1 Kings 11 · Grade 4
When a Heart Turns
Read and Think
Solomon loved many foreign women. God had warned Israel about their nations. God said these marriages would turn hearts to other gods. That is what happened. When Solomon was old, his heart was not true to the Lord. He built high places for the gods of his wives.
God was angry with Solomon. Solomon had seen the Lord twice. He had been told not to follow other gods. God said He would tear the kingdom from him and give it to his servant. Still, God would leave one tribe for Solomon's son. He did this because of His promise to David.
God raised up enemies: Hadad of Edom and Rezon, who ruled in Damascus. Then came Jeroboam, an officer in charge of workers. The prophet Ahijah met him in a field. Ahijah tore his new coat into twelve pieces. He gave Jeroboam ten. He said that if Jeroboam obeyed God, God would build him a sure house. Solomon died after reigning forty years, and Rehoboam his son became king.
Show What You Know
What had God said these marriages would do?
Why would God leave one tribe for Solomon's son?
Where did Ahijah meet Jeroboam?
What did Ahijah promise Jeroboam if he obeyed God?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- loved many foreign women.
- had warned Israel about their nations.
- God said these marriages would turn hearts to other .
- When Solomon was old, his was not true to the Lord.
- He built high places for the gods of his .
Think About It
Solomon started well but turned away when he was old. What can help you keep following God your whole life?
God kept His promise to David even when Solomon failed. How does God's faithfulness comfort you?
Memory Verse
“When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father was.”
1 Kings 11:4 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How did God show grace to David's family?
- Who were Solomon's enemies?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.