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Bible study notes of Rev.Dr.I.J.W.Oakley (July – September 1977 Strandtown Baptist Church)
From the national and secular viewpoint, Solomon was the
greatest King of Israel. He was the only one who ranks with the magnificent
potentates of the ancient East. He was a stately and splendid figure. And yet
there is less written about him than his father, David, who was, from the most
important point of view, Israel’s greatest king. Compared with his father’s
reign, Solomon’s reign was marked by stationary, or indeed declining military
glory. His exploits in war were inferior to his father’s.
Solomon’s reign contains the first record of contact
between Western Europe and Eastern India. His interest in ecclesiastical
architecture is the first sanction of use of art in true religion. But on the
whole, his policy was basically selfish. His chief motives were the love of
pleasure, power, wealth, splendour and fame. His main object was to enrich
himself, and strengthen his dynasty. He used despicable means to attain his
aims.
Solomon was the son of Bathsheba, David’s favourite
wife. David wanted Solomon to succeed him. But Adonijah, another son, believed
he was his father’s rightful successor. So Bathsheba, Zadok the Priest, and
Nathan the prophet, made sure Solomon was proclaimed king and installed on the
throne before David had actually died. Once on the throne, Solomon got rid of
his enemies, e.g. Adonijah, to whom he had earlier promised safety, with his
friends Joab and Abiathar. This was the usual custom of Oriental despots. So
early Solomon showed his strong hand and ability to reign. He secured internal
peace for the country right from the start.
His policy over his 40-year reign caused disruption of
the kingdom, dividing it into Judah and Israel, and their ultimate loss of
independence. His policy was one of organizing, building and fortifying. He had
firm control within advantageous alliances for commerce and defence. His reign
saw Israel’s emergence from tribal to national existence. There were 40 years
of peaceful development. Solomon had control from the borders of Egypt to the
River Euphrates. Many races and kingdoms submitted and paid him tribute. He
controlled the caravan routes by which trade of India reached the West. The
great commercial cities of Tyre and Sidon were on good terms with him. Pharaoh
of Egypt gave him his daughter in marriage. Those were prosperous times: And
Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree,
from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon (1 Kings 4:25).
Solomon’s reign undoubtedly
began well, but the brightness was obscured at the last. The morning sun rose
beautifully, but sank in the evening, clouded and dark. 1 Kings 3 tells of the
good beginning. Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his
father (1 Kings 3:3). At his birth, the Lord loved Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24),
and now he returned that love.
That he walked in the statutes
of the Lord is the best thing that can be said of Solomon – it is more
important than all his wisdom and wealth – keeping close to God’s will and
law. This followed from his love of God. His devotion was expressed in lavish
sacrifices of 1000 burnt offerings. Yet we have to ask, if he was keeping close
to God’s laws, should he have married Pharaoh’s daughter?
In 1 Kings 3:5 we read of God’s gracious visit to
Solomon in a dream at night. God graciously offers Solomon any favour he might
choose. In reply, Solomon acknowledges God’s goodness to his father David, and
speaks honourably of his father’s pious and God-fearing life. He acknowledges
his own insufficiency for the great work for which he was called. Therefore he
asks for wisdom that he might be an effective ruler for God over His people
Israel.
God is delighted at this
request, and adds to it riches and honour. And the speech pleased the Lord,
that Solomon had asked this thing… lo, I have given thee a wise and an
understanding heart…And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked,
both riches, and honour (1 Kings 3:10,12,13). He also promised to lengthen
Solomon’s days if he continued to walk in His ways and keep His statutes and
laws.
1 Kings 3:16-27 contains a very
human story which displays the exercise of that wisdom by Solomon. The incident
led his people to respect him, recognizing that God’s wisdom was in him.
Solomon, in this chapter, is seen in his best light. He
saw the magnitude of his task, and was humbled and self-distrustful. He felt he
was like a little child. He did not know how to do God’s work properly.
Therefore he asked for wisdom to rule God’s people well. He was concerned, not
for self, but to be faithful to the trust to which God had called him. High
thoughts were in the mind of this young king, humbling and inspiring him. Alas
that that great resolve did not stay with Solomon.
Who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:16), asks Paul. The gift of wisdom is something for which we can all ask. For the Lord giveth wisdom (Proverbs 2:6). If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). The way to get spiritual blessings is to pray for them, that as God’s servants we may use them in his cause. He will add other blessings as he sees we have need of them. We must seek first His kingdom.
1 Kings 4 starts with a list of
officials – priests, secretaries, army commanders, advisors, district
governors (twelve of these provided food for the royal household, one district
per month). Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in
multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry (1 Kings 4:20). Solomon’s
vast kingdom stretched from the borders of Egypt to the River Euphrates. The
people paid with taxes and service. And for that they dwelt in peace and safety.
Solomon received unusual wisdom
from God. He was wiser than the wise men of the East or of Egypt. His fame
spread throughout all neighbouring countries. He wrote over 3000 proverbs, over
1000 songs. Kings all over the world sent people to listen to him. He rebuilt
cities (1 Kings 9:15), and kept a fleet of ships at Eziongeber (1 Kings 9:26).
He received a visit from the
Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1), and he proved his wisdom to her as she asked him
difficult questions. She was amazed at all she heard - and saw. She saw his vast
wealth, e.g. gold, taxes, large unique throne of ivory and gold, drinking cups
and utensils of pure gold. She saw for herself that king Solomon exceeded all
the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom (1 Kings 10:23).
The entire world wanted to hear Solomon’s wisdom. He had valuable trade in horses and chariots, unprecedented ability, wisdom, wealth, possessions and empire, peace, plenty and satisfaction.
People, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law, were asking Jesus for miracles and signs. They wanted more evidence before they believed. Jesus said that the men of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba would put the Jews to shame at the last day. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12:42). The Queen of Sheba had such faith that she travelled a vast distance to hear the Wisdom of Solomon. Yet Solomon, in all his wisdom, was an erring and imperfect king. The Ninevites had such faith that they believed the message of God through Jonah and repented. Yet Jonah was a weak and unstable prophet.
Behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The Jews of the first century had higher light, and clearer teaching. Yet they did not repent and believe. Jesus, in reply to those seeking a sign, claimed to be God’s sign, but they failed to recognize Him. Here in front of them was a greater message than that which Jonah brought. Here in front of them was greater wisdom than Solomon had. But they were blind and deaf.
Three applications from Jesus’ teaching:
(1) Jesus is God’s supreme sign. In Him we are confronted with God. What is our reaction to Him? Bleak hostility, or humble acceptance?
(2) Christ testifies to resurrection and life to come. The Queen of the South is going to rise up in judgement and condemn the Jews. Kings and Queens of old are going to live again and go before the bar of God.
(3) Privilege and responsibility are linked. We have two great privileges today – we have the Word of God, and we have freedom of worship. How seriously do we take our responsibility?
There have been three Temples in
the history of the Jews: (1) Solomon’s Temple, (2) the post-exile Temple, and
(3) Herod’s Temple of 20BC. King David conceived the idea of the Temple, but
was forbidden by God to build one, because he had killed too many and fought too
many wars. But God promised to give Solomon peace and allow him to build the
Temple. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I
will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel
for ever (1 Chronicles 22:10).
Because of Solomon’s
inexperience, David made the preparations for the building before his death. He
collected stone blocks, nails, bronze, logs of wood, gold, silver, precious
stones and marble. He organized masons, carpenters and skilled craftsmen. He
also arranged the work of priests and Levites, Temple musicians and singers, and
Temple guards. Then he gave valuable instruction to his son, Solomon, and to all
the people.
David told Solomon God would
give him wisdom and understanding, and that if he kept the law of the Lord his
God, prosperity would follow obedience (1 Chronicles 22:12,13). Arise
therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee (1 Chronicles 22:16). He
urged the rulers and princes of the country to help Solomon. God had given them
peace, so they must repay Him by their service. Now set your heart and your
soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of
the Lord God (1 Chronicles 22:19).
Further instructions are given
in 1 Chronicles 28. David tells of his aims to build the Temple when he speaks
to the people. He explains that God’s purposes are to be fulfilled through
Solomon his son, and that his kingdom would be established forever.
Obedience to God’s
commandments is urged. Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and
serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth
all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek
him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off
for ever (2 Chronicles 28:9).
Chapter 29 is a chapter of
praise. We read of David’s example (v2), David’s challenge, who is
willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today? (v5), and the people’s
response to David, The people rejoiced at the willing response of their
leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the
king also rejoiced greatly (v9). We also read of God’s power, glory and
victory, how He possesses everything in heaven and earth. He has all riches,
honour, power and might, and the ability to make great and give strength to all
(v12). Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from
your hand (v14). We give to God what is already His own.
The prayer of David for his son Solomon, give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees (v19), is a prayer we do well to echo for ourselves as well as for others.
