Highlights:
The prophecy against Eli is fulfilled (I Kin. 2:26-27). Abiathar banished from the priesthood. Solomon carries out David's instructions concerning Joab and Shimei (2:28-46; see 2:5-9). Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; Solomon's dream. His kingdom is established (2:12,46).
Verses for Today:
Solomon made affinity (alliance by marriage) with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter. . . . (he) loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places (I Kin. 3:1,3).
At the beginning of his reign, Solomon loved the Lord.But early in his reign Solomon compromised his responsibility to to walk in His ways, to keep . . . His Commandments (2:3). He established relations with Egypt for the first time since Israel's Exodus 480 years earlier.
Solomon may have thought that marriage to Pharaoh's daughter would prevent future wars with Egypt, increase his prestige among the surrounding nations, and give him a better price on the thousands of horses he purchased from Pharaoah (9:16). Solomon's goal was to become famous and popular in the world. In doing this, he ignored the Word of God concerning the responsibilities of the kings of Israel: He shall not multiply horses . . . or return to Egypt, in order to multiply horses . . . he shall never return that way . . . neither shall he multiply wives to himself . . . neither shall he greatly mutliply to himself silver and gold (Deut. 17:16-17).
His most serious neglect was to write him a copy of this Law. . . . and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this Law and these Statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the Commandment (Deut. 17:18-20).
Solomon is typical of the overconfident, multitalented, and often very sucessful, who become too busy to read through the Bible. They believe they can run with the wrong crowd, have a drink now and then, and still not lose out with the Lord since they are wise enough to "handle it." But they ignore the fact that: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise (Prov. 20:1).
This compromise often becomes a powerful foothold of sin and Satan that destroys spiritual usefulness.
Thought for Today:
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16).
Christ Portrayed:
Through the wisdom which God gave Solomon (I Kin. 3:12). That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (I Cor. 1:29-31).
Word Studies:
2:44 is privy to =knowingly did; 3:1 made affinity =made an alliance by marriage; 3:19 overlaid it =lay on him; 3:26 her bowels yearned =she had motherly compassion; 4:6 tribute =forced labor; 4:28 dromedaries =young camels, swift steeds; charge =responsibility.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Elaine Ciossi • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. James Langevin (RI) • Country: Georgia (5.38 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe • Major languages: Georgian and Russian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 57% Georgian (and Russian) Orthodox; 21.2% Muslim; 5% Armenian Apostolic; .8% Catholic (Greek-Catholic); .5% Protestant (mainly Baptist); .5% Jewish; 15% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and give thanks to the Lord for your brothers and sisters in Christ (Col. 1:2-3).
Optional Reading: Acts 23
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12