The answer is: 300

1 Kings 11:3 - Solomon's 300 concubines reflect not only his wealth and power but also highlight his departure from God's commandments regarding foreign alliances and idol worship. Interestingly, this mirrors Israel's history of unfaithfulness, reminiscent of how Hosea portrays Israel as an unfaithful spouse (Hosea 1:2).

King Solomon, often celebrated for his wisdom, famously demonstrates another side of royal indulgence with his 700 wives and 300 concubines. Wrap your head around that! This staggering number isn’t just a statistic; it speaks volumes about the historical cohesion of politics and relationships during this era. Marrying multiple women, especially from foreign lands, was common practice to forge alliances and maintain peace. However, Solomon's relationships played a significant role in swaying him away from the monotheism cherished in his youth, leading to the promotion of other deities, particularly Ashtoreth and Molech.

Digging deeper, there's a fascinating echo in history. Solomon's relationships with foreign women foreshadow a collective pattern of Israel’s behavior throughout the ages—a struggle against attraction to things that dilute fidelity to core beliefs. The Book of Hosea encapsulates this tension beautifully, likening unfaithfulness in the community to a broken marriage. Take also into account that Solomon built high places for foreign gods, reflecting how intertwined leadership and spirituality crooned a concerning level of leniency towards idolatry in Israel.

Solomon's reign is not merely a tale of wealth and wisdom but serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that come when power, influence, and personal desires collide. Can a mere mortal, ruler of God's people, truly navigate such waters? The unpredictability of Solomon's rule thus serves as both a cautionary tale and a history lesson that stands the test of time.