Bent Oak Church

Just after learning of Israel's division into two kingdoms, we are given the strange story of the two prophets. It's a puzzle, a kind of parable. It suggests, that the Bible is not naive to the puzzle of our own situations. But there is always a discernible thread, the words of God.

Solomon had left his kingdom ready to collapse, and upon his death it did. How could the great kingdom of Israel be so deeply divided? Surprisingly, through the voice of a prophet, we discover that God is its cause. 

For ten chapters, Solomon has appeared to have success after success. But as his story continues, he becomes less the center of his own story. Though Solomon imagines he has everything under control, he is less in control than ever—and that is a good thing.

Solomon's wisdom expresses itself in not only wealth but also in the respect of foreign kings and queens. Even the Queen of Sheba would glorify Israel's God because of Solomon's success. But like so much of 1 Kings, the attention will prove more than Solomon can handle. 

Solomon had finally finished the temple. An in an event fitting for its achievement, Solomon dedicated the temple before all of Israel.Yet in his accomplishment, God continued to speak to Solomon. Each time he offered the same message—obey. 

The temple is one of the greatest achievements in Israel's history. And Solomon is remembered for his leadership in having completed it. Solomon appeared to be fulfilling all of Israel's greatest hopes. The temple was the new garden of Eden.But not all things are as they appear. 

Having established his kingdom and secured peace, Solomon turned his attention to doing something great for God. Solomon would build a temple for God. It's hard to imagine anything could be negative about a project that focused on the glory of God, but once again, there is more to this story. Solomon's project is a warning about the ways we lose God in the process of doing things for God.

Having received God's gift of wisdom, we jump to the conclusion that Solomon's administrative success must be the outcome of his blessing from God, but there are signs of more complex things beneath the surface. Success is not always an indicator of success.

Solomon's character continues to be questionable. By chapter three, we are wondering if he is fit to be king. We wonder if God could find someone better. But when we least expect it, God demonstrates kindness and paitence in a way we wouldn't expect. 

Before his death, David offered Solomon his final advice. Much of it sounds like the God-centered encouragement we would expect from the author of the psalms, but David quickly slips into vengeful self-centeredness. Solomon will soon find himself pulled in by the same force.