Read 1 Kings 2:26-46
Highlights:
The prophecy against Eli is fulfilled (I Kin. 2:26-27). Abiathar banished from the priesthood. Solomon carries out instructions concerning Joab and Shimei (2:28-46; see 2:5-9). Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; Solomon's dream.
The dedicatory service of Solomon's coronation was held at Gibeon, the location of the Tabernacle and the Altar of the Burnt Offering (I Chr. 16:37-40; 21:29). A startling defect is evident as we read that Solomon loved the Lord . . . only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places (I Kin. 3:3). It is disappointing that he did not love the Lord with all his heart as required in Deuteronomy 6:5 or as David his father did. Surely, Solomon knew what God had told Saul: To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (I Sam. 15:22).
Coupled with this violation of sacrificing to idols was his association with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and Solomon's acceptance of the king's daughter as his wife. This was the first association between Israel and Egypt since the time of the Exodus about 480 years earlier (I Kin. 6;1). This once-despised and oppressed people of slavery (the Israelites) were now being looked upon in Egypt with prestige. This opened the door for Solomon to accept daughters from many kings — a decision that led to building temples of worship to their gods. The enormous number of horses he bought from Pharaoh was another violation of the Law of God (Deut. 17:16-17). Undoubtedly, these compromises were thought to be a clever political moves to increase Solomon's fame among the nations of the world.
Solomon is given credit for his marvelous prayer of humility and asking for wisdom. I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in (I Kin. 3:7). But God recorded that the entire encounter was only a dream (3:5,15). The purpose God had for this dream was to remind Solomon that God is the source of all wisdom and, without Him, man is but a little child who needs help in order to discern between good and bad (3:7-9).
Solomon's dream revealed the abundant mercy and grace that God would give anyone who loves the Lord with all his heart and keeps His commandments (3:5-15). Sadly, his dream did not create a lasting desire to be faithful to God. Eventually he turned from the Lord because his desire to please himself and his foreign wives became greater than his desire to please God.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself (Luke 10:27).
Thought for Today:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24).
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 laid 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 Staff: Jannah Kennon • Government Official: Rep. James Langevin (RI) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for ways to share His love with others (Heb. 6:10).
Optional Reading: Acts 23
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:11