Solomon, David’s son, and third anointed king of Israel is our focus this week.
Reading: 1 Kings: 28 -40.
The story of Solomon is told in 1 Kings 1 – 11, and furt
her details can be found in 2 Chronicles 1 – 10.
Solomon, we read was the son of David and Bathsheba. He was also known as Jedidiah. His accession to the throne was decided by David. He was not the natural heir, but attained the position following a number of intrigues and his brothers Absolom and Adonijah being defeated.
He is remembered particularly for his wisdom, which God granted him as a gift early in his kingship. This was specifically related to how to rule and make judgements in respect of the nation. We are told that his wisdom ‘surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt [1 Kings 4:30]. Following on from his father David, he built the first Temple in Jerusalem, so was a significant player in the development of Israel, and the unification of the twelve tribes. In addition, he built a powerful army and fleet. He grew in wealth and became known for his riches as well as his wisdom.
He is reputed to have had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Some of these were foreign women who introduced him to their gods. It was strongly believed at the time that foreign women were dangerous and subversive. The most well known of his relationships was probably with the Queen of Sheba, and with Jezebel, and this dissipated his relationship with God, which in turn led to the downfall of the unity of the tribes of Israel after Solomon’s death. However, God, ensured that some of Solomon’s descendants could still inherit parts of the land.
Solomon’s story may well have been written to highlight the positive rise of Israel as a nation. As in the stories of Saul and David, it does not shy away from his humanness.
To ponder: How would Solomon be viewed today if he were a king?
What effect do you think anointing had on Saul, David and Solomon?
Prayer: Guiding God, in Solomon’s story we learn of a man who ruled well, but had human weakness. He was drawn away from you and your guiding presence as he discovered other gods and religions through his relationships. As we meet others whose life experience is different to our own, and have opportunities to travel and experience other cultures, may we learn from them. May we recognise common interests and hold one another in deep respect. We ask though, that you help us, please, to be faithful to your teaching and guidance in our lives, for you are our God. Amen.
Faithful one, so unchanging,
Ageless one, you’re my rock of peace,
Lord of all I depend on you,
I call out to you again and again.
I call out to you again and again.
You are my rock in times of trouble.
You lift me up when I fall down.
All through the storm your love is the anchor;
My hope is in you alone.
