8:11 Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter to secure a military alliance with Egypt. He did not let the woman live in David’s palace, however, where the Ark of God had once been kept. This implies that Solomon knew his pagan marriage would not please God. Solomon married many other foreign women, and this was contrary to God’s law (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4). These women worshiped false gods and were certain to contaminate Israel with their beliefs and practices. Eventually Solomon’s pagan wives caused his downfall (1 Kings 11:1-11).
8:15 Although Solomon carefully followed God’s instructions for building the Temple and offering sacrifices (8:13), he paid no attention to what God said about marrying pagan women. His sin in marrying a foreign wife (8:11) began his slide away from God. No matter how good or spiritual we are in most areas of life, one unsurrendered area can begin a downfall. Guard carefully every area of your life, especially your relationships. Don’t give sin any foothold.