January 18 - Solomon

January 18 - Solomon

The name Solomon means ‘peaceful.’  That seems appropriate, since it was a man of peace that God wanted to build His temple.  Historians think that he was between sixteen and eighteen years old when he came to the throne of Israel. He was the first king to be born into succession. The prophet Nathan called him Jedidiah – beloved of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:24,25).  He became king before David died, because his elder brother Adonijah was pressing for the reign.  David, Nathan and Bathsheba wanted Solomon to be king because this was what the Lord wanted.

Solomon reigned for forty years and during his early years on the throne, Israel lived in its most glorious time.  They traded extensively with foreign countries, bringing in vast amounts of wealth and produce (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:11, 12; 2 Chr. 8:17, 18; 9:21).  No one could match the glory and splendor of Solomon’s court.  He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines.  Not only was this a time of great material prosperity, but Solomon led his people into great intellectual growth.  He wrote proverbs and taught the people about things that came from other lands.  People from all over came to hear of Solomon’s wisdom.

His wisdom he received in great measure because of his humility before the Lord.  God granted Him one desire and though he could have asked for wealth or good health, he asked for wisdom. This so pleased the Lord, that He gave Solomon great discernment, that none could match him in understanding right from wrong. (1 Kings 3:5-15).

As Solomon grew older, he no longer loved the Lord with all that he had; he loved his women and his wealth.  He brought in foreign wives and fell in love with their ways.  He continued to believe in God and offered sacrifices, but he set up worship of other gods and allowed his people to worship publicly.

At this, the Lord’s support left and enemies came after Israel.  He had raised up a great and powerful nation, but at the end, it deteriorated to one that was weak and worthless, a disgrace because of Solomon’s pride.