Solomon’s Temple was to replace the Tabernacle as the
centre of Israel’s worship. It was to house the Ark, which was previously in
the Tabernacle. God, in a special way, would come and dwell there.
Solomon was assisted in the task
by King Hiram of Tyre. He provided skilled craftsmen and a supply of cedar wood
from Lebanon. Also from Lebanon and the quarries of Palestine came large stones.
In addition there was gold, silver and precious stones. The work took seven and
a half years to complete. Solomon gave his best, in work, gifts and effort. In
less than 430 years King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would burn it down.
God promised His presence and
continued blessing if the people were obedient. No doubt this divine word
encouraged Solomon when things were hard going, and when perhaps he wished he
hadn’t started.
The Temple was a beautiful building with so much pure gold, splendour, magnificence, size, beautiful architecture and sculpture. No effort or expense was spared. In addition, Solomon built houses for himself, and the house of the forest of Lebanon for his wife. He built a great hall or porch for his throne. All these buildings were magnificent and costly.
The Temple had three sections – the porch, the central
hall and the inner sanctuary. The central hall was the highest part of the
building. Before the porch were two large pillars named Jachin (meaning “He
will establish”) and Boaz (meaning “In Him is strength”). Around the sides
of the Temple were three stories of side chambers. Surrounding the whole things
was an open enclosure where sacrifices were offered and the people were
admitted.
The Inner Sanctuary was the most holy place. It was
entered from the central part of the Temple via folding doors of olive wood,
across which were huge chains of gold. And before it was a veil of blue, purple,
crimson and fine linen. The Inner Sanctuary contained the Ark of the Covenant
which included the two tablets of the Commandments. Above it were two Cherubim
of gold, with wings out-stretched.
The central hall had a golden altar, golden table for the
showbread, and ten golden candlesticks. In the outer enclosure was the altar of
burnt offering and a large laver holding many gallons of water for washing and
cleansing.
There is no Temple now. The fulfilment is in Christ. The Temple was the place where God’s presence was made known in a special way. Christ is the true temple. He spake of the temple of his body (John 2:21). This was the place where God revealed Himself. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). Through Him we have access to God.
Also believers are the Temple: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). Therefore we are not to defile the temple of the body, for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, it is not our own, for we have been bought with a price. We must keep the temple clean for His purposes.
Here is the account of the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple at Jerusalem, with all the vessels from the Tabernacle. There were sacrifices of great numbers of sheep and oxen. The Ark was laid in the most holy place. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt (v9). The glory of the Lord, seen in a cloud, filled the house of the Lord, showing that God had taken possession of the Temple.
Then follows Solomon’s prayer. In many ways it is a model for us. He began with an acknowledgement that God’s good hand had been on him hitherto. He solemnly dedicated the Temple to the Lord. Having made general surrender of the house to the Lord, prayer proper follows. With all his learning, Solomon had learnt to pray well. He gave himself much to prayer, and was not afraid or ashamed at leading prayers before a great congregation. He was very reverent and fervent, kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven (v54), demonstrating his desire towards and expectations from God as a Father in heaven.
He began with ascribing glory to God. Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee (v23). God was unique, and especially faithful to His people, keeping His covenant and mercy with His servants who walked obediently with Him. Solomon was especially grateful for family blessings, and that God had given what He had promised to his father David (v24). He sought God’s grace and favour (v25). As in the past, he asked god to continue His mercy towards his children. He pled for the continuity of the Davidic line.
Though the Temple could not contain God because He is greater than the heavens, yet Solomon asks God to hear his cry and the prayers offered in the Temple. O Lord my God, hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee today (v28). He asks that their prayers for forgiveness be granted. Then he mentions special cases where prayer is offered and answers sought.
(a) The first was when God was appealed to in a dispute between men. Judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness (v32).
(b) The second was when Israel was smitten by national calamity – drought, famine, pestilence, plague, sickness, defeat in war, all because of sin. He asked for healing and forgiveness if there was confession of sin and turning to the Lord. He prayed that the people would be willing to be taught the way they should go in pleasing the Lord. Forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, teach them the good way wherein they should walk (v36).
(c) Thirdly he prayed for the stranger, the Gentile from a far country, (for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm) (v42), that God would hear his prayers. Solomon’s longing was that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel (v43).
(d) Solomon prayed for the army going out into battle at God’s direction. When they pray, hear their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause (v45).
