DBG - April 17 - I Kings 3-5

In this chapter Solomon establishes himself as a wise and effective ruler.

vs. 1-4 – The treaty with Egypt that is marked by his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter proves the might of the kingdom.  Historically, the Egyptian leaders rarely gave their daughters in marriage. The mention of “high places” in verse 3 is curious. They do not appear to be pagan or idolatrous, which would violate the first part of the verses. These instead appear to be varied places for worship of God because no centralized place was in use. The Tabernacle was at Gibeon, and the Ark was in Jerusalem.

vs. 5-15 – God offers to Solomon any gift he desired.  This offer is made because God already knew what the answer would be.  Solomon chose wisdom to be able to rule his people well.  God is pleased with the answer and adds wealth and victories to Solomon. It must be noted that Solomon did not keep his part of the promise of vs. 14. By not continuing to walk in the ways of the Lord, God did not bless him with long life.

vs. 16-28 -  There must have been doubts about the young monarch’s ability to rule, but these were put aside by the display of his practical wisdom granted to him by God. The case recorded here was impossible to solve based on the evidence and testimonies. Yet in threatening to divide the baby the true mother’s love was revealed. A remarkable solution that we still marvel at today.

In this chapter we see the expanding power and prestige of Solomon and his kingdom.

vs. 1-19 – We see the growing size of the government by the increased numbers of officials. The very nature of the government appears to have shifted from that of David in that position of general of the army was the first listed. Under Solomon, the first is the priest and the general is the fourth given. Thus, we see that the military was less of a focus or need during this new reign.  To support his growing central government, Solomon divides the nation into twelve districts with officers to oversee taxation. Each district was responsible for supplying one month’s needs to the central government. These must have been high ranking officials as two of them (see vs. 11, 15) were allowed marriage to daughters of the king.

vs. 20-25 – The territory controlled by Solomon was from the Euphrates River (“the river” of vs. 21) on the north to Egypt on the south. The situation is marked by peace (vs. 24) and prosperity (vs. 25). Of note in this passage is the number of references to fulfilled promises. In verse 20 the people were “as the sand which is by the sea in multitude”, fulfilling Genesis 22:17. The borders of the land in verse 24 are the same as promised to Abraham in Genesis 15:18.

vs. 26-28 – This is a clear violation of Deuteronomy 17:16.  Solomon is building up and trusting in his military strength.

vs. 29-34 - Solomon’s wisdom exceeded that of any contemporary and drew the attention of the world. He is also noted not just for practical wisdom but for great knowledge of nature.

In this chapter Solomon begins in earnest to prepare for the Temple.

vs. 1-12 – Solomon and Hiram initiate trade that brings wood and workmen from Tyre to Israel in return for food and supplies. 

vs. 13-18 - Just as Samuel had warned in I Samuel 8:16, Solomon puts the people to work by forced conscription. 30,000 are sent to aid in bringing lumber from Lebanon, with 10,000 serving for a month on rotation. There were also 70,000 general laborers, 80,000 quarry workers, and 3,600 supervisors.

Solomon’s early rule is very prosperous.  We can see a few mistakes that will cost him later, but for the most part his heart is set on serving God and ruling his people well.  He loses his way when he loses sight of these two landmarks.  This matches what Christ said in Matthew 22:37-40 that the greatest commandment is to love God with our all and to love our neighbor as ourself.  Following these two points will almost never lead you wrong.

Our hymn today is by John Newton and appeared first in Olney Hymns in 1779 under the heading “Ask What I Shall Give Thee”.  It points the believer to ask of God those things which are truly good for us.

If Solomon for wisdom prayed,
The Lord before had made him wise;
Else he another choice had made,
And asked for what the worldlings prize.

Thus he invites his people still,
He first instructs them how to choose;
Then bids them ask whate’er they will,
Assured that He will not refuse.

Our wishes would our ruin prove,
Could we our wretched choice obtain;
Before we feel the Savior’s love,
Kindle our love to him again.

But when our hearts perceive his worth,
Desires, till then unknown, take place;
Our spirits cleave no more to earth,
But pant for holiness and grace.

And dost thou say, “Ask what thou wilt?”
Lord, I would seize the golden hour;
I pray to be released from guilt,
And freed from sin and Satan’s pow’r.

More of thy presence, Lord, impart,
More of thine image let me bear;
Erect thy throne within my heart,
And reign without a rival there.

Give me to read my pardon sealed,
And from thy joy to draw my strength;
To have thy boundless love revealed
In all its height, and breadth, and length.

Grant these requests, I ask no more
But to thy care the rest resign;
Sick or in health, or rich or poor,
All shall be well if thou art mine.