In the Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners & Customs, in chapters Eight through Ten, there is a discussion of Israel (as a divided kingdom), lie in Assyrian captivity, and Judah (as a divided kingdom). These topics cover the chapters, and within the chapters the topics were broken down into the land, government, religion, warfare, housing/furniture, diet, dress, family life, work, travel, and commerce. These subtopics help us further identify these biblical times and apply some of their works to our current lives. Briefly, in chapter eight, it describes what and why there was a decay of Solomon's kingdom; some say it was Solomon's idolatry, finances, and even its history. In chapter nine, the correlation between Assyrian deportation of Hebrews from Palestine and Nazi deportation of Jews during World War II is made. In chapter ten, there is sort of a continuation from chapter eight, as far as why there was an erosion in Solomon's kingdom, and why not in Judah's as well. All the chapters go in depth as to why, and what was happening at that particular time.
             In chapter eight, Solomon's wearing down of his kingdom was said to be caused by his idolatry, finances, and the history of the kingdom, itself. Vos says, "The religionists will say...Solomon's loss of focus on the God of Israel," is what is largely responsible for the tearing down of his kingdom (Vos, 220). Solomon, made a convenience for others (wives, etc), by building high places so that other people in his kingdom for their idols. Also, his many wives are what was condemned by God. An economist's point of view may point out that Solomon's expensive lifestyle is what brought a deterioration. "All the king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all of the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold..." (I King 10:21 KJV). To easily put it in terms of today
             ...