Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

To have the alliances necessary to remain in peace, Solomon formed treaties with other nations. In 1 Kings 3 we are told of his marriage to the daughter of the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

After sacrificing at Gibeon, Jehovah appears to him in a dream and asks what he could give to the new King. Discernment or wisdom to govern the people is the request. There is a requirement included. He must walk in obedience as David had.

The chapter ends with a story about two prostitutes that lived together, and both had babies. We know how the King solved this dilemma and it proves his wisdom. Tomorrow we will read another version of these events.

First Kings chapter four starts with all the officials of Solomon’s kingdom. The amount of provisions needed for feeding his court is also included. It ends with a description of his wisdom and knowledge. I have always had a problem with the third King of Israel being classifies as the wisest man in the Bible. While God gave him insight that made him a great ruler, I believe a man of true wisdom from Yahweh would have not allowed his wives to continue to worship idols. Many Christians have their idols. We call this king wise when his tolerance of idolatry was foolish. When we reach Proverbs, we will see how he contrasts the wise and the fool. We’ll compare what he said with his actions.

We will look at the differences recorded in 2 Chronicles 1 from how it was told in 1 Kings three. Solomon goes to sacrifice to Yahweh and is asked what he would like most. The answer is the same. He asked for wisdom to rule the Israelites. This version includes no reference to Pharaoh’s daughter or the tale of the prostitutes and their babies.

The emphasis in both accounts is on Jehovah giving The King more wisdom than anyone ever had or would have. No mention is made here about the requirement to obey His laws. More time is given to the collection of wealth and possessions.

Solomon is the author of the 72nd Psalm. It is almost like a prayer that he voices to God for his kingdom. Righteousness, prosperity, endurance, expansion, and tribute are things he requests of Jehovah. Some of these aspirations almost sound selfish. Nothing is said about wisdom.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger