Blog - Solomon
This summer has been one of character studies in Scripture. God provides these narratives to us as both an encouragement and as a mirror. We are given a picture of our own walk with the Lord and what adjustments we need to make.
Solomon is a well-known character whose father was King David and his mother was Bathsheba. Solomon was a man of peace and succeeded David on the throne. His wisdom, knowledge and riches were world-renowned.
He wrote the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and two attributed psalms in the book of Psalms. He wrote over 3000 proverbs, 900 of which appear in Scripture. Some of his most famous proverbs speak of wisdom (Chapters 1-9).
Some speak of the heart:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Over time, Solomon got distracted by riches, wives who worshiped foreign gods, and many concubines. He loved his wives and aimed to please them…more than obeying the Lord about worshiping other gods. He built high places for these other gods, and the Lord appeared to him to remind him that blessing was attached to his obedience in worship and the removal of the blessings and promise if he worshiped other gods. He continued in his disobedience, and Scripture says, “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord.”
His blessings ceased and his heart became despondent. He writes “All is vanity” several times in the book of Ecclesiastes. The writings in this book have wisdom through the eyes of age and regret. He laments his lack of enjoyment in life and ends the book with this final verse Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
As Christ-followers, we are now aware that there is more to worshiping God than duty. Our hearts are filled with God Himself. Because God is love, we are filled with His perfect love and our desire to obey Him becomes a joy and not a burden or duty. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Thank God for His Son Jesus who came to rescue us into His glorious kingdom.
Q: Where have we gotten distracted by material things or idols?
Q: How has God led you into a loving relationship with Him?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for your Word. We are grateful for the examples that both encourage us and redirect us. May we see ourselves in your Scripture as in a mirror. Make yourself known to us so we can follow You with all our hearts. Amen.
Solomon is a well-known character whose father was King David and his mother was Bathsheba. Solomon was a man of peace and succeeded David on the throne. His wisdom, knowledge and riches were world-renowned.
He wrote the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and two attributed psalms in the book of Psalms. He wrote over 3000 proverbs, 900 of which appear in Scripture. Some of his most famous proverbs speak of wisdom (Chapters 1-9).
Some speak of the heart:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Over time, Solomon got distracted by riches, wives who worshiped foreign gods, and many concubines. He loved his wives and aimed to please them…more than obeying the Lord about worshiping other gods. He built high places for these other gods, and the Lord appeared to him to remind him that blessing was attached to his obedience in worship and the removal of the blessings and promise if he worshiped other gods. He continued in his disobedience, and Scripture says, “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord.”
His blessings ceased and his heart became despondent. He writes “All is vanity” several times in the book of Ecclesiastes. The writings in this book have wisdom through the eyes of age and regret. He laments his lack of enjoyment in life and ends the book with this final verse Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
As Christ-followers, we are now aware that there is more to worshiping God than duty. Our hearts are filled with God Himself. Because God is love, we are filled with His perfect love and our desire to obey Him becomes a joy and not a burden or duty. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Thank God for His Son Jesus who came to rescue us into His glorious kingdom.
Q: Where have we gotten distracted by material things or idols?
Q: How has God led you into a loving relationship with Him?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for your Word. We are grateful for the examples that both encourage us and redirect us. May we see ourselves in your Scripture as in a mirror. Make yourself known to us so we can follow You with all our hearts. Amen.