Wisdom and Solomon, Part 1
Even before Israel entered the land God promised them, He set forth specific details regarding kingship. We read those in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Kings would be permitted, but with significant constraints: only Jewish men qualified, they were not to acquire many horses--especially not from Egypt--or many wives, or excessive silver and gold. Why did these constraints matter? One obvious issue would be that of pride, the king having his heart lifted up above his brothers. A more significant matter, particularly when it came to wives, was that his heart could be turned away from the LORD and obedience to Him. Every king wrestled with these matters, particularly regarding women, and no more clearly than would Solomon..
Generations later, Nehemiah wrote this: "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and Gad made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin" (Nehemiah 13:26).
Solomon is known as the wisest of all men. In 1 Kings 3, we read this: "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.... At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, 'Ask what I shall give you.' And Solomon said, 'You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern your great people?'
It pleased the LORD that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of you enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statues and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days'" (vv. 3-14).
This was not the only time the LORD appeared to Solomon. You can read the second appearance in 1 Kings 9:1-9. This appearance followed the building of the temple, the king's house, and other building projects. This time much of what the LORD had to say was in the way of a warning.
So why did Solomon not take full advantage of this remarkable gift? Watch for my answer next week.
Generations later, Nehemiah wrote this: "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and Gad made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin" (Nehemiah 13:26).
Solomon is known as the wisest of all men. In 1 Kings 3, we read this: "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.... At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, 'Ask what I shall give you.' And Solomon said, 'You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern your great people?'
It pleased the LORD that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of you enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statues and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days'" (vv. 3-14).
This was not the only time the LORD appeared to Solomon. You can read the second appearance in 1 Kings 9:1-9. This appearance followed the building of the temple, the king's house, and other building projects. This time much of what the LORD had to say was in the way of a warning.
So why did Solomon not take full advantage of this remarkable gift? Watch for my answer next week.
posted by Ebeth | 1:14 PM
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