated in Solomon's life, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4, where his many foreign wives are said to have led him astray: "King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh... They turned his heart away from the LORD."

Historical and Cultural Significance:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriages between royal families were common diplomatic practices. Such unions were designed to cement alliances, secure trade routes, and ensure mutual defense agreements. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter would have been seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, reflecting his status and the respect Israel commanded during his reign.

Theological Reflections:

Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter serves as a poignant reminder of the tension between political expediency and religious fidelity. While the alliance may have brought short-term benefits, it also posed long-term spiritual risks. Solomon's life illustrates the dangers of compromising one's faith for political gain, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

The account of Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter invites reflection on the importance of maintaining covenantal faithfulness and the potential consequences of alliances that may lead believers away from their commitment to God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 3:1
And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... What shall I say of Solomon, whom he includes in the ... propriety he had previously
said "He who marries a wife ... own virgin doeth well." But it is one thing not to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... I say, Makes her adult'ress, and who marries her, So ... they labour not, Nor do they
spin; yet Solomon, I say ... is one, God shews to Pharaoh what he will have done. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm