Jun 6 2012

1 Kings 3 – Solomon’s Wisdom

English: Solomon’s Wealth and Wisdom, as in 1 Kings 3:12-13, illustration from a Bible card published 1896 by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are some questionable events – some apparently foretelling, as well – in 1 Kings chapter 3. The marriage alliance in verse 1 with Egypt does show the power that Solomon and his kingdom commanded now (Egypt rarely made such alliances), but what about the command not to intermarry with foreigners because they will lead the people to serve other gods (Deuteronomy 7:3-4)? The Hebrew verb in verse 1 is translated “intermarry” in Deuteronomy.

Then there is the matter of the people sacrificing at the “high places” in verse 2. These are simply publicly accessible places to worship or sacrifice, and likely had been used in idol worship. This is in direct conflict with what is commanded in Deuteronomy 12:1-5. Allowing this to happen is certainly not what David meant when he admonished Solomon to “keep the charge of the Lord your God…” in 1 Kings 2:1-5. And it foreshadows the great fall Solomon would take to idol worship in 1 Kings 11:4-8.

This is so far from the Solomon that we know and that pleased God so much in verse 9 by asking for an understanding mind to govern God’s people – to be able to discern between good and evil, when God had said “Ask what I shall give you.” He could have asked for anything, but he chose that kind of wisdom – for an honorable purpose; and as a result, God gave him the riches and honor he did not ask for (verse 13).

As verse 3 says, “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only…”. It is the exception in the rest of that verse that speaks of his heart being turned the wrong way. Even the greatest wisdom, and starting out with your heart in the right place are not enough without the determination to “stay the course” and always keep God first.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog. All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility. When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com. For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jun 5 2012

1 Kings 2 – David’s Death \ Solomon Reigns

As David drew near to death, he gave Solomon his final instructions. The first part, in verses 2-4, contains instructions on how to conduct himself, and on remaining faithful to God. The words are just as God spoke to Joshua in his charge in Joshua 1:6-9. The second part contains specific instructions on housekeeping. Some of this concerned the fact that Abiathar must be dealt with, as well as Joab. Both had been treasonous concerning Adonijah, and could not be trusted. Then there was Shimei, the Benjaminite of the house of Saul that had cursed David so grievously during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-8). David had promised that he would not kill him, but that promise is not inherited by Solomon, so David leaves his fate in Solomon’s hands. David dies in verse 10; and verse 11 says that he had been king for 40 years. In verse 12, Solomon’s “kingdom was firmly established.”

In verses 26-27, Solomon does deal with Abiathar, and he is removed from the priesthood. As he was in the line of Eli, through Ithamar, this fulfills the prophecy to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:31-33 that his house and priestly line would be done away with. Joab fled to the tent, grabbing the horns of the altar – thinking he would be safe there (verses 28-30). But Exodus 21:12-14 makes it clear that is not the case for someone who had done willful murder, as Joab had done in the cases of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10) and Abner (2 Samuel 3:27). Solomon commands Shimei not to ever leave Jerusalem, or else he would be put to death. This was presumably to keep him from returning to incite the Benjaminites to rebellion. But verses 39-40 tell us that he violated that oath, and Solomon had him killed.

Adonijah had his mother request Abishag for his wife. But Solomon sees what his mother apparently chose not to. Abishag was technically part of David’s royal harem. Adonijah had clearly not given up on his quest for the throne, and likely never would. So Solomon wisely had him done away with (verses 22-25).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 4 2012

1 Kings 1 – Solomon Anointed King

David had become old and could not get warm, so his servants provide a beautiful girl named Abishag to keep him warm. The scripture says that he was only “of service” to him for that purpose, and attending to him (verse 4). But she will become important later because of this service anyway.

David’s son Adonijah was the next one born after Absalom (verse 6), and must have supposed that entitled him to succeed David. Verse 5 says that he “exalted himself, saying ‘I will be king.'” Much different from the humble manner in which David patiently waited – all the time showing respect for “the Lord’s anointed,” Saul. And the chariots and horsemen, as well as men to run before him, remind us very much of Absalom. Verse 6 says that David never questioned or rebuked him, which is unfortunately consistent with his negligence as a father (2 Samuel 13:21-22, for example). In verses 9-10, Adonijah only invited royal officials to his feast and sacrificing ceremony – carefully excluding David’s “mighty men” and his brother, Solomon.

The Anointing of Solomon by Cornelis de Vos. According to 1 Kings 1:39, Solomon was anointed by Zadok. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nathan has enough of this, and talks to Bathsheba. One at a time, they let him know that Adonijah has done this under his very nose, even though David had already determined that Solomon would be king. So they challenged him to do something about it. David finally takes action and has Solomon anointed as king, giving explicit instructions on parading him on David’s own mule with much fanfare (verses 32-35).

When Solomon shows up announced, the guests scattered, leaving Adonijah (verse 49). At this point they were guilty of treason without question. The matter is settled though, and Solomon showed forgiveness and mercy – but strength as well, with a warning accompanying the forgiving gesture in verse 52.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 3 2012

Blog name changed / Week 21 Summary Posted

English: Solomon and the Plan for the Temple, as in 1 Kings 6, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since “we” write under the pseudonym “Bob’s boy,” it makes more sense for the name of this blog to be “Bob’s boy’s Christianity blog.” So that change has been made. We have blogged through 1 and 2 Samuel, and will soon start turning from David to his son, Solomon. Solomon is known for his wisdom. We will learn that there is much more to his story than being the wisest man. We’ll start with 1 Kings tomorrow.

Summing Up

Each weekend, I am now posting a small PDF of one week of chapter summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week. I have posted the summary for Week 21 (May Week 3) of the schedule I am following. This short PDF document contains condensed comments about 2 Samuel 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12, with hyperlinks to the ESV version of each chapter for listening or reading, and joins the summaries for other weeks already posted there.