Man-made religions are created by man, making everything lower than he is, not higher! Rehoboam, whose name ironically means “a people have enlarged,” had just seen his kingdom shrunken to a mere fraction of what it had been. So on his return to Jerusalem, “he assembled all the house of Judah with the tribe of […]
Meeting these challenges, it’s wise to take Solomon’s advice: “In the day of adversity consider” (Eccl 7:14). At his death, Solomon was only 60 years old. He might have written his own epitaph: “Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more” (Eccl 4:13). Worse than […]
Watch out! It’s not the world that’s forbidden—it’s loving it. “Love not the world,” says John (1 Jn 2:15). The little flock of Israel had been abandoned to the enemy by the foolish behavior of their shepherd, Solomon. Now the wolves were moving in. The last chapter in the king’s life recounts those who wanted […]
In embracing all of God’s lavish gifts, as he aged Solomon spurned the Giver and so lost it all. It seemed that Solomon had a voracious appetite for the three Ws. First was Wisdom. He was a student of the humanities, a writer of proverbs and songs, with a knowledge of trees and animals, birds, […]
The remarkable visit of Sheba’s queen concludes with an inventory list of her gifts to Solomon. The Queen of Sheba gave the following to Solomon: “one hundred and twenty talents of gold [four-and-a-half tons!], spices in great quantity, and precious stones” (1 Ki 10:10). This spurs on the writer to continue in that vein—a gold […]
We have before us one of the most fascinating incidents in the life of Solomon—a regal visit. The Queen of Sheba’s visit (1 Ki 10:1-10, 13) is a story that exposes the pride of man, for many, attempting to enhance it, spoil it with cheap dramatics. The Lord, on the other hand, elevates the story […]
This section might be seen as a recounting of Solomon’s achievements, but it’s full of warnings as well. Chapter 9 of 1 Kings seems to be full of check marks for Solomon. It begins with another private meeting with the Lord (vv 1-9), something few people experience. Then it tells of the remarkable alliance between […]
The temple of old was like heaven’s hot spot on earth, but now we may enter “the holiest” itself. Having interceded for Israel and their anticipated times of need in the future, Solomon “arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. Then he […]
Read More… from March 15, 2024 — Blessings Come Down & Offerings Go Up
Solomon wisely knew that, when God’s people fail, He is the go-to Friend every time. It’s good when people commune with God as they confide in close friends. He is, after all, the best Friend one could have. Here Solomon speaks to the Lord as he has just spoken to the people. “Lord God of […]