#vinasjournal #vinasjournalph #theBible #1Kings #solomon

So in 1 Kings, we see an old David who had given his throne to Bathsheba?s son, Solomon, in fulfillment of his promise to her. But more than that, God chose Solomon himself. Thus, when Adonijah set himself up as king, Nathan, the prophet, rushed to stop it. Adonijah is David?s older son by a woman named Haggith.

Solomon?s way to power was really easy and smooth, compared to David?s. He only had 2 people who posed real threat to his power: Adonijah and Joab. If you know, Joab is the commander of his father?s army. Both of whom, he eliminated.

He also had Shimei, one of Saul?s relative who cursed David, killed. But it was Shimei?s carelessness because Solomon warned him that if he gets out of his property, he will be killed. Which he did when he followed his slaves who escaped.

EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT FOR SOLOMON. God loved him so much, even when he was still a baby. He was given the name, Jedidah, which means beloved of the Lord. God showed Himself to Him twice in 1 Kings which is amazing because I have never recalled that I?ve read something that says that God showed Himself to David.

He was favored not because of his own doing but because God?s love was just so overwhelming. Remember, Solomon was there because his father lusted over a married woman. So, God?s choosing him is a sign of God?s restorative mercy towards David; it erases all wrongs.

 God asked Solomon what he wanted and he said wisdom. God was pleased and granted it to the young king. That was a very wise thing to ask. Solomon knew he needed it because to gain wisdom is a really long, difficult and humbling journey. You can?t just get it by reading or studying or observing. You really need to let experience teach you, not just once or twice but many, many times. It is not bought by money, social status nor IQ. You have to go through different seasons of your life, through brokenness, suffering, joy and many others, to gain wisdom. This is why we associate with old age.

But Solomon did not have to go through all of that because God gave it to him. Being given that, he was able to reap the fruits of wisdom effortlessly. Israel was able to build a very luxurious palace and temple. They had a really strong military, very good diplomatic relations, a booming economy. They grew richer. There was peace and order. King Solomon himself was known all throughout the world for his wisdom. Even the Queen of Sheba was impressed with him.

But then wisdom is not enough to make one?s heart really after God?s because as Solomon grew stronger and more influential, he also turned away from Him. As political alliances, Solomon married many, many women of noble statuses. I think he also married them to show off how powerful and attractive he was. So in way, they are like his ?trophy? wives and they turned away his heart to their gods. He began worshipping their idols.

It was just all gradual and slippery. I think it?s quite special when the King dedicated a place in the palace for his wife, the Pharoah?s daughter. I believe that David and the other husbands in the OT also adored their spouses but not in a way that they are deemed necessary by the authors to include in the scriptures. And so, that note was to show his great affection, generosity and attachment to his wives and concubines.

The queen mother was a factor in his attitude towards women. He respected her deeply and so, he learned to treat women well. There is nothing wrong with caring for your spouse. It is actually great and desirable in all relationships.

But then this shows the importance of your spouse in every aspect of your life. You are united to this person. You and your spouse are one. Thus, you can find yourself between two big, colliding rocks when you choose someone who doesn?t put God first. It becomes God vs. your spouse. It is a pointless struggle.

He should have learned from his forefathers and his father the perils of having affairs and getting multiple wives. Abraham was torn to send Ishmael and Hagar away upon Sarah?s request. Jacob?s domestic life was full of bitterness between the two sisters who are his wives. David had sons from different mothers who fought with each other and brought grief to him. But then, things are different in the past and so, probably he was compelled to take in as many wives as he can as a display of power. 

Unlike David, he didn?t repent and regretted his actions. He just accepted it and went on in his business. But soon enough, he started to feel the consequences. The once peaceful borders were now under attack again. 

I think one of the reasons he didn?t repent was that he became too comfortable in his own ways. His ego grew so big because of the enormous influence, riches, fame and prestige. It blinded him. I think he was also undisturbed because He would not be punished but his descendants.

Solomon was so fortunate because his father is David and God considered that. So his punishment was quite soft. God did not take away all Israel from them. He allowed David?s line to continue ruling in Judah. With this I remembered Exodus 20: 5-6:

I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

God kept his promise even when David?s descendants were turning away from Him, He never really left them in ruins without hope. There is always that promise of restoration.