Tag Archive for Solomon

The Golden Kingdom

Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with difficult questions. So she came to Jerusalem with a very large retinue, with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. 

When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. Solomonanswered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king which he did not explain to her. When the queen of Sheba perceived all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.  

Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” (1 Kings 10:1-9, NASB)

The early chapters of 1 Kings describe the reign of King Solomon. God blessed him with wisdom, wealth, and luxury beyond description. Even other kings and queens, accustomed to all the best, found Solomon’s kingdom beyond imagining.

But the whole story is not so glorious. This wisest of kings married many foreign women, and they led him into idolatry. Political and military troubles increased in his later years. Under Solomon’s son, ten of the tribes of Israel broke away and formed their own country, leaving Solomon’s heir with only two tribes to govern. The Golden Kingdom was gone as quickly as it had come. The wisest and richest of kings left a bitter legacy.

But Solomon’s kingdom, however imperfect and short-lived, foreshadowed Christ and pointed us to Him. The greatest of earthly wealth and wisdom proved to be only a foretaste of the boundless gifts God gives to His people in His Anointed One, Jesus Christ. In Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3, NASB). In Him “something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42, NASB).

Father, may what little I do, no matter how flawed and temporary in itself, point people to Jesus Christ.

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Hymn: Complete in Jesus Christ
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A Hearing Heart

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.”

Solomon said…“Give Your servant an understanding heart.” (1 Kings 3:5-6, 9, NASB)

Solomon had succeeded his father, David, as king of a united Israel. David’s reign had been the golden age for the country, and now the young Solomon was stepping into his rather intimidating shoes.

God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted from Him for this  huge new responsibility. Solomon was acutely aware of how unprepared he was for the task:

“I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart.” (1 Kings 3:7-9, NASB)

Solomon didn’t ask for wealth or success, health or long life. Literally, he asked for a “listening” heart, a heart that hears and obeys.

Father, that is what I want. I want a heart that hears You every time You speak, a heart that eagerly listens and follows wherever You lead. Truth is so little valued in our world. People shout whatever they want us to believe, usually to advance their own petty self-interests.

Father, You always speak the truth, in perfect wisdom and perfect love. When You speak, I want to hear every word. I want to listen and obey.

Listen and sing:
Hymn: Here I Am
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