The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this (wisdom). So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself. . . but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.” (1 Kings 3:10-12)

One of the most stunning events in the lives of the kings of Israel , as well as in the minds of readers, was this message received by Solomon, that has impacted the very culture of the world. It elevated the notions of wisdom and justice; and Solomon’s life went on to display the rewards of administering the same. It is a powerful affirmation of the character of God. It’s only shadow is the fact that Solomon was unable to retain his zeel for faithfulness to God.

I have wondered how a man of such enormous God given wisdom and discernment could have fallen into the sin that undermined the greatness of Israel in the promise of God.

And now I will show you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31)

The love that the shepherd boy David had for his God was deep and personal and unencumbered with a sense of “entitlement”. It was warm, spontaneous love that simply responded to the love he experienced from His God while he was alone watching his sheep. (1Samuel 17:37) With Samuel’s anointing, David received the Holy Spirit and he was changed.(1Samuel 16:13)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1&2)

Solomon had faith in God, but failed to love Him as his father David had loved God. Solomon looked for love “in all the wrong places,” and succumbed to his many (1000) wives and concubines to worship foreign gods. He had abandoned his “first love”, and he, his family, and all of Israel suffered as a result.

No one can deny the powerful impact that the reign of Solomon had on the whole world. His faith, when strong, was an inspiration; but ST. Paul has the last words:

Love never fails; . . .where there is knowledge, it will pass away. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13;8&13)

Love in Him,

Prue