matches the language of Kings (“Solomon did evil” 11:6) and explains the difference between David and Solomon. David was not guiltless, of course, but he was not an idolater—he never rejected God for the false gods of the nations. God grants mercy and faith as the solution to the problem of sin—but sin that throws away this one true God casts His mercy away as well. Idolatry is at the heart of the “sin of Jeroboam” (1 Kgs 12) and is what the New Testament warns about (Matt 12:31–32, 1 John 5:16).