Early in his reign, Solomon followed in the steps of his father, David, and sought help from God. He took the leaders of Israel to Gibeon, to the tabernacle, and offered a thousand sacrifices to God. When Solomon fell asleep that night, God appeared to him and asked what he wanted God to give him. Young and inexperienced, Solomon asked for what he felt he needed most-wisdom. God was so pleased with this request that he granted him wisdom beyond that of any other man, and fame and fortune as well.

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do, and he will give you success. Don’t depend on your own wisdom. Respect the LORD and refuse to do wrong. Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong. Honor the LORD with your wealth and the firstfruits from all your crops. Then your barns will be full, and your wine barrels will overflow with new wine. Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help. Proverbs 3:6-10, 27

    Solomon reigned in peace and prosperity throughout his life. He was a writer, a poet, a political strategist, and a skillful businessman. He built a magnificent temple for God and joined the people in a massive dedication ceremony — blessing the people, leading a prayer of consecration, and offering sacrifices to God.

    For himself and his seven hundred wives, Solomon built a palace that was even larger than the temple. To build these massive structures, he taxed the people heavily and forced them to work for the state. By the end of his reign the people lived in poverty while their king and his wives enjoyed great luxury.

    To keep his many foreign wives happy, Solomon also built elaborate temples to strange gods and began to worship the idols himself. Although Solomon had a strong heritage, unparalleled wisdom direct from the hand of God, and all the worldly wealth a heart could desire, he lost his way and his devotion to God. And God became angry with Solomon.

    God told Solomon he would tear the kingdom away from him and give it to one of his officers. But faithful to his promise to David, God would leave a portion of the kingdom in the hands of David’s descendants. One tribe, the tribe of Judah, would be left for Solomon’s son to rule.

Reflection: Solomon’s wisdom was an endowment from God for the benefit of God’s people. But Solomon’s respect for and dependence upon God dwindled as the scope of his kingdom expanded. Eventually God had been replaced in the king’s heart.

    Solomon’s drift away from God flashes like a giant warning light for us. God’s blessings are not given to feed our pride; they are resources to share. If we abide by that principle, God will take care of our needs, and he will remain on the throne of our hearts.

Text copyright © 1997, Multnomah Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Title: "Solomon Rejects God's Wisdom"
Author: Ron Rose
Publication Date: April 10, 2001

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