Solomon serves as both example and warning. Like Solomon, we must learn how to responsibly steward God’s gifts. We have a sinful tendency to take good things, and use them wrongly. Sex, money, food, and influence are wonderful blessings when used according for God’s glory, but they can be abused and destroy lives. We should study the nature of his life in order that we may avoid his sins, and to marvel at the One greater than Solomon.
In these chapters, the uniqueness of God, the faithfulness of God, and holiness of God, the grace of God, the mission of God, the warnings of God, a marvelous prayer, and much more soul-strengthening truths about God’s greatness are set before us. Everyone will worship something or someone. Who do you worship? Let us remember that someone greater than Solomon is here. Jesus has come to show us glory of God. Look to the Savior-King-Temple who outshines all the beauties of this world. Behold “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4:6) with the eyes of faith, and be changed by the Spirit of God.
In the opening chapters of Kings, we saw how Solomon’s reign was established. The right king was appointed to the throne, even though some questionable actions were taken. In chapter 3, we see more about the leadership of Solomon, some positive and negative acts, and we are told of the reason of Solomon’s greatness: God gave him wisdom.
In the opening chapters of Kings, we saw how Solomon’s reign was established. The right king was appointed to the throne, even though some questionable actions were taken. In chapter 3, we see more about the leadership of Solomon, some positive and negative acts, and we are told of the reason of Solomon’s greatness: God gave him wisdom.
The story of Kings in a word is this: decline. Seeds of decline appear in the beginning part of the story, then that decline takes on different appearances throughout the book. The book opens like many books actually end, with the leading figure dying. This is fitting since Kings is about the decline of the kingdom. This decline ends in a judgment. We will make a number of applications throughout, but let me just introduce three broad applications in light of this story of decline. Kings is about worship, the Word, and weakness. So Kings is a story that involves the sinfulness of kings and the people they represent; their persistent idolatry and associated injustice. It is a story of a sad reversal, and the need for another King, the ultimate Son of David. In Genesis, a promise was made to Abraham saying, “Kings will come from you”. God kept his promise, and sent forth the king to end all kings, Jesus.