(e)
If God’s people were in captivity because of sin, and if they
repented of their sin and returned to God with all their heart and soul, hearken
unto them in all that they call for unto thee (v52). For they be thy
people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt (v51)
Concluding his prayer, Solomon asks blessing on his people, for God had given them rest. God had kept His promises to them. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us. That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers (v57, 58).
Solomon offered sacrifices to God, and after great feasts, the people returned to their homes joyful and glad for all God’s goodness.
The priority must be given to God’s glory. We must worship Him. He is unique, powerful and faithful.
There must be thanksgiving for past blessings. These encourage us to believe in the continuation of these.
Confession of sin, and request for forgiveness, is a vital part of our prayers.
Our petitions should show our desire for God to establish truth and put down evil. We can pray over national and personal calamities. We must pray blessing on those not God’s people, that they may come to acknowledge God’s goodness and His power, and therefore to know Him.
Ask God to maintain the cause of His people because we are redeemed people.
Plead with Him not to leave us, but to cause us to obey Him.
The purpose is that others may perceive His presence and power and so return to God. We must leave our idols and acknowledge the truth about God – His power, ability to answer prayer, to help His own people and keep His promises.
The offerings Solomon made after his prayer were consumed by fire from heaven, showing acceptance by God (as in the case of Moses, Gideon, David and Elijah). God’s glory filled the house, and therefore the priests were unable to enter the Temple. The result was the people of Israel were humbled, and they praised the Lord. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever (v3). This is a song never out of season.
More sacrifices were offered, the priests and musicians led the worship, and the king kept the feast going for seven days. Then the people returned home merry in heart because of the Lord’s goodness.
The God appeared to Solomon, as He had done at Gibeon, in a dream or vision. I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice (v12). He made another promise: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (v14). The people had to remember that they had to be on good behaviour. They were not to live as they pleased, thinking that the Temple of the Lord was among them. There was a risk they would assume the Temple meant safety, despite their sin.
The establishment of the Kingdom was dependent on the constancy of obedience. Solomon had to continue to walk as his father David had walked, in obedience to the commandments and statutes, in order for the kingdom and throne to be secure. But if there was disobedience and worship of other gods, the people would be taken from the land, and the Temple ruined. Then they would be the talking point among all nations. People would ask why the land and the Temple had suffered judgement, and the answer would be that they forsook the Lord who brought them up out of Egypt, and served other gods.
The royal house would be destroyed, and the Temple with all its beauty and glory would be laid to ruins. This was a sobering thought to Solomon when he had just finished building the house, and no doubt he was congratulating himself on his achievement. Hence the fair warning and threat. The people must not lose their heads and become high-minded. They needed to fear God, and be humble.
It is worth mentioning that v14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land, is often applied to blessing within the church. There is not a strict parallel, yet there are some important directions here. It can be applied to the subject of Revival, for revival alludes to God’s own people and not outsiders. The world cannot be “revived” because it is dead, only those with some life can be revived. Judgement must begin at the house of God. Cleansing must begin with us. We must truly pray, seeking God’s face, going back to God again, and ending our backsliding and drifting. Can we look into His face without a blush? We must seek His face, turn from our wicked ways. The sins of Christians are hindering Revival.
May Christ have the heart without frontier, life without reserve, and surrender without any withholding. Christ must be crowned in body, soul and spirit.
Solomon’s reign had a very sad ending. The problem was his wives, and the number of them. He had not learned from his own father David’s fall in this direction. “Many have had their head broken by their own rib” God had forbidden kings to multiply horses and wives (Deuteronomy 17:16,17). God had expressly forbidden inter-marriage with Moabites and Ammonites. They brought with them the morals and outlook of their own countries, and also their worship. Solomon built them temples to their gods, maintained their priests, and even joined in their worship. He made no attempt to convert them. To maintain them, his people were heavily taxed, leading to discontent and anger. They caused Solomon to neglect his work and lose supplies from abroad. Therefore he grew cool and indifferent in his own religion, and remiss in his service of God. His heart was not perfect, nor did he follow God fully.
He did not completely abandon worship of the God of Israel, but he was less frequent and less serious about it. He had left his first-love. He had lost his zeal. He did not persevere to the end as he had begun. He was not constant. He did not follow God fully. David his father had his faults, but he could not be accused of neglecting God’s worship.
How strange and sad a picture. How has the gold become dim. The tragedy was that Solomon in his old age failed through sins normally associated with youth. We cannot presume on strength of our resolutions nor ever be off our guard. Amazing that a wise man so famed for his sound judgement should allow himself to be made a fool of by such women. Strange that the one who had so often and plainly warned others against the danger of the love of women should be bewitched by it. It is easier to see mischief in others than to shun it ourselves. Pity that so good a man, so zealous for God’s worship, seen especially in the building of the Temple, so devout, seen in his dedication prayer, should do such things. What happened to his wisdom and his devotion?
Never was a gallant ship so badly wrecked. Never was a crown so profaned. To think that the wise Temple builder filled Jerusalem with idol shrines and established cruel and licentious cults. He who had organised priests, Levites, musicians, services and sacrifices now encouraged downright apostasy.
Therefore in the end, Solomon’s reign was the disastrous turning point in Israel’s religious history. He familiarized the people with the spectacle of idolatrous rites. This began a slide, which was not rectified till the days of Josiah. The evil consequences of Solomon’s weaknesses far outweighed his zeal for founding the Temple.
The lessons to be learnt from this:
(1) Let him who thinks he stands take heed. We realize from all this just how weak we are of ourselves without the grace of God. Therefore we live in constant dependence on that grace.
(2) See the danger of a prosperous condition. How hard to overcome the temptation of it. How tragic when wealth, prosperity and success seduce men from allegiance to God. Prosperity can give false confidence and a sense of self-sufficiency.
(3)
See the need to stand our guard, especially those who make great
profession, and who have shown selves forward and zealous in devotion. They are
the most obvious targets of the Devil. If they fail, their reproach is greater.
The more damage they do to the cause of God. And the more shame they bring to
His name.
It is the evening which commends the day. Not the beginning, or the middle of the course, but the triumphant finish which is true glory. How many have failed towards the end and spoiled themselves. Therefore let us fear lest having run well we seem to come short at the end.
The Lord’s response to
Solomon’s defection and disobedience was anger. As a result, his family was
going to lose the kingdom except for one tribe, though for David’s sake this
would not happen in Solomon’s lifetime. It is a sad thing that the Lord who
loved Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24) was now angry with him (1 Kings 11:9). What
ingratitude he showed in turning from the Lord who had appeared to him twice. He
had sinned in the very thing that God had expressly forbidden, and the sin
affected not only the man, but also his descendants.
Then two enemies were stirred up
against Solomon. Israel was safe while the people kept close to the Lord. But
not so when they were in rebellion. Now people of other lands were moved by
revenge and ambition. God used them to serve his design of correcting Solomon.
These enemies hated Israel because of David’s conquests in their lands. Under
David, Joab had put all the Edomite males to the sword. Hadad had been preserved
and had taken refuge in Egypt. The Egyptians of course fostered Hadad’s hatred
of Israel, and now he was poised to attack. The second enemy of Solomon spoken
of in this passage is Rezon of Syria.
Then there was an internal enemy
– Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Jeroboam had commended himself to Solomon
because he was diligent and industrious. He had become receiver general of the
tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. He was encouraged to aim high because the
prophet Ahijah had used a parable to promise him rule of ten of the twelve
tribes (1 Kings 9:32). God had ordained that he should have the greater part of
the kingdom, not because of his own deserts, but to chastise Solomon’s
apostasy. There was indirect warning also to Jerusalem against taking a similar
course.
The enemies did not attempt to
dethrone Solomon, and the kingdom was intact during his lifetime. Therefore
Jeroboam had to wait with patience till his day came. His prosperity depended on
his obedience and loyalty to the Lord. Solomon foolishly sought to kill him. Yet
had he not taught others that whatever the devices in men’s’ hearts, the
counsel of God would stand firm? Was he now trying himself to defeat that
counsel? Jeroboam prudently withdrew to Egypt.
One tribe was to remain to David’s house (actually two tribes were involved, i.e. Judah and also little Benjamin). Therefore David’s family as a royal family would not be extinct, and thus God’s promises of blessing through the Davidic line was ensured, because Messiah was to come from that line.
Reference is made here to another history, then extant,
but now lost, c.f. the Book of the Acts of Solomon. Probably the writer of Kings
used some of the information in this book.
Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over Israel for 40 years. His reign was as long as his father’s but not his life. Sin shortened his days. He was buried in David’s burying place. Rehoboam his son succeeded him. As the grave cries “give”, so the land was never lost for want of an heir. Many must have breathed a sigh of relief, especially those loyal to the Lord, and those who had suffered because of the oppressive system of forced labour and burdensome taxation.
