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King Solomon: 1 Kings 1-3
As David’s reign drew to a close, Solomon was preparing to become king. David’s primary concern was that Solomon follow the Lord faithfully. So David gave Solomon the charge: “Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.”
At first, Solomon seemed intent on following this charge. He “loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David.” When God told Solomon He would grant him whatever he asked for, Solomon prayed for wisdom. This pleased God, and God gave him not only wisdom, but also great wealth and power.
Sadly, Solomon did not continue in the ways of God. He began to multiply wives to himself, and allowed them to worship their false gods. It would not be long before Solomon himself began to worship in a way that was not pleasing to God. He ruled the people with wisdom, but he lost sight of this wisdom in following God.
Solomon accomplished much as king. He expanded the borders of Israel to its greatest extent. His reign was one of peace. It was a “golden age” for Israel. But his most notable accomplishment was the building of the temple. It was a glorious structure around which the Israelites could rally.
No one knows for sure if Solomon repented of his sins. If he wrote Ecclesiastes, it is possible that it reflects his thinking toward the end of his life. However, Solomon’s life should be a warning to us all. If we allow outside influences to determine our life’s course, we can fall away from the right path of God.
Discussion
1. Discuss David’s charge to Solomon. Did he follow this?
2. Discuss Solomon’s prayer to God. What did he pray for? What did God give him?
3. Why did Solomon turn away from God? What factors contributed to this?
4. What was Solomon’s greatest accomplishment? How did this affect Israel?