These other accomplishments of Solomon may be impressive in the eyes of man: the expansion, the wisdom and learning, the cultural advancements, the capable administration all would qualify Solomon to be labeled a “Great” of history. Yet he isn’t known to history as Solomon the Great. Compare him to his father David, who is seen as a “Great” in history. He didn’t seek to make his name great, but to do all God commanded and observe His decrees and laws, according to God in II Chronicles 7:17.
Solomon’s accomplishments didn’t mask the fact that he turned away and forsook the decrees and commands that God had given him (verse 7:19). God had promised to give Him the wisdom he asked for and other desirable things he didn’t ask for that were dear to the heart of man and would make him great in the eyes of man. Why did God do that? He seemed delighted in Solomon and wanted to delight him in return. God knows how to delight the human heart. Doesn’t that warn us of the danger of seeking after our own human desires instead of the higher ways of God?
Note that Solomon’s alliances made the building, the gold stockpiles, and the security possible. Yet he wasn’t able to oust the remaining former inhabitants of the land with those alliances. Further, he had a wife for whom he had to build a separate palace because the land on which his palace sat was too holy for her presence. What kind of a marital relationship did that promote, do you suppose? We’re going to see that despite that harem and having such a prestigious woman for a wife, Solomon didn’t have a high opinion of women.
We’re also going to see that Solomon’s choices had a huge impact on the nation, leading to division, institutionalization of his sinful practices, and ultimately its destruction. That is not an impressive accomplishment.