Wisest King that Reigned Foolishly – Jesus Will Reign in Majesty
Solomon succeeded his father David to sit on his throne because God would allow David’s son, Solomon, to build the temple, but David could not do so because he was a “man of war,” who had shed much blood: But God said to me, you must not build a temple to honor me, for you are a warrior and have spilled blood (1 Chronicles 28:3).
Even King Solomon, who was one of the wisest men to ever live, did some very foolish things. According to the Bible, Solomon received his wisdom from Almighty God. Unfortunately, Solomon didn't always apply God's wisdom in his own life. At first King Solomon followed God's instructions, but over time he began trusting only himself and not God.
And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ask what shall I give you?
And Solomon said to God: You have shown great mercy to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?
Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men—
Then God said to Solomon: Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like (2 Chronicles 1:1-12).
The downfall of Solomon - he loved WOMEN. But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel, you shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods. Solomon clung to these in love. 3And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart (1 Kings 11:1-3).
Lessons that Solomon learned are authored in his books, Proverbs (book of wisdom), Ecclesiastes (the preacher)- in the New Testament "ecclesia" means the called out ones- the church). “I perceived”, I said in my heart, which are man’s reasoning. At the end of it all, life without God is vanity, a striving after the wind. There is no satisfaction apart from God.
Song of Solomon or Song of Songs – The Song of Solomon is not just about commitment and intimacy in the context of marriage (chapter 1); it also speaks to the type of relationship that the Lord desires to have with His people - Chapter 2 connects with Ephesians 5:25-27-
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
What a beautiful LOVE story! All praises, honor, and glory to our Bridegroom (King) who will reign forever.
~ Betty A. Burnett ~
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