The biblical figure King Solomon is said to have married 700 wives.
King Solomon and His Wives
According to the First Book of Kings in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 11:3), King Solomon, the third king of Israel, had a massive royal household that included 700 wives and 300 concubines.
- Biblical Reference: 1 Kings 11:3 states: "And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart."
Significance of the Number
The number 700 is often interpreted symbolically, suggesting vast power and influence rather than a literal count. Royal marriages in ancient times were often strategic alliances, consolidating power and securing diplomatic relationships.
Impact of Solomon's Marriages
The biblical text suggests that Solomon's many foreign wives eventually led him astray from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. They introduced foreign religious practices into the kingdom, which displeased God and contributed to Solomon's eventual downfall.
