We all associate Solomon with wisdom – and for good reason. But, we could also criticize Solomon for being short-sighted. He – like politicians today – kicked the can down the road, in the sense that he created a mentality in his government that depended on taxes. So when his son, Rehoboam, came to power, Rehoboam believed he should do more – and he raised taxes. That split the people of God. Solomon did not directly contribute to the division but he did indirectly.
Solomon was about 20 years old when he became king and he reigned for 40 years (1 Kgs 11:42) – from about 970-930 B. C. He expanded the borders of the nation to cover some 50,000 square miles. His golden age was constantly heralded but never surpassed by subsequent kings.
Solomon was given blessings beyond any human being up to that time – and arguably since. However, he did not use those blessings in the most godly way possible. If the book of Ecclesiastes is any indication, Solomon gave himself over to the love of pleasure, power, wealth, glory and fame. He was widely known and respected by other monarchs in the Ancient Near East. To strengthen those alliances with other monarchs, Solomon married one royalty daughter after another. He had 700 wives and 300 mistresses – 11:3. But, when you join yourself to such people, the pressure is on to compromise in order to get along. Solomon gave himself to idolatry under the influence of his many unbelieving wives.
Solomon’s wise choice – 1 Kings 3:4-9
Gibeon was the location of the tent/tabernacle of Moses during the reign of King David. It was located in the tribe of Benjamin.
The choice a person makes often reveals a lot about that person’s character. In this instance, Solomon even recognizes that it was by the grace of God that he could even be king.
Verse 7 shows his humility and gratitude. At 18 or 20 years old, Solomon realized the weight of his responsibilities and realized he needed God’s help.
Like King Saul, Solomon began his reign well…
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Solomon owed his reign to his father David. We are all debtors to previous generations.
Solomon began well – asking for wisdom in the place of wealth. You and I have access to the wisdom of Solomon as well as the wisdom of God overall – more spiritual wisdom than the generations up to the time of Christ.
God’s promises are always rich.
We, too, can begin well but end poorly if we don’t keep ourselves faithful to God.
–Paul Holland